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The Complete Guide to Migraine Headaches by Alice Peart Page 63 of 87

29. Treating Migraine Headaches with Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an age-old form of Indian medicine. According to Ayurveda, a

migraine is due to modern lifestyle patterns disrupting the body and mind

constitution, which is tridosha.

Body disorders in Ayurveda could be due to pitta, vata, or kapha. However,
excessive disorder levels cause pitta to move into the main body systems like the

cardiovascular system. This disrupts the normal flow of blood. Characteristics of
pitta include light sensitivity, anger, irritability, bleeding nose and pain.

Blood vessels dilate and put pressure on the nerves which leads to migraine

attacks. The most effective remedy is to reduce pitta by avoiding consumption of
spicy and fermented foods, citrus and sour fruits.

Intake of soothing pitta diet is the best remedy. Such pitta herbal remedy

consists of a mixture of brahmi, shatavari, jutamamsi and musta. Half a

teaspoon of such a remedy in lukewarm water after breakfast and dinner can
reduce pitta levels substantially.

Other Ayurveda herbal remedies include application of sandalwood oil on the
forehead, temples, nose, and heart, using gudachi, bala, and ashwagandha, with

many liver cleansers like brahmi, aloe vera gel, rhubarb, and fennel and ginger

tea.

Avoid direct sunlight and go for moonlight walks near water and flower gardens.
Hot oil head massage is also an effective remedy. Different yogic postures with
cooling pranayama are effective remedies to reduce pitta and associated

migraine. A gentle squeeze of your earlobes by pulling your ears down and

yawning can lessen pressure on blood vessels, thereby providing relief during
migraine attacks.

Copyright © 2006 Alice Peart 63.