Migraine and Headaches
Migraine and Headaches occur as a result of the vascular fluctuations in the brain.
According to Ayurveda, the humour called 'Vata' controls the nervous
system and brain activity and it is the imbalance of this Vata that
causes the diseases. Vata imbalance arises due to improper metabolism,
poor elimination, mental and physical stress, viewing of TV for long
periods, reading with insufficient light, sleeplessness, etc.
The usual symptoms are mild, moderate or severe pain in the head, part
of the head, forehead or the eyes. A feeling of uneasiness, loss of
appetite, nausea and difficulty in sleeping also accompany headaches.
The treatments followed will mainly focus on rebalancing the Vata dosha.
Diagnosis The Ayurveda Way
All treatments in Ayurveda are prescribed only after a careful analysis
of the patient. And, as treatments in Ayurveda are specific to each
individual, the medicines prescribed will also vary with each patient.
The first consultation with an Ayurveda doctor, including the diagnosis
will last for more than an hour. The basic step in the diagnosis will be
to find the person's body humour (Dosha) Vata, Pita or Kapha ,because
it is the imbalance of these body humours that create the disease.
The dominance of dosha in a person is found by asking several questions
on his behaviour, food habits, sleeping patterns, personal details like
age, height & weight, place of life, profession, health problems and
medical reports etc. Ayurveda diagnosis comprises of clinical and
laboratory tests also. The doctor can decide if an Ayurveda treatment
is helpful on providing these details.
Pulse, tongue, nail, and eye examinations are important diagnosis
methods used to reveal a person's body humour and its imbalance.
Pulse diagnosis in Ayurveda is not just counting the beats. It also
reveals the health status of the entire body constitution, including the
dosha imbalance and the health of the various body organs.
In tongue diagnosis, the doctor checks the general appearance, colour
and coating of the tongue. In Ayurveda, as different areas of the tongue
correspond to different organs of the body, the Ayurvedic practitioner
can determine which organs of the body are out of balance by having a
detailed tongue examination.
Nail examination is done to check the type, colour and shape of the
person's nail. Imbalances of doshas are easily detected on close
examination.
In the eye diagnosis, the colour, size, and even the shape of the eyes
are important in determining the dosha dominance of a person. His mental
status nervousness, anxiety, confidence level etc can also be
learned through eye diagnosis.
A preliminary consultation with Ayurveda doctors online is also possible nowadays for guests worldwide.
Treatment Methods for Migraine and Headaches
After the diagnosis, the doctor sets out to treat the patient in a very
systematic manner. This would include a set of appropriate Panchakarma
treatments and Rasayana therapies .
The Panchakarma Treatments are meant to flush out the toxins, They are
classified as pre-purification, main purification and post purification
phases and include various types of therapies like oil massages,
fermented liquid massages, medicinal enemas, herbal purification
methods.
The Rasayana Therapies are meant to nourish the body, to bring the
doshas back to balance and to regenerate the body.These comprise diet
regulations, daily regimens, intake of oral medicines and ayurveda
tonics, yoga and a stress free life. After the treatment the ayurveda
doctors will advise you how to lead a healthy life. The beneifts and
results of the treatment are shown only after the Rasyana Treatment is
over and doctors advise is strictly followed. The results will manifest
itself normally after 3 to 4 weeks as the body takes time to regenerate
itself.
Panchakarma for Migraine and Headaches
Pre-purification therapies
Pre-purification therapies are the first ones applied to loosen the
toxins, open up the circulation channels and get the body ready for
discarding these wastes. These methods are highly relaxing for the body
and mind.
The following pre-purification methods are usually adopted for treating Migraines and Headaches.
Sirodhara In this process herbal oil, medicated milk, medicated butter
milk etc, are poured on the forehead in a special method for about 45-50
minutes. Highly effective in providing both temporary and permanent
relief from Migraines and Headaches. Ingredients used in Sirodhara
include gooseberry,sandalwood..
Thakradhara This treatment involves continuous pouring of medicated
buttermilk on the forehead. It cools the head and gives immediate relief
from headaches. It also has a soothing effect on the eyes. Amaltas, nut
grass tuber and staff tree are the medicinal herbs used.
Thalam Special powder mixed with medicated oil is applied on head vertex
and retained for 20 to 45 minutes. Medicinal herbs used are Sida plant
Indian Penny worth and the Staff tree.
Lepam is a process in which medicated herbal paste is applied on the
head or forehead. Lepam has been found to offer immediate relief to
persons suffering from severe headaches.
Thalapothichil Various medicinal herbs are made into a paste, applied
smoothly on the scalp and then covered with leaves to for a perfect
mask. Mask remains for about 40-50 minutes for effective healing.
Main Purification Therapies for Migraine and Headaches
Main purification therapy is the phase of elimination of toxins that
were loosened at the pre purification treatment stage. These therapies
are highly potential methods and are usually overseen by doctors.
The commonly adopted Panchakarma treatments for Migraine and Headaches are:
Nasyam is the instillation of medicated oil through the nose. An excess
of humours accumulated in the human body is eliminated by Nasyam. It
improves blood circulation, reduces nerve stretching and inflammatory
pains in the head. Sarsaparilla, nut grass tuber and cardamom are the
main ingredients used.
Virechanam is the purgation using oral intake of safe herbal medicines.
This eliminates poisonous wastes through the anal route. Generally, the
herbs used are turpith, embellia fruits, dry ginger, cardamom, long
pepper, cinnamon etc.
Rasayana Therapies for Migraine and Headaches
These are body nourishing therapies to rejuvenate the body and mind
after the Panchakarma treatments. They keep the enzymes in the tissue
cells in their normal functioning condition, restore and balance the
body functions and maintain the overall health and well being of an
individual for much longer periods after the Panchakarma course.
Rasayana includes oral medicines and diet regulation.
Oral medicines for Migraine and Headaches
As headaches are a result of the imbalance in the Vata Doshas, the oral
medicines administered are meant to rectify this imbalance. Kashayams
and Lehyams are generally prescribed after a careful study of the
patient's metabolism. These Kashayam and Lehyams will prove to be highly
useful in not only curing headaches but also in offering immunity from
the onset of periodic headaches.
Re-establishing a person's constitution is always an essential part of
the therapy. Therefore, it is also important to follow a diet and
lifestyle that helps to regain the humour balance.
Diet Regulations for Migraine and Headaches
Diet regulation will be suggested for patients during and after the
treatment. They are designed for controlling the digestive fire, better
digestion, and for total well being.
Good dietary habits would help an individual maintain good health and
offer immunity from recurring bouts of headaches. Consuming cooked
vegetables without oil should be encouraged. Vegetable juices and soup,
fruits and fruit juices including apple, mango, should be taken in ample
quantities. Rice, salad and buttermilk can always be consumed.
Patients should keep his mind free from all forms of tension, anxiety
and worry. It is best to avoid certain foods which are suspected of
causing headaches. Foods like some nuts, aged cheeses, and chocolate and
foods containing nitrates or monosodium glutamate (MSG) are likely to
cause headaches. It would also be best to avoid consuming large
quantities of coffee.
The necessary diet pattern would be selected by an experienced doctor.
You can also find out your type of Prakruthi and decide a diet for
yourself.
Yoga and Life style for Migraine and Headaches
Simple Yoga treatments have been found to serve both as an alternative
and as a supplement for dealing with Migraine and Headaches. Yoga is
known to offer both cure and immunity from headaches.
Headaches caused due to tension and worry can be alleviated through deep
breathing and relaxation, especially in a lying down position in a
quiet place. Inverted postures, or those where the head is lowered
briefly, increase oxygen to the brain and can reduce headache-causing
strain. However, for those suffering from severe headache like migraine,
any type of exercise can be injurious.
It is advised to take at least one or two weeks of rest after the
Panchakarma experience. At this time the body is weak after a
purification process and needs time to get back to normalcy. Avoid
strenuous exercise, late nights, too much television, and other
stimulating experiences.
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