Migraine, known in Ayurveda as Ardhavabhedaka (meaning “breaking pain in half the head”) or sometimes correlated with Sooryavarta (pain that increases with the sun’s intensity), is considered a complex neurovascular disorder. It is primarily understood as an imbalance of Vata and Pitta Doshas.

• Vata Dosha (air and ether) is responsible for movement and nerve impulses. Its aggravation leads to pain, throbbing, dryness, and can cause restlessness and anxiety associated with migraine.
• Pitta Dosha (fire and water) governs metabolism, heat, and inflammation. Its aggravation leads to burning sensation, photosensitivity, nausea, and the intense, fiery nature of migraine pain.
• Ama (toxins) accumulation due to impaired digestion (Mandagni) is also a significant contributing factor, blocking channels and exacerbating dosha imbalances.

Ayurvedic treatment for migraine is holistic and personalized, focusing on:

• Balancing Vata and Pitta Doshas.
• Eliminating Ama and improving digestion.
• Nourishing the nervous system.
• Reducing inflammation and pain.
• Identifying and avoiding triggers.
• Promoting mental calm and stress reduction.
• Preventing recurrence.

Here’s a detailed overview of Ayurvedic treatment approaches for migraine:

I. Shodhana (Panchakarma – Detoxification and Purification Therapies): Panchakarma is crucial for chronic and severe migraines, as it addresses the root cause by deeply cleansing the body and pacifying aggravated doshas.

1. Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation):
   • Description: Medically induced purgation to eliminate vitiated Pitta and Ama from the gastrointestinal tract. Often preceded by Snehapana (internal oleation with medicated ghee like Triphala Ghrita, Brahmi Ghrita, or Panchatikta Ghrita).
   • Benefits: Highly effective for Pitta-dominant migraines characterized by burning pain, photosensitivity, and nausea. It cleanses the liver and blood, reducing inflammation and heat.
2. Nasya (Nasal Administration of Medicated Substances):
   • Description: Instillation of warm medicated oils (like Anu Taila, Shadbindu Taila, Ksheerabala Taila, or Brahmi Taila) or herbal decoctions into the nostrils.
   • Benefits: Considered paramount for head-related disorders. It helps to cleanse and nourish the nasal passages, clear blocked channels in the head, soothe the nervous system, reduce Vata and Pitta, and alleviate pain and pressure.
3. Shirodhara:
   • Description: A continuous, gentle stream of warm medicated oil (like Brahmi Taila, Ksheerabala Taila), medicated buttermilk (Takra Dhara), or milk (Ksheera Dhara) is poured over the forehead (“third eye” area).
   • Benefits: Profoundly calming for the mind and nervous system. It directly pacifies Vata and Pitta, reduces stress, anxiety, mental fatigue, and the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks.
4. Shirobasti / Shiropichu:
   • Description: Shirobasti involves creating a dam on the head and filling it with warm medicated oil. Shiropichu involves placing a cotton pad soaked in warm medicated oil on the crown of the head.
   • Benefits: Deeply nourishes the brain and nerve tissues, effectively pacifies Vata, reduces dryness and hyperactivity in the head, and promotes profound relaxation.
5. Abhyanga (Herbal Oil Massage):
   • Description: Full-body massage with warm, Vata-Pitta pacifying oils. Focus on head, neck, and shoulders.
   • Benefits: Calms the nervous system, improves circulation, releases muscle tension (often associated with migraine triggers), and grounds Vata.

II. Shamana (Palliative Therapies & Herbal Medicines): These involve internal medications to manage symptoms, balance doshas, and strengthen the body.

• Herbs for Pain Relief, Anti-inflammatory, and Nervine Tonics:
  • Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Excellent nervine tonic, calms the mind, reduces stress and anxiety, and improves cognitive function.
  • Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Adaptogen, reduces stress, anxiety, and balances Vata.
  • Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi): Strong nervine sedative and anxiolytic, helps with Vata-Pitta imbalances.
  • Ginger (Adraka): Anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, helps with nausea and indigestion associated with migraine. Can be taken as fresh juice, powder, or tea.
  • Turmeric (Haridra): Potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Often taken with warm milk.
  • Coriander (Dhanyaka): Cooling properties, especially beneficial for Pitta-dominant migraines. Can be soaked overnight and consumed the water.
  • Licorice (Yashtimadhu): Soothes irritated mucous membranes, anti-inflammatory, balances Pitta.
  • Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): Cooling, nourishing, and helps balance Pitta and Vata, especially beneficial for women’s hormonal migraines.
• Classical Formulations:
  • Pathyadi Kwath/Kashayam: A common decoction for various headaches, effective for Pitta-Vata type migraines.
  • Godanti Bhasma: A calcined preparation, particularly useful for headaches with burning sensation and fever.
  • Kamadugha Rasa (Mouktika Yukta): Useful for Pitta-aggravated conditions, including burning sensations and excessive heat.
  • Shiroshooladi Vajra Rasa: Specifically designed for various types of headaches.
  • Mahashankha Vati: Aids digestion and reduces Ama, useful if digestive issues trigger migraines.
  • Triphala: Gentle detoxifier, helps regulate bowel movements and eliminate Ama.