A Headaches is a feeling of pain in any part of the region consisting of the head and the neck. It can be a symptom of other diseases or occur independently. A Headaches can be severe like migraines or with mild intensity. Frequent headaches can have long-term consequences; it can intrude into your job and family relationships. Studies have also found that people who have frequent headaches are more likely to fall in depression than the people with no headache. A headache is one of the most common physical illnesses in the world.
HEADACHE IN AYURVEDA
The Ayurvedic treatment for a head ache not only removes the existing pain but rather, it aims to eradicate the whole problem by treating the root cause. In the treatment process, herbal preparations are given to the patient in order to put the aggravated Pitta in its normal state.
Headaches can be caused due to a variety of reasons. Sleep deprivation, viral infections, common cold, sound pollution, injury to the head, sinus problems, dental issues, fatigue, and tiredness are the major causes of a headache. It can also be caused by certain drugs and can surface as a consequence of medications. Headaches may turn up spontaneously or can develop gradually. In the former case, a headache arises because of a certain activity or exercise. Headaches with severe underlying cause, the pain may arise gradually and increase in intensity over time. Headaches that are caused due to a migraine is usually accompanied by vomiting and nausea.
Types of A headache
The treatment of a headache depends on the latent cause. Treatment usually involves pain medications.
• A primary headache: Primary headaches include the headaches caused due to stress, tension, and migraine. Treatment for headaches of this kind is done through over the counter medications.Secondary Headaches: These headaches arise as a result of an illness or injury. This includes sinus headaches, for these are caused due to
• Secondary Headaches: These headaches arise as a result of an illness or injury. This includes sinus headaches, for these are caused due to a pressure inside the sinuses or an infection.
• Cranial Neuralgia, facial pain, and other headaches: Headaches of these kinds are caused due to localized problems in the head or neck.
A HEADACHE IN AYURVEDA
In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, it is believed that there are two main causes of headaches:
• Sensitive nervous system
• Improper functioning of the digestive system
Poor digestion, bad lifestyle and diet lead to an aggravation of Pitta. Pitta refers to the Ayurvedic humour that stands for fire or heat in our body. With an aggravated state, Pitta damages digestion and makes digestive impurities which are known as ama. When ama gets accumulated in the manovahi strotas i.e. the channels of mind, it becomes an easy cause for headaches.
When the nervous system is sensitive, it lowers the energy, also known as ojas, in the body. Ojas is the basic essence for all the muscles and tissues in the body. Ojas provides the strength to the nervous system and the body. If the ojas is the body is lower it leads to headaches and migraines. For a person with an adequate amount of ojas, the nervous system is able to fight the problems away. However, for people with lower ojas, headaches are not infrequent.
The Ayurvedic treatment for a headache not only removes the existing pain but rather, it aims to eradicate the whole problem by treating the root cause. In the treatment process, herbal preparations are given to the patient in order to put the aggravated Pitta in its normal state.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE AYURVEDIC CONSULTATION FOR HEADACHES?
A consultation with the Ayurvedic doctor is necessary if you experience a persistent headache. After diagnosis, the doctor will explain your treatment plan that will include a new lifestyle and diet. You will be asked to consume food items that are warm and mildly digestible. This should include vegetables (boiled and steamed), soups, vegetable juices, porridge, whole-wheat grain flour and brown rice. Fruits like apples, papayas, pears, mangoes, and grapes are also good to relieve the discomfort easily. Buttermilk and salads are the items that will be prescribed. Consumption of boiled rice sautéed with garlic, cinnamon, cumin seeds and asafoetida are good to restore the aggravated Pitta. You should also eat nuts like walnut and almonds every day in few amounts for building up your health.
During the treatment, you will be asked to give up many food items. This includes oily, spicy, cold and refined food. Do not consume yoghurt, curd and other products during night time. If you are working, try to avoid long stretches of continuous work. Taking frequent short breaks are a good idea. While sleeping, make sure that the room is dark and distraction-free. While under treatment you should avoid exposing your body to extreme weather. If you are going out in the day, cover your head, ideally with an umbrella or a cap.
