Ayurveda for controlling headache

Head ache is not a disease but the effect of the other diseases in the body and not understanding this fact, most of the individuals take the aid of painkillers for fighting headaches. Although they get temporary relief, the headaches would return in course of time.

Mostly, this ends up in not diagnosing the actual diseases which results in the headache. Identifying the actual reason behind the headache is crucial in curing the disease. Increased stress, dehydration, disorderly consumption of food, lack of glucose in the body, various infections, hyper tension, jobs that strain the eyes, tumors in the brain, and dysfunctions in the brain, sinusitis, and head injuries can all be reasons for headache. Some women experience head ache as a result of menstrual issues and hormonal imbalance. Sometimes, headaches can occur as a precursor of menopause.      

In situations wherein there are no particular reasons leading to the headache, there is no treatment required but just some rest. But when headaches are accompanied by fever, sight problems, neck pain, drowsiness, ear pain, and vomiting, it is important to consult a doctor to diagnose the actual disease. 

Headaches are mainly of 5 ways, namely Muscular, Vascular, Inflammatory, Traction and Cervicogenic and all 5 of them have effective treatment in Ayurveda. Migraines and other headaches caused due to toxins in the body belong to the Vascular headaches. Such headaches would be accompanied by pain in one or both sides of the head, sight issues, acidity and vomiting. Sometimes, pain can become stronger and the patient may exhibit discomfort.  

Muscular headaches are those which are caused due to the excessive strain in the muscles that connect the head and the neck. These are also known as tension headaches. This tension and the related pain spread towards the sides of the head, neck and the shoulders.    

Cervicogenic headaches are those which are caused due to the various deformations and issues at the back of the neck and in relation to the back bone. Subsequently, there would be significant tension on the veins and nerves passing through that area and this can result in difficulties in moving the neck and hands.    

Traction headaches are caused by the excessive cell growth or tumors inside the skull. On the other hand, those headaches caused by the infections and inflammations inside the brain and the nearby regions are called inflammatory headaches and these include sinusitis.  

Climate and lifestyle can also cause headaches. Ayurveda says that excessive exposure to sunlight, smoke, snow and humidity, being in water for a long time, excessive sleep, sleep deprivation, sweating of the head, tensions, mental stress, holding up the tears, excessive crying, excessive consumption of water, consumption of liquor, worms in the brain, holding back excretion, incorrect sleeping posture, lack of cleanliness, looking down for a long time, unpleasant odors, digestion issues and loud speaking can all result in the vata affecting the brain and subsequently causing headache and similar conditions. Ayurveda divides headaches into two: Shirasthapam and Shirashoolam

Following are certain steps that could be taken towards preventing headaches:

• Avoid those which are unpleasant in terms of vision and odour.
• Follow a disciplined in terms of both sleep and food.
• Keep your food nutritious.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Take enough stress when there is physical or mental stress. 
• Have enough light when you read and while watching screens (TV, computers or mobiles). 
• Keep close contact with those who can keep you happy and engage in activities that help you reduce stress.

Following Ayurveda methods can help deal with headaches:

• Apply nutmeg paste on your head.
• Make a paste of coriander in rose water and apply it on your forehead.
• Apply the paste of sandalwood and dried ginger or red sandalwood.
• Apply the paste of the roots of snake gourd and apply on the forehead. 
• Make a paste of cucumber leaves and apply it on the forehead.
• Make a paste of Rosary pea and its roots and apply it on the forehead. 
• Make a paste of mustard seeds in water and apply it on the forehead.  
• Apply a paste of little tree plant (Mukkutti) and apply it on the forehead. 
• Make a paste of drumstick resin in milk and apply it on the forehead

Ayurveda medicines for headache

• Decoctions like Padthyaksha Dhatryadi, Varanadi, Dasamoolakaduthrayam, Elakanadi, and Dasamoolam
• Tablets like Gorochanadi, Vettumaran, and Shwasanandam
• Choornams (powdery medicine) like Thaleesapathradi and Karpooradi
• Consuming Dasamoola rasayana and Vyoshadivadakam
• Applying oils like Balahatadi, Bringamalakadi, Ksheerabala on the head and doing dhara with these oils
• Nasya with Ksheerabala and Anuthaila