Migraine
A common neurological syndrome, Migraine is characterized by altered bodily perceptions, severe pounding headaches, nausea and irritability. This pounding or pain usually begins in the forehead, the side of the head or around the eyes and gradually gets worse. Bright lights or loud noises can worsen the condition. The headache can last for two hours or even up to two or three days.
View of Ayurveda
The traditional science of Ayurveda does not regard Migraine as a case of prolonged headaches. On the contrary, it considers this condition to be caused by deep-rooted problems, including a sensitive nervous system and impaired digestion.
Improper diet and lifestyle causes aggravation of Pitta (Ayurvedic humor representing Fire) in the body. In an aggravated state, Pitta impairs digestion, leading to production of digestive impurities (known as ama). This ama gets stored in the manovahi strotas (mind channels), thereby becoming the cause for pains in migraine.
Symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Irritability
- Depression or euphoria
- Fatigue
- Craving for certain food items
- Altered mood
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Increased urination
- Stiff muscles (especially in the neck)
Advisable Panchakarma for Migraine
- Shirodhara
- Shiro basti
- Shiro abhyanga
- Nasya
- Netra tarpan
- Virechan