Dear formidable headache,
You have been swinging me from slightly throbbing to unbearable agony all through the past couple of months, ever since I moved from London to Delhi. I understand how the jump across hemispheres and time zones must have been a big bummer for my system but by no means would I wait any longer and assume your unsettling presence would voluntarily go away. It’s time I do some Ayurveda on you!”
I read this journal entry from yesterday which I was scribbling at my desk feeling like my head was going to tear open. I was right, this ache is not the kind to just ebb away one fine morning or something to be passed with a quick fix of coffee. I have long been wise enough to develop a strict no-no policy against popping pills of the over-the-counter drugs type to aide nerve-racking side-effects ridden, unsustainable fixes. Instead, the holistic approach of Ayurveda for a headache was something I felt a natural draw towards.
And, this is how the next steps follow—
Prakriti or Nature of a Headache
First things first, there needs to be a diagnosis regarding the Prakriti of a headache according to Ayurveda. Vitiated Vata, Pitta, or Kapha—the three biochemical elements ever present in the body that lead to all kinds of imbalances and disease manifestation as per Ayurvedic logic and headache could be a common symptom for the vitiation of all three.
To zero in on the perfect remedy, we need the perfect diagnosis of the headache Prakriti. So, here goes a brief determining guide on the same—
A Headache of the Vata type– A migraine arises in this case as a symptom of acute indigestion and constipation. Vata is a dry quality, so if we have this vitiation, we need to start taking care of our hour-to-hour hydration. The headache of the Vata type can be identified with a dull throbbing all over the back of the head, also spreading down to the neck and shoulders.
Instant Ayurvedic Elixir: 5 drops of warm ghee (nasally administered) should push a headache away instantly!
A Headache of the Pitta type– Pitta dominant people have a hot and fleshy physical quality which often causes a temperature imbalance in the body, of which a headache could be a symptom. The pain erupts in the temple and moves back to the head center in this case and there is a clear aggravation of it with long hours out in the sun and consumption of spicy food or alcohol. Ayurvedic herbal coolants with cumin, turmeric, fresh mint leaves, and lime would allay this condition.
Instant Ayurvedic Elixir: Keep a tube of aloe vera gel handy. Apply amply on the temple when a headache begins to shoot up.
A Headache of the Kapha type- Kapha is characterized by bodily denseness and viscosity. Kapha dominance also makes one more prone to seasonal flu and cough of which a headache is a steady accompaniment. Regular cleansing of the sinuses with warm salty water and food for upping the body warmth are the practices Kapha people should stick with.
Instant Ayurvedic Elixir- Ginger is the magic ingredient for Kapha affected people. Pop dried ginger bits, smell its fiery aroma, or apply safely on the temple when the pain gets nagging.
Apart from the tridosha-specific line of cure, there is also a catalog of undeniable superfoods for remedying ensuing headaches. Here is a list of five that we can either easily avail from our grocer’s or greengrocer’s or better still, have them homegrown in our kitchen herbs garden.
Brahmi- A Cooling Agent
Better known as a nootropic herb or one that boosts memory and learning, Brahmi is also important for its stress-reducing and cooling effects.
A headache can strike with stress levels rising and the body’s shortcoming to match steps with burgeoning demands, Brahmi’s adaptogenic and cooling qualities could be utmost beneficial. Infused nasal oil administration and head massage with Brahmi are highly recommended when we are in the grasp of a nagging headache.
Sandalwood- Soothing Aroma
Sandalwood has a pristine aroma that can bring sensory solace even in the messiest headache-inducing of situations like being stuck in traffic, pollution, and jarring industrial noise. Prepare a head wrap made out of cotton cloth with sandalwood paste kept in the fold. Refrigerate to keep it cool and carry it in a ziplock bag when on the road. Spread the cloth with the paste on your temple when a headache is triggered.
Cardamom-for Infusion Tea that’s Headache Allaying
Cardamom has strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties as well as a zingy aroma that can go well with a hot drink. Biting on small cloves of cardamom from time to time, adding it in powdered form in the tea or food can help boost circulation, calm our nerves, and melt headaches away.
Rock Salt- A Replacement for Common Salt
While common salt abates high blood pressure, rock salt doesn’t. Therefore, this wise replacement could bring down the risks of blood pressure-related headaches.
Ginger- the Anti-Migraine Superfood
Ginger is a power store of headache-deterring properties. Anti-inflammatory, nausea-dissuading, and an important natural antihistamine, ginger needs to be a part of our daily culinary if a headache is a foe we want to fight successfully. Zing up the curries and fries with it or swallow ginger tabs, or take essential oil gingery baths —the choice is ours.
Author Bio: Manmohan Singh is managing director of Rishikul Ayurshala, an Ayurveda training institute in India. The Ayurveda center is offering Ayurvedic treatment for sinus and migraines.
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