AYURVEDA PERSPECTIVE ON MIGRAINES

What Causes a Migraine?

There are many other causes of migraines including allergies, autoimmune disorders, dehydration, stress, and excessively hot temperatures. All of these factors put pressure on the liver and increase liver heat, particularly if there is an electrolyte deficiency or other imbalances in blood chemistry. Inflammation or infection in the sinuses may also cause a migraine. Throbbing migraines are often due to constriction of the blood vessels in the head.

Finding the Root Cause

As you journal, ask yourself some questions to try and discover what triggered your migraine. How did you feel before the migraine? Were you feeling particularly stressed, agitated, or irritated? When did the migraine start? Where were you when it started? Asking these questions and noticing any warning signs will help you avoid the circumstances that lead to a full blown migraine. Often, various warning signs will appear 24-48 hours in advance of a migraine.

Many people experience an aura moments before a migraine. An aura is a sensory disturbance that can include flashes of lights or technicolor spots obstructing peripheral vision. You may also feel more sensitive to light and sound. Seeing an aura is considered a prodromal symptom, or warning sign, that a migraine is coming on.

Remedies for Migraines

Aromatic herbs such as lemon balm have a natural antispasmodic action that reduces colic on the blood vessel. Other antispasmodics that reduce headaches include brahmi, sandalwood, and cloves. Sweet and cooling, licorice root reduces heat and inflammation and supports liver function. A scalp massage with brahmi oil cools a hot and bothered mind, and placing a few drops of brahmi ghee in each nostril can help relieve the pain associated with migraines. To avoid migraines, a Pitta pacifying diet is generally suitable for long term management.

Images of Migraines