If you've ever experienced a migraine, you'll know it's no ordinary headache. It's the whole shebang – throbbing headache, chucking up, and even closing your eyes at the slightest glimpse of light like a vampire. Loads of people in Australia (and globally) are experiencing these shockers, and while taking a pill may take the edge off for a little while, it's not addressing the real drama behind.
That's why increasing numbers of people are trying Ayurveda – an ancient Indian system of healing that addresses the cause, not the symptoms. No messing about – this has been around for thousands of years and it still does the job!
Migraine in Ayurveda – What's It All About?
In Ayurveda, a migraine's referred to as Ardhavabhedaka (say that three times fast, dude.). It's typically a result of a Vata and Pitta doshas bungle – i.e., Ayurvedic speak for your body's internal energies getting out of balance. When those doshas get out of kilter, they mess with your nervous system and raise some hell with inflammation.
How Do You Know It's a Migraine (Ardhavabhedaka)?
Here are the typical signs that warn you a migraine's coming:
- Smack-on-one-side headache
- That yucky throbbing, pulsing pain
- Feeling sick or chucking up
- Can't stand light or noise
- Screwy vision stuff (aura)
What Sets It Off? – Causes in Ayurveda
You may be causing migraines without even knowing. Here's what Ayurveda thinks might be behind it:
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Scoffing too much spicy, junky, or fermented food
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Stressin' out or bein' a worrywart
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Being out in the sun for yonks
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Missing sleep or staying up all night
- Suppressing natural urges (yes, including having to pee)
Ayurvedic Migraine Treatments – Nature's Knockout
1. Shirodhara – The Chill-Out Champ
Warm herbal oil is poured over your forehead slowly and rhythmically. Weird, wonderful. It calms your Vata, soothes the nerves, and leaves you feeling like jelly (good kind).
2. Nasya (Nasal Drops) – Clear the Noggin
They pop a few drops of special oil into your snoz. It may sound daft, but it flushes out toxins from your head area. Good for everyday migraines that just won't bugger off.
3. Herbal Mates That Help:
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Brahmi – Keeps your mind calm and sharp
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Ashwagandha – Relieves stress from your shoulders
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Shankhpushpi – Improves memory and brain fog
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Jatamansi – A natural pick-me-up for your noggin
4. Food & Lifestyle Adjustments – Simple, Keep It Relaxed
Good Tucka for Migraine:
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Opt for warm, fresh, home-cooked food
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Avoid coffee, fizzy drinks, and processed foods
- Snack on cooling foods such as cucumber, coconut water, ghee, and coriander
Lifestyle Tips to Avoid the Headaches:
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Sleep and wake up at the same time each day
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Take up yoga or a little quiet meditation
- Give the blaring music and flashing screens a break – your brain will thank ya
Home Remedies – Old-School Goodness
- Slap on some sandalwood or clove paste to the forehead – cools the fire right down
- Drink warm water with ginger and turmeric – anti-inflammatory and soothing
- Rub some peppermint oil on your temples – works wonders for instant cooling relief
Wrapping It Up – Go the Natural Way
Migraines are a literal pain in the. head, but you don't have to be stuck with them. Ayurveda provides you with a natural, no-side-effects solution that's not just about masking pain. If you're interested in something a bit more long-term and gentle on the body, Ayurveda's your friend.
With the appropriate combination of therapies, herbs, a healthier diet, and a less stressful lifestyle, you can quite literally defeat the buggers back without taking meds all day.
So, next time the migraine strikes, perhaps bypass the pills and take nature for a spin – the Ayurvedic way.
