Holistic and Safe Migraine Management through Ayurveda
ABSTRACT
Migraine is a type of headache characterized by recurrent attacks of moderate to severe most often unilateral and generally associated with symptoms such as vomiting and nausea or increased sensitivity to light. Here the word migraine is derived from the Greek word which means ‘Hemikrania’ later it is converted into the Latin word ‘Hemigranea’. The last French translation of such a term is ‘migraine’. It is a common disability mostly in the adult population and predominant in females. It can also classified into subtypes first one is migraine without aura where the attacks are recurrent with the duration of 4-72 hrs are moderate to severe intensity and commonly aggravates due to physical activities associated with symptoms like throbbing pain and many others and the second one is migraine with aura is fully reversible to first one in this attacks may lasting for minutes typically there is one or more symptoms like sensory, visual, motor, language and speech, retinal or brain stem usually follow by headache or migraine. There is also a chronic type of migraine where the pain occurs 15 or more days in a month for more than three months. Recurrent gastrointestinal disturbance are recurrent attacks of the abdominal discomfort and pain, vomiting and nausea are associated with migraine. Let’s discuss it in detail!
Introduction
Migraine is genetically influenced by a neurological disorder characterized by episodes of moderate to severe headache. It is also accompanied by nausea and vomiting, heightened sensitivity to sound and light. It is a common cause of disability and loss of work. Migraine attacks are recurrent and neurological events can unfold for hours to months. The prevalence type of migraine about 75% of cases is migraine without Aura.
Types Of Migraine
There are many types of migraine:-
- Classic migraine (Migraine with Aura)
- Common migraine (Migraine without aura), Abdominal migraine (Migraine in children)
- Hemiplegic migraine
- Migraine with Brainstem Aura
- Ophthalmic Migraine
- Menstrual migraine
- Ocular migraine (Retinal migraine)
Causes
The exact cause of migraine is not Known. There are certain factors which contribute to the development of Migraine.
- Genetic factors also play a very important role
- Family history of migraine is a common risk for migraine.
- Some hormonal changes that also trigger such as in some females menstruation can also trigger Migraine attacks.
- Various emotional triggers such as depression, stress, anxiety and excitement.
- Certain dietary foods can also trigger such as Alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, citrus foods, nuts etc.
- Some medications can also trigger like Hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills and sleeping pills.
- Environmental factors are also important like loud sounds, strong smell, smoke, humidity, stuffy room, temperature change, bright lights etc.
Symptoms
Symptoms Of migration is divided into four stages: Prodrone, Aura, Attack and Postdrome
1. First Stage is Prodrone
In this stage 1-2 days before migraine you might notice some changes that warm an upcoming migraine.
Symptoms Includes
- Food craving
- Constipation
- Mood swings
- Neck stiffness
- Fluid retention
- Increased urination
2. Second Stage is Aura
For some people it occurs before and during migraine. It is a reversible symptom of the nervous system. Each symptom can begin gradually and build up over several minutes and can last for 1 hour.
Symptoms Includes
- Vision loss
- Visual phenomenon such as seeing various shapes, bright lights and various red spots.
- Weakness and numbness on face or one side of body
- Difficulty in speaking
3. Third Stage is Headache
A migraine may usually last for 4 hrs to 72 hrs if remain untreated. Migraines also vary from person to person. It may occur rarely and also strike several in a month.
Symptoms Includes
- Throbbing or pulsing pain usually one side of your head.
- Confusion or blurred vision.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to sound, light and sometimes smell or touch.
4. Last Stage is Post-drome
A phase that can last for a few hours upto 48 hrs.
Symptoms Includes
- Sudden head movement might brings on pain again briefly
- Feeling drained, confused, washed out.
Diagnosis
- Physical examination and Neurological Examination
- Blood tests
- Imaging test like: CT-Scan, MRI
- EEG- Electroencephalogram
Migraine Treatment
There is no cure for migraine. However medication can help the symptoms when they arise. And most people can take steps to reduce frequency and severity of episodes. In your mind, these medications have some side effects.
Ayurvedic Overview for Migraine
Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that originated in India, the main aim is to promote health and prevention of many diseases. In ayurveda migraine is correlated with “Ardhavabedhaka”. There are some etiological factors such as excessive consumption of dry substances, inappropriate sexual activities, exposure to cold, withholding natural urges are the cause of vata (biological humour- Neurological factors) vitiated. Frequent intake of food before the digestion of previous meals, intake of heavy foods, drinking excess cold water kapha (biological humors- Systemic integrity) vitiated and formation of ama a product impaired metabolism. Due to above etiological factors Vata alone or along with kapha affects the head and produces a severe kind of headache and pain in neck, ear, eyes, eyebrows or in forehead. The treatment includes Svedana (Sudations), Snehapana (Internal Oleation), Nasya (Nasal installation) also followed by oral intake of Polyherbal and Herbo mineral medication.
Clinical Features Include
- Pain is acute and similar to pricking or tearing in nature
- Pain similar to blow of sharp weapons
- Unilateral headache which is throbbing in nature
- Brahma: giddiness
- Anorexia
- If these symptoms are not treated properly it can lead to damage to the functions of the eye and ear.
Ayurvedic Management for Migraine
- Siro Abhyanga: Application of medicated oil at the head
- Snehapana: Intake of medicated ghee at bed time
- Sirodhara: Pouring milk or medicated decoction to the head for sometime.
- Sirobasti: Holding medicated oil in the head by some special apparatus.
- Nasyam: instilling medicated oil and ghee to the nostril
- Lepanam: Applying medicated paste on the forehead.
Yoga
It is also very beneficial to practice it daily. It will help your body and mind to stay healthy. Here we perform Yoga such as Bridge pose (Setu bandha Sarvangasana), downward facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), child’s pose (Balasana)
Herbal Remedies For Migraine By Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda is a GMP, USDA ORGANIC, ISO certified company. They provide the best combination and effective herbal remedies. Their products are delivered all over the world. Their medications are prepared by expert doctors and follow the basic principles of ayurveda. All the products are formed naturally and free from preservatives and harmful chemicals. They made many medications but in migraine, they provide MIGRAINE CARE PACK for the best treatment.
Products Description
1. Medhya Churna
This is in the form of powder made up of a proper blend of herbal formulas such as Bramhi (Bacopa monnieri), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) etc. This is used for various purposes like lack of concentration, epilepsy, and helps to increase memory power and sharpen your mind. It is very effective for the nervous system and this powder helps in pacifying the vata dosha and provides relief in pain.
Dosage: ¼ tsp twice daily with warm water.
2. Ashwagandha Capsule
These capsules are prepared with standardized extract of Ashwagandha herb (Withania somnifera). These capsules are helpful in nervous system disorders. It is also a natural rejuvenator and improves memory and promotes overall health. It also provides relief in symptoms like throbbing pain, vision difficulty.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with warm water.
3. Arogyavardhini Vati
Arogyavardhini is in tablet form made of various herbs like Triphala (Three myrobalans), Chitrakmool (Plumbago Zeylanica) etc. It has healing, anti-aging properties and helps in proper digestion and removes toxins from the body. It strengthens our body and has anti-inflammatory properties that help to get rid of migraines naturally.
Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with warm water.
4. Brahmi Capsule
These capsules are prepared with Standardized extract of Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri). It helps in brain coordination and is very useful for the brain. It also relieves symptoms of migraine like nausea, vomiting, throbbing pain, and vision disturbance.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with warm water.
5. Pitta Balance
Pitta balance capsules are made with a combination of herbs like Akik pishti and Jahar Mohra pishti. These capsules help in calcium support, skin diseases, digestion issues, and balance the pitta dosha in the body. It provides a cooling effect.
Dosage: 1 capsule daily with warm water.
Conclusion
In this article, we compiled a topic on Migraine safest management with ayurveda. We studied what migraine is, its types, symptoms, causes, its ayurvedic overview, management, and therapies, and how Planet Ayurveda provides safe management for Migraine. They provide the best quality herbal remedies free from preservatives. They provide MIGRAINE CARE PACK for the treatment of migraines.
