Natural Migraine Treatments to Banish Brain Pain

Natural Migraine Treatments to Banish Brain Pain

A staggering 6.4 million people — that’s how many suffer from regular migraines in Australia. Worldwide, it’s the third-leading cause of disability, but in the Land Down Under, it’s the first.

Researchers have also found that migraines lasting for up to one year affect 16% of sufferers. Worse, women are three times more at risk of suffering from this condition.

Regardless of your gender though, know that natural migraine treatments can help. From essential oils to massages and yoga, all these can provide migraine relief. You may even find yourself reaching less for that bottle of pain medications.

Ready to learn all about migraines and how to reduce or even get rid of the pain they bring? Then let’s dive right into it!

What Is a Migraine?

Migraines are a type of headache, except that they are recurring and co go on for weeks and even years. The pain is usually moderate to severe and is often concentrated on one side of the head. In most sufferers, the pain feels like a throbbing or pulsing sensation.

In Ayurveda, a migraine is comparable to Ardhavabhedaka. Ardhavabhedaka is a form of recurring and specific shiroroga (headache). Overeating and alcohol consumption are among its most common causes.

Ananthavata, another special type of shiroroga, also have symptoms similar to migraines. However, it’s more often associated with trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux) than migraines. Trigeminal neuralgia does have migraine-like symptoms though.

Trigeminal neuralgia is often described as the “most excruciating pain” humans can experience. The excruciating pain is usually felt in the lower face and jaw, but it can also extend to the nasal area. In some people, the electric shock-like pain even spreads to the area above the eyes.

As of now, there is no available medication or procedure on how to cure migraines. However, herbal remedies and Ayurveda-based treatments can help lessen their severity. Let’s take a look at some of these all-natural pain-banishers.

1. Panchakarma Treatment

According to Ayurvedic principles, “dhatus” are the human body’s major physical components. From the tiniest cells to the major organs, Ayurveda considers all these as dhatus.

Dhatus, however, can become “impure” and act as toxins. These, along with other toxic materials already present in the body, can build up in the head.

If this happens, they can cause migraines as well as light, sound, and odour sensitivities.

Panchakarma treatment can help cleanse your mind and body of these toxins. It’s a five-step detox plan that involves all-natural Ayurvedic herbs. Studies, like this one, found that Panchakarma considerably reduced migraine symptoms.

Nasya and Virechana are two main panchakarma procedures that can help ease migraines.

Nasya

Nasya is a technique involving nasal administration of medicated oils and powders. Research has found that this procedure helps to reduce spondylosis symptoms. These include migraines, which cervical spondylosis patients are at a higher risk of.

Virechana

Virechana is a panchakarma procedure that involves the use of a herbal laxative. It can help reduce migraines by removing toxins through the gastrointestinal tract and thereby balancing Pitta dosha.

2. Shirodhara

Another Ayurvedic method on how to get rid of a migraine is the Shirodhara therapy. It’s a type of head massage that makes use of warm herbal oils.

The Ayurveda practitioner will slowly pour these oils onto your forehead. The practitioner will then gently massage the oils onto your hair and scalp. The oils, together with the gentle pressure on your head, can help ease migraine pain.

Researchers have found that massage therapy, in itself, is an effective migraine treatment. In one study, migraine patients who had massage therapy had a 71% reduction in pain intensity.

3. Indian Head Massage

Aside from the head, an Indian head massage also covers the upper back, shoulders, and neck. This relaxing, rejuvenating massage helps increase circulation while also releasing tension. It also allows for the clearing of the sinuses, which could cause or worsen migraines.

4. Traditional Ayurvedic Massage

You may also want to consider going all out and treating yourself to Abhyanga. This is the traditional ayurvedic massage that involves the whole body. Its goal is to move toxins — including those that cause migraines — out of your system and eliminate them.

5. Incorporate Stress-Relieving Ayurvedic Herbs Into Your Diet

Another potential method on how to treat a migraine is by taking Ashwagandha and Brahmi. These are among the most important Ayurvedic herbs, known for alleviating stress.

In fact, Ashwagandha has been a key part of Ayurveda for more than three millennia. Ayurvedic physicians have also used Brahmi for thousands of years.

Both herbs have stress-relieving and anxiety-reducing effects. Both stress and anxiety, on the other hand, can trigger or even worsen migraines symptoms. As such, including these herbs in your diet can be an effective way to combat migraines.

Ashwagandha and Brahmi are available in various forms, including powder, oil, and supplements. You can also find dried forms of the plants’ components. Supplements are the easiest way to take them, but you can also apply the oils to your head to help ease migraines.

6. Proper Diet and Lifestyle

Almost half of the diet of the average Australian consists of ultra-processed food. While convenient, these contain unhealthy amounts of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and nitrites. According to scientists, such ingredients can be migraine triggers.

Coffee and alcohol can also increase the severity and frequency of migraines.

A healthy diet can help prevent many diseases and maladies, including migraines. As such, it’s important to build your meals around fresh produce like fruits and veggies. You should also opt for more whole grains and lean proteins.

As for lifestyle habits, too much stress and screen time can also trigger migraines. These also contribute to sleeping difficulties, which can make migraines worse. That said, avoid stress triggers and try to avoid screen time at least an hour before bed.

7. Set Aside Time for Yoga

Yoga is a mind-and-body practise that focuses on breathing, meditation, and body posture. Improving these three components can encourage better health and overall well-being.

In fact, researchers found that yoga may help lessen the intensity of migraine pain. They also noted that yoga reduced the length and intensity of migraine attacks.

For better results, consider doing yoga and getting traditional Ayurveda treatments. One study found that together, yoga and Ayurveda reduced migraine symptoms. Patients also had lower degrees of pain, which then helped boost their quality of life.

Melt Away Head Pain With These All-Natural Migraine Treatments

There you have it: your ultimate guide on natural migraine treatments that you should try now. Whilst pain relievers can be helpful, many of the more potent ones could be addictive. That’s another problem that you definitely don’t want to deal with.

Ready to give Ayurveda treatments in Melbourne a well-deserved try? Then please feel free to get in touch with us now to schedule your Ayurvedic therapy and treatment!

• May 1, 2020
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• Dr. Stomy Jose