Migraine is a type of headache characterized by recurrent attacks of moderate to severe throbbing and pulsating pain on one side of the head. The pain is caused by the activation of nerve fibers within the wall of brain blood vessels traveling inside the meninges (three layers of membranes protecting the brain and spinal cord). (Courtesy NIH)
Symptoms:
- Throbbing headache, usually on one side of the head – can last from 4 to 72 hours
- Nausea
- Photophobia – Sensitivity to light
- Phonophobia – Sensitivity to sound
- Dizziness or lightheadedness can be there
- Seeing flashes of light
- Irritability is common
- Coughing or sneezing can worsen the pain.
Common Triggers:
- Lack of sleep
- Too much sleep
- Intense emotions
- Hormonal changes
- Overexertion
- Anxiety & Depression
- Tobacco
- Bright flashing lights
- Loud noises
- Stress
- Hangover
- Low blood sugar
Common herbs & other ingredients helpful in migraine:
- Sunti – Zingiber officinalis
- Haridra – Curcuma longa
- Ashwagandha – Withania somnifera
- Maricha – Piper nigrum
- Chamomile – Matricaria chamomilla
- Dhanyaka – Coriandrum sativum
- Sariva – Hemidesmus indicus
- Yashtimadhu – Glycirrhiza glabra
- Haritaki – Terminalia chebula
- Guduchi – Tinospora cordifolia
- Rasona – Allium sativum
- Godanti bhasma
- Giloe sattva
- Shankha bhasma
- Kapardika bhasma
- Mukta pishti
- Praval pishti
- Rajat bhasma
- Pathya
Supplements:
( Please click on the name for complete details )
Sirah Shula Ghrita Nasya: Treats chronic headache and migraine. Please check the page for more benefits.
Vajra vati: Helps in treating all kinds of headache and migraine.
Agnishamaka vati: For headache, dizziness, etc.
Rajat Bhasma Tablets: Very beneficial in migraine.
Prevention & Lifestyle:
Preventing migraines involves identifying triggers and adopting lifestyle changes to reduce their frequency and severity. While not all migraines can be prevented, here are some strategies that may help:
- Identify Triggers: Keep a migraine diary to track potential triggers such as certain foods, beverages, environmental factors, stress, hormonal changes, and sleep patterns. Once identified, try to avoid or minimize exposure to triggers.
- Maintain Regular Sleep Patterns: Aim for consistent sleep schedules by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, including weekends. Avoid oversleeping or getting too little sleep, as both can trigger migraines in some individuals.
- Manage Stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness. Stress management can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, as dehydration can trigger migraines in some people. Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption, as both can contribute to dehydration and trigger migraines.
- Exercise Regularly: Engage in regular physical activity such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or yoga to promote overall health and reduce stress. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Eat Regular Meals: Maintain regular meal schedules and avoid skipping meals, as low blood sugar levels can trigger migraines in some individuals. Eat balanced meals containing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Limit Trigger Foods: Identify and avoid foods that may trigger migraines, such as aged cheeses, processed meats, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, MSG (monosodium glutamate), and foods containing tyramine or histamine.
- Manage Hormonal Changes: For individuals whose migraines are triggered by hormonal fluctuations, such as those associated with menstruation, consider getting it treated.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate relaxation techniques into your daily routine, such as yoga and meditation. These techniques can help reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation, potentially decreasing migraine frequency.
- Limit Exposure to Sensory Stimuli: Bright lights, loud noises, strong odours, and certain visual patterns can trigger migraines in some individuals. Minimize exposure to sensory stimuli that trigger migraines whenever possible.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Aim for a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of migraines, so maintaining a healthy weight may help reduce migraine frequency.