Ever felt that sharp shooting pain on either side of your head reaching down to your ears or eyes, forehead, or in some cases the entire head region– that’s when you can identify that migraine is impacting you! Migraine is not a basic headache, and the intensity can be intense and discomforting, making you extra sensitive to factors like sound, light, smell, and much more. Well, many find relief after taking painkillers or a deep, restful sleep, but just note, sometimes migraine pain even makes sleep challenging.
After days of painful episodes of migraines, some individuals visit Neurologists to find quick fixes, and it even helps when you take the prescribed doses on time. But, these medications are often prescribed long-term, having side effects too, including sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, weight gain/loss (in some), and more. If you seek a more holistic and profound healing approach, consider Shirodhara Therapy for Migraine Relief in Ayurveda, which offers individuals a gentle and relaxing way to manage migraines. Read on to learn more.
Table of Contents
- Common Triggers and Symptoms of Migraine
- Ayurveda’s Perspective on Migraine (Ardhavabhedaka)
- Shirodhara Therapy: The Healing Stream
- Benefits of Shirodhara in Migraine Management
- Lifestyle and Diet Recommendations
- Choose Tarunveda- A Holistic Path Toward Lasting Migraine Relief
- Frequently Asked Questions
Common Triggers and Symptoms of Migraine
Migraine makes our heads super sensitive, resulting in so many triggers. It can last from a few hours to several days and have a significant impact on daily life. The common symptoms and triggers of migraine include:
- Irregular sleep patterns
- Strong sensory stimuli (bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells)
- Stress
- Hormonal fluctuations (especially in women during menstruation)
- Dehydration
- Skipped meals – staying hungry for more extended periods
- Certain foods, such as aged cheese, chocolate, caffeine, or foods high in preservatives like MSG and nitrates
Well, in some cases, environmental changes like weather shifts or high altitude can also provoke migraine attacks in individuals. The main symptoms of migraine include:
- Light sensitivity (Photophobia)
- Sound Sensitivity (Phonophobia)
- Nausea
- Visual disturbances known as an aura (in some cases)
- Vomiting
Ayurveda’s Perspective on Migraine (Ardhavabhedaka)
In Ayurveda, migraine is closely associated with a condition known as Ardhavabhedaka, which means “half-headed pain.” Migraines are often characterised by intense, throbbing pain on either side of the head, which can make it difficult to watch a screen or even eat (when it’s at its peak). Ayurveda suggests that specific dosha imbalances in the body can contribute to the development of migraines, particularly those related to Vata and Pitta Doshas.
When these doshas become imbalanced, it creates an intense imbalance within the body and its functioning. The main causes of migraines and dosha imbalances include improper diet, stress, lifestyle habits, or environmental factors, which disturb the normal functioning of the nervous and vascular systems, leading to chronic, one-sided head pain.
- Vata dosha, characterised by its qualities of dryness and movement, can cause nerve irritation and hypersensitivity.
- Pitta dosha, known for its heat, can trigger inflammation and throbbing pain.
The imbalances in the doshas significantly impact the head’s crucial channels, called Siras, leading to symptoms similar to modern migraine, such as pulsating headaches, nausea, visual disturbances, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Shirodhara Therapy: The Healing Stream
Shirodhara Therapy, a crucial Ayurvedic Detox Therapy, is performed to relieve migraine by addressing the root cause and strengthening the body’s resistance to future episodes, offering holistic and lasting relief.
The name Shirodhara is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Shira” meaning head, and “Dhara” meaning continuous flow. This ayurvedic therapy is designed to calm the mind and rejuvenate the nervous system. Here’s a step-by-step process on how Shirodhara is performed:
Step 1: Consultation with Ayurvedic Physician to evaluate patient’s Prakriti (body constitution) and Migraine history. Based on that, medicated oil or decoction is chosen, which commonly includes medicated oils for Vata, cooling liquids like buttermilk for Pitta, or milk/oil blends.
Step 2: The patient is made to lie down on a Droni table, which is a specially designed wooden Ayurvedic massage table. A rolled towel and an eye pad will be placed under the neck and over the eyes, respectively. Following this, the forehead and scalp are gently massaged with oil to thoroughly prepare the area.
Step 3: A setup for Shirodhara therapy is prepared, where a Shirodhara vessel (usually a copper or brass pot with a small hole at the bottom) is positioned above the forehead. This pot is filled with warm medicated oil or liquid (at a temperature of 38 – 40°C)
Step 4: This is the most important step, where the medicated oil is gently released across the forehead and third eye area. This vessel is not placed still; rather, the oil/milk is poured in a rhythmic side-to-side motion. This process typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the condition being treated.
Step 5: This is the process completion phase, where the pouring is put to an end, and the patient is left to rest quietly for 10-15 minutes. During this resting phase, the excess oil from the patient’s forehead is wiped off gently, and a mild head massage is done to give it a perfect end. In some cases, a warm towel or even a herbal steam may be applied to boost absorption and relaxation.
Benefits of Shirodhara in Migraine Management
The top 10 benefits of Shirodhara Therapy for migraine management include:
- Reduced frequency and intensity of the migraine attacks.
- Lowered sensitivity to light and sound.
- Calms overactive nerve impulses (mainly responsible for migraine attacks).
- Decreases head and neck muscle tension.
- Balances Vata and Pitta doshas (involved in migraine pathogenesis).
- Removes migraine-associated symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and eye strain.
- Enhanced quality of life.
- Enhanced oxygen delivery to the nervous tissues.
- Reduced brain fog
- A significant boost in the overall vitality and sense of calm.
Lifestyle and Diet Recommendations
The therapy is only effective if the individual follows the aftercare instructions diligently, which include:
- Avoiding (excess) screen time (TV, mobile, computer) for at least 4–6 hours post-therapy)
- Avoiding loud noise
- Consuming heavy meals.
- Refrain from strenuous physical activity or intense exercise on the same day
- Stay well-hydrated
- Consuming herbal teas
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule (aiming at least 7-8 hours)
- Avoiding strong perfumes, excessive talking, or emotional strain immediately post-session
- Practising gentle head massages with prescribed oils to prolong relaxation.
Choose Tarunveda- A Holistic Path Toward Lasting Migraine Relief
If you’ve decided to take a step back from the over-the-counter migraine medications and are ready for a deeper healing and non-invasive approach, then contact Tarunveda Ayurveda Hospital today!
Our experienced team of Ayurvedic practitioners will create a perfectly personalised treatment plan, suiting your body’s needs and preferences.
BOOK A CONSULTATION TODAY– Start your wellness journey with Ayurveda!
Frequently Asked Questions About Shirodhara Therapy for Migraine Relief
Q1. It is recommended not to wash your hair for at least 24 hours after the treatment.
Ans. Allow the medicated oil to stay on the scalp for better absorption. In some cases, the oil can be washed off in a while or can be kept overnight and washed off later. The duration may vary depending on individual needs and the specific advice of your practitioner.
Q2. How to stabilise Vata Dosha?
Ans. You can stabilise Vata Dosha by consuming meals timely, at regular intervals, to avoid the buildup of gas.
Q3. Are there any yoga poses that can help manage migraines?
Ans. Certain yoga poses, such as Child’s Pose, Cat-Cow Pose, Savasana, and Corpse Pose, can help ease migraines and enhance blood circulation.
Q4. Why can lifestyle changes help me reduce the frequency of migraines?
Ans. Practising a daily routine (Dinacharya) can help decrease the occurrence of migraines, including fixed sleep and wake-up timings and regulating the body’s internal clock.
