Ayurveda for Migraines: 5 Tips for Headaches

Migraine attacks usually occur unexpectedly and intensely. Sufferers endure severe symptoms as well as the side effects of modern medicine. With a holistic approach and the inclusion of the three Doshas, Ayurvedic teachings focus on natural treatment. Discover how Ayurveda helps with migraines in this article.

Chronic Migraine Headaches from a Medical Perspective

Symptoms & Triggers of Migraines

A migraine is more than just a simple headache. It occurs frequently and can severely restrict daily life. The most common symptoms include:

• Excessive headaches
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Dizziness

A typical accompaniment is nausea, which occurs in nearly 100% of cases. Temporary visual and sensory disturbances can occur, as well as short-term paralysis.

It is now known that sufferers are often genetically predisposed to migraine headaches. While genes alone do not trigger a migraine, certain circumstances can favor its onset.

Possible triggers of a migraine attack include:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Excitement
• Overwork
• Time pressure
• Depressive moods
• Changes in daily or life rhythms
• Strong emotions
• Exceptionally high physical strain
• Hormonal changes
• Certain stimulants such as red wine or sparkling wine

Special migraine medications as well as remedies for nausea and vomiting can alleviate your symptoms. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also help. In particularly severe cases, there is the option of medicinal migraine prophylaxis or acupuncture.

Ayurvedic Therapy Options for Migraines

Although there are options for treating migraines in the form of drug therapy, alternative forms of therapy are becoming increasingly popular. Moderate to heavy pharmaceuticals usually make sufferers very tired. Where conventional medicine reaches its limits, Ayurvedic teachings begin.

Migraine headaches (Ardhavabhedak) were already described in ancient Ayurvedic scriptures, and to this day, the treatment proves successful. In Ayurveda, the combination of different healing approaches forms a focus that has proven effective, especially for chronic illnesses.

Causes and Development of Migraines in Ayurveda

In total, Ayurveda differentiates between eleven different types of pain in the head. The fundamental cause is an imbalance of your Doshas, which manifests through various symptoms. Ayurvedic teachings distinguish between external and internal influences as causes for migraines.

External influences include:

• High stress levels
• Changed sleep rhythm
• Sensory overload
• (Abrupt) weather changes
• Certain foods and stimulants
• Insufficient food intake or malnutrition

Internal influences include:

• Excessive serotonin in the brain
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Insufficient fluid intake
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Aggression and other strong emotions

With the holistic approach of Ayurveda, you are viewed as an individual and treated according to your needs. The goal is the permanent relief of your symptoms.

To this day, the development of migraines has not been definitively clarified in conventional medicine; nevertheless, a certain process can be explained based on the Doshas. Hyperactive nerve cells create tension in the blood vessels followed by expansion. During this process, substances are released that trigger inflammation and subsequently produce the respective pain and symptom pattern.

Symptoms of Migraines Depending on the Doshas

Depending on the nature and distribution of your Doshas, conclusions can be drawn about the causes of your migraine attacks.

In addition to the focus on psychological relief and treatment, proper nutrition forms a central aspect in the treatment of migraines.

In an initial anamnesis consultation, your Dosha type is first determined and information about your diet and lifestyle is gathered. It is not uncommon for migraines to be based on a combination of different causes. In this case, Ayurvedic medicine treats all three Doshas to restore balance.

5 Tips for Migraines in Ayurveda

For the long-term reduction of your symptoms, there are various approaches in Ayurveda that always relate to your constitution. In addition to a balanced, ideally Ayurvedic diet and sufficient fluid intake, routines and Ayurvedic cures also help.

Tip #1: Changing or Adjusting Your Diet

Much in Ayurveda is achieved through proper nutrition. You can specifically strengthen or weaken your Doshas with food, depending on what the restoration of balance requires.

You should especially avoid foods such as coffee, meat products, alcohol, or hot spices if you are more prone to headaches. You should also consume only small amounts of foods with a high histamine content. These include chocolate, citrus fruits, nuts, tomatoes, and many types of cheese.

Also, make sure that you consume enough fluids. Warm water or unsweetened tea, which you drink throughout the day, is best. Certain Ayurvedic herbs and oils have an additional positive effect. For example, licorice root tea has an antispasmodic effect and is therefore excellent for preventing headaches.

Tip #2: Removing Stress from Everyday Life

Stress and sensory overload are central causes for the development of migraines. Especially in today’s very fast-paced times, it is important that you consciously take time to wind down.

Breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, yoga, meditation exercises, as well as movement in the fresh air and the avoidance of temperature differences help with stress management.

Tip #3: Warding Off Acute Migraine Attacks

If you notice the onset of a migraine attack, it helps to pull both earlobes downwards while yawning vigorously. This reduces the pressure in the blood vessels and also the pressure in your head. A light massage at the inner or outer corners of the eyes can also provide relief.

Tip #4: Enjoying Head and Full-Body Massages

Ayurvedic medicine offers a whole repertoire of holistic rituals and treatments. Long strokes release tense muscles, alleviate pain, and calm the mind. Shirodhara (oil forehead pour) treatments produce healing effects that also contribute to the relaxation of the head.

Tip #5: Creating More Routine in Everyday Life

An Ayurvedic lifestyle is strongly oriented toward the rhythm of nature. A regulated daily routine with fixed habits is also part of this. Consistent bedtimes and regular meals are of great importance.

An Ayurvedic morning routine can also help reduce stress and migraines. Additionally, incorporate regular moments for relaxation to de-stress your body in between.