Migraine is a type of headache that is characterized by recurring
episodes of intense throbbing pain or a pulsating sensation, typically
felt on one side of the head. Migraine attacks can be debilitating and
significantly impact daily activities. In addition to the severe
headache, migraines are often accompanied by other symptoms such as
nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light (photophobia) and
sound (phonophobia).
Migraine headache is characterized as one of the most common primary
headache disorder, where a person experiences a pulsatile throbbing
sensation in the head on the unilateral side (only one side). There will
be recurrent episodes of severe headache associated with visual or
sensory symptoms (Aura).
About 15-17% of women and 5-7% of men are affected by this disorder.
Though Migraine occurs in all age groups, it is highly prevalent in the
age group of 18-45 years.
Migraine in Ayurveda is mentioned as
Ardhavabedaka. Acharya Charaka explains it as a cutting and churning
type of pain in the half part of the head, ears, eyes and forehead. He
further explains that if this headache becomes severe, it may diminish
the power of vision and hearing. Ardhavabedaka or Migraine is Tridoshaja
(involvement of all the three Doshas).
If the disease is dominated by Vata Dosha, the patient may have dryness of skin, constipation and the pain is very acute.
If the disease is dominated by Pitta Dosha, the
patient may feel redness and burning sensation in the eyes,
hypersensitivity to light.
If the disease is dominated by Kapha Dosha, the
patient may experience fatigue, depression, and headache with dull
throbbing pain.
Main Causes Of Migraine:-
- Frequent fasting.
- Excessive intake of oily, spicy, and dry food items.
- Irregular eating habits like long intervals between meals.
- Excessive consumption of alcohol.
- Mental factors such as Anxiety, Stress, Grief, and depression.
- External stimuli such as excessive noise, lights, etc.
- Weak digestion is also a contributing factor which in turn increases Ama (undigested food) and also constipation.
- Irregular sleeping habits
Regular Abhyangam,head and the whole body massage with lukewarm ayurvedic oil, enhances proper blood circulation, increases immunity, improves complexion, and relaxes the mind.
Ayurveda clearly mention this condition of ARDHAVABHETAKA (migrane), and
treat ment modalities mainly includes nasal medication, head treatments
and relaxing techniquesto calm the nervous activity, along with
internal medicines.