Migraine

See also “Headaches”
Although migraine headaches can result from a vata, pitta, or kapha imbalance, they most frequently occur when systemic pitta moves into the cardiovascular system, circulates, and affects the blood vessels around the brain. The hot, sharp quality of pitta dilates the blood vessels and creates pressure on the nerves, causing this painful condition.

FOLLOW THE PITTA-PACIFYING DIET. To treat migraine headaches, it is vital first to take care of pitta with a proper pitta-soothing diet. (See the dietary guidelines in chapter 8.) Especially avoid hot, spicy foods, fermented foods, and sour or citrus fruits. Carefully following a pitta-soothing diet is effective both for migraine relief and as a preventive measure.

PREVENTIVE BREAKFAST. Certain individuals get migraines at midday, which then subside later in the evening. For such individuals, try this preventive method. It may sound too simple, but it is effective. First thing in the morning, take 1 ripe banana. Peel it, chop it into pieces, and add 1 teaspoon warm ghee, 1 teaspoon date sugar, and a pinch of cardamom on top. This is delicious, and it will help to reduce pitta and prevent a headache from arising.

HERBAL REMEDY. The following herbal compound will be beneficial:

shatavari 5 parts
brahmi 4 parts
jatamamsi 3 parts
musta 3 parts

Prepare this mixture, and take ½ teaspoon twice a day, morning and evening, after breakfast and dinner, with a little lukewarm water. This formula is designed to pacify the aggravated pitta and help relieve migraine headaches.

AVOID DIRECT SUN. Because migraine headaches are predominantly a pitta disorder, they are affected by the hot sun. When the sun rises, its hot, sharp, penetrating rays increase pitta in the cardiovascular system and cause the dilation of the blood vessels in the brain, which results in the painful headaches. So it is important to avoid direct exposure to the sun, and if you do go out in the sun, wear a hat.

SOOTHING NOSE DROPS. Once a headache has developed, putting about 5 drops of warm brahmi ghee in each nostril will help relieve the pain.

RECOMMENDED YOGA POSTURES. Generally, a person having migraines should do the Moon Salutation (see appendix 4). Helpful yoga postures include the Hidden Lotus, Boat pose, Bow pose, Spinal Twist, Palm Tree pose, and Standing on the Toes.

A COOLING PRANAYAMA. You will also find a cooling breathing exercise such as shitali helpful (see chapter 8).

A HEALING YAWN. When you have a migraine, gently squeeze your earlobes, pulling the ear down, and do the act of yawning. That will relieve the pressure on the blood vessels and help to pacify the headache.

See “Headaches” for a detailed analysis of vata, pitta, and kapha headaches and their proper treatment.