Today we explain Migraine (Ardhavabhedaka) in detail according to Ayurvedic principles, including its definition, causes (Nidana), pathology (Samprapti), symptoms, types, and Ayurvedic treatment options (Chikitsa).
Definition
In Ayurveda, migraine is closely correlated with Ardhavabhedaka, a type of headache disorder described in classical texts. The word “Ardhavabhedaka” comes from:
- Ardha = half.
- Bhedaka = splitting or piercing pain
It refers to a severe, piercing, one-sided headache that is often episodic and may come with additional symptoms like nausea, photophobia, and sensitivity to sound.
Nidana (Causes)
The main causes of Ardhavabhedaka are lifestyle and dietary factors that aggravate the Vata and Pitta doshas, such as:
- Excessive intake of spicy, sour, fermented foods, chees, chocolate and caffene drinks
- Suppression of natural urges (like sneezing, crying, urination)
- Mental stress, anxiety, and overthinking
- Exposure to strong sunlight, loud noise, or sleeplessness
- Irregular eating habits or fasting for long periods
- Excessive use of electronic screens (modern cause)
Dosha Involvement
- Primary Doshas: Vata and Pitta
- Vata causes pain, dryness, and instability
- Pitta causes burning sensation, redness, inflammation
- Sometimes Kapha may also get involved, leading to heaviness or dull headache.
Samprapti (Pathology)
- Nidana (causative factors) disturb Vata and Pitta
- These aggravated doshas localize in the head region, specifically affecting Shringataka marma (a vital point near the temporal and behind the eyes)
- Channels (Srotas), especially manovaha srotas (mind channels) and nervous pathways, are obstructed or irritated
- Leads to one-sided, intense, throbbing pain, often with associated symptoms
Symptoms
- Severe pain on one side of the head (sometimes alternating)
- Throbbing or pulsating pain
- Nausea or vomiting (due to pitta)
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia) or sound
- Blurred vision or aura (in some cases)
- Irritability, anxiety, or restlessness
- Sometimes, preceded by visual disturbances or aura
Types of Migraine (Ayurvedic View)
Though not classically classified in Charaka or Sushruta, based on doshic predominance we can classify:
Vataja Ardhavabhedaka
- Sudden onset, sharp pricking pain
- Dryness in eyes and mouth, restlessness
- Aggravated by cold, fasting
Pittaja Ardhavabhedaka
- Burning sensation, redness of eyes
- Sensitivity to light, anger, thirst
- Aggravated by heat, spicy food
Kaphaja Ardhavabhedaka
- Heaviness in head, dull ache
- Nasal congestion, lethargy
- Aggravated by sleep, damp weather
- Sannipataja (Tridoshic) – Complex, chronic, and mixed symptoms
Ayurvedic Chikitsa (Treatment)
1. Shodhana (Cleansing Therapies) – Panchakarma
- Virechana (therapeutic purgation): Especially helpful in Pittaja migraine
- Nasya (nasal drops): Clears doshas from the head; medicated oils like Anu Taila or Shadbindu Taila
- Shirodhara: Pouring of medicated oil on forehead – very calming for Vata and Pitta
- Basti (medicated enema): For chronic, Vata-dominant migraine
2. Shamana (Pacifying Therapies)
Herbal Remedies:
- Pathya, Haritaki, Yashtimadhu – regulate digestion and Pitta
- Brahmi, Shankhpushpi, Jatamansi – for calming the mind
- Godanti Bhasma – specific for migraine
- Sitopaladi Churna + honey – relieves Kapha involvement
- Sootshekhar Ras – excellent for acidity-induced migraine
- Nidana Parivarjana: Avoid causative factors (stress, sunlight, fasting)
3. Ahara & Vihara (Diet and Lifestyle)
- Favor cooling, light, easy-to-digest foods
- Avoid spicy, fermented, fried, and stale foods
- Regular meals, avoid skipping
- Good hydration (prefer buttermilk, coconut water)
- Practice Yoga, Pranayama, and meditation
- Sleep on time; avoid screen exposure before bed
Home Remedies
- Coriander seeds (Dhanyaka) soaked overnight and taken in the morning
- Triphala at bedtime for regular detox
- Applying sandalwood paste or rose water to the forehead for pitta-type headaches
- Peppermint or eucalyptus oil massage for quick relief
- Preventive Measures (Nivaran)
- Daily Abhyanga (oil massage) to the scalp and body
- Keeping regular sleep and food routines
- Avoid triggers: loud sounds, bright light, anger, stress
- Do Nadi Shodhana Pranayama to balance Vata-Pitta
