What Exactly is a Migraine and Are you suffering from Migraine?
Migraines are commonly known as severe headaches that can be intense and piercing in nature. It is said that at least 1 in 12 men and 1 in 4 women develop migraines at some point in their lives. Migraines are usually experienced first in childhood and can disappear as people grow up. However, in some cases, they can be a lifelong issue.
Needless to say, migraines can severely affect one’s quality of life. It can be accompanied by anxiety, depression, and rage that makes it difficult to focus on your work or family. While there are over-the-counter medications to find relief from its agonizing clutches, the reprieve is often temporary.
However, that is not the case with the Ayurvedic alternative against migraines. Ayurveda through herbal supplications and lifestyle recommendations has always managed to keep cases of migraines at bay. As Ayurveda pertains to the holistic wellbeing of the mind and body, it recommends remedies that work in favor of our entire system in pursuit of overcoming a severe case of migraine.
In this article, we will be looking at the various ways by which Ayurveda can help one deal with migraines for good.
Which are the top 5 Surprising Causes of Migraines You Never Knew About
There can be a number of reasons for your migraine attacks. It is necessary to first determine what is causing migraines to occur in your body. Realizing the reason behind your condition is the first step in finding a solution to it.
Migraines can be caused due to one or a combination of the following reasons:
Emotional Triggers: How Your Feelings Can Cause Migraines
According to Ayurveda, stress is the primary culprit behind an array of conditions affecting humankind. Migraine is just one of them. Emotional triggers like stress, anxiety, tension, shock, depression, and excitement can all be responsible for migraines.
Physical Triggers of Migraines
The way you live determines the quality of life you will have. So if you are indulging in a sedentary lifestyle that involves resting in an incorrect posture, or waking up till late at night and avoiding exercise, it will manifest in the form of severe migraines.
Dietary Causes of Migraines
You are what you eat. If your diet is laced with sugary drinks, processed fast food, and an irregular eating schedule then it will result in you suffering from a migraine. In a way, migraines are a way for the body to signal a potential danger to your life.
Hidden Hazards: Environmental Caused of Migraines
Environmental factors like loud noises, exposure to bright lights, strong smells can all trigger a migraine attack in individuals. It is important to avoid staring at your computer or mobile screen for long durations and find a place of peace to call your home if you are to avoid a painful case of migraines.
Medication Side-Effects for Migraines
Perhaps one of the major reasons to go the Ayurveda way to overcome Migraines is to avoid the side effects that come with almost all over-the-counter medications. Migraines are a major side effect of pharmaceutical drugs pertaining to contraceptive pills or sleeping pills.
Natural Relief: Try these 5 Ayurvedic Home Remedies to cure Migraines
Where the conventional approach recommends prescription drugs, antidepressants, and Botox injections to overcome migraines, Ayurveda takes a much more natural route that is devoid of the side effects associated with conventional medicine.
Ayurveda recommends tried and tested practices like Yoga, Panchakarma, herbal remedies, and dietary/lifestyle changes to take care of migraines for good.
Here are some of the ways by which Ayurveda can help alleviate the symptoms of migraines:
1 Yoga as a Natural Remedy for Migraines
Yoga is an ancient technique that combines an array of breathing techniques combined with poses for the overall well-being of our mind and body. Yoga focuses on calming the mind and body. As such, it can be effective in finding relief from anxiety, stress, and physical pain associated with a migraine.
Specific yoga poses are also known to help the circulation of blood to your brain, which is essential if you are to overcome migraines. Several scientific studies have testified to Yoga’s success in effectively managing migraines when taken in combination with certain drugs.
As for Yoga poses, the Child’s Pose, Bridge Pose, and the Downward Facing Dog position are said to be effective in alleviating pain from migraines.
2- Detoxifying for Relief: Panchakarma as a Treatment for Migraines
Panchakarma is prescribed to detoxify or purify the body. It is a full-body cleansing procedure that aims to flush out toxins from the body and bring balance to all three doshas. As such, it is also effective in eliminating toxins responsible for causing migraines in the body.
Purification techniques like pouring ghee into nostrils, sweating therapy, whole-body massage, and eating ghee are all effective ways to purify the body while making sure your migraines are well-managed.
Panchakarma also includes lifestyle changes that include certain dietary restrictions, exercise, and Yoga.
3 – Exercise as a Natural Treatment to cure Migraines
There are ample studies to suggest that regular exercise can indeed reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Exercise releases endorphins in the body, which is responsible for alleviating stress and elevating the mood.
It is not mandatory to participate in strenuous physical activity. Simple moderate exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling can all contribute to overcoming migraines.
4 – Relaxation Techniques for Migraine Relief
Perhaps the best way to deal with migraines is to let your mind and body relax. It is quite normal to find stress when you are dealing with everyday busy life. As such, your mind and body may overload the tension being imposed on it by your hectic lifestyle. Hence, Ayurveda recommends mandatory relaxing techniques to better deal with migraines that are usually a result of a chaotic busy life.
Ayurveda recommends deep breathing, wherein it requires you to breathe deeply through your belly and not your chest. Deep breathing can nourish your system with ample oxygen while eliminating stress almost entirely
Meditation is another effective way to deal with migraines. It creates a calming effect in your body, encouraging you to brush off all the distractions, and instead focus on the current moment. Meditation can not only eliminate stress but also help you think more clearly.
5 – Pathyadi: Ayurvedic Medicine for Migraines
A Pathyadi Concoction is a liquid medication made from heating or boiling of popular Ayurveda plants and herbs. The herbs used as ingredients in Pathyadi usually exhibit anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Some of the most used ingredients are Turmeric, Neem, Amla, Beleric, and Myrobalan
The Bottom Line
Ayurveda has been referred to since ancient times to overcome the agonizing condition of migraines. The methods recommended above have exhibited proven results and helped a number of men and women efficiently tackle their migraine issues.
As with all other health conditions, it is first important to understand your mind-body dosha type in order to effectively manage migraines. We recommend you first consult with your Ayurvedic Practitioner to better adapt methods that will surely work for you.
Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health programs.
