YOGA, MEDITATION, AYURVEDA for Headaches and Migraines

Are you experiencing Vata, Pitta, or Kapha headaches?

HEADACHES & MIGRAINE TREATMENT

Headaches can stem from various causes, including indigestion, constipation, colds and cases of flu, hormonal imbalances, environmental pollutants, poor posture, or muscle tension. Although considered a nerve pain condition, we will delve into it in this section, recognising it could also fall under other categories. Migraines, a more severe headache, often have congenital factors at play.

Vata Headache: Characterised by extreme pain, anxiety, depression, constipation, and dry skin. Aggravated by factors like lack of sleep, irregular diet, excessive activity, mental stimulation, worry, and stress.

Vata headaches typically manifest at the base of the head and neck, presenting as a throbbing or pulsating sensation. A persistent dull ache may also be felt, and the pain can shift. Addressing the colon is crucial, as many Vata headaches may stem from indigestion or toxins. Adequate sleep is essential, given that insomnia can contribute to these headaches. The tension pattern of Vata around the shoulders, chest, and throat, which can move to the temples, is often a factor. Vata-type foods and lifestyle choices may also play a role.

Pitta Headache: Symptoms include a burning sensation, red face and eyes, sensitivity to light, anger, irritability, and potential nosebleeds. They are often associated with liver disorders or toxic blood conditions.

Pitta headaches originate in the temples or orbits of the eyes and extend to the central region of the head. They may begin behind the eyes and are sensitive to light and heat. These headaches are often linked to internal heat from the liver and hyperacidity, potentially influenced by Pitta-type foods and lifestyle. Migraine headaches can result from both Pitta and Vata imbalances, exacerbated by factors such as overworking, too much sun, too much light, computers, phones, flashing strobe lights, overthinking, lack of sleep, erratic lifestyle, poor digestion, and muscle tension.

Kapha Headache: This manifests as a dull headache with heaviness and tiredness, accompanied by nausea, phlegm, excess salivation, or vomiting. Often caused by congestion of phlegm in the head and may be associated with pulmonary disorders.

Kapha headaches are characterised by dull and deep-seated pain, starting in the upper frontal area of the skull and spreading to the forehead, possibly extending into the sinuses. Tension in the sinuses and breathing restrictions may contribute, along with Kapha-type foods and lifestyle factors.

Headache Relief Tips

General treatment

For general headache relief, apply a paste made from ½ tsp. of ginger powder mixed with water and heated onto the forehead. While a burning sensation may occur, it is not harmful.

Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet aligned with individual constitutions is advisable for all doshas. Movement, yoga asana and meditation are all proven to work in addressing pain.

Treatment of Headaches based on the Doshas

• Kapha Headaches: Kapha Headaches are often sinus-based and commonly associated with a common cold, cough, or allergies. These are usually Kapha conditions, but sometimes Vata as well. Follow an anti-Kapha diet, avoiding sugars, oils, and dairy products. Use decongestant and expectorant herbs like calamus, ginger, bayberry, angelica, and wild ginger. Apply ginger paste to the lower nose and temples. Essential oils such as camphor, wintergreen, and eucalyptus can be helpful for external application or inhalation. Eucalyptus and Menthol oil burning in the home may also assist. Camphorated oils can also be applied to the head, and strong exercise is helpful. Respond well to formulas like Trikatu or Clove combination.

• Vata Headaches (occipital ) Colon Treatment: Occipital headaches, indicative of excessive vata and suggesting toxins in the colon, can be alleviated by taking 2 tsp. of flaxseed before sleep in one cup of warm milk or water. Additionally, apply a ginger paste behind the ears (mastoid processes). It is essential for headaches related to indigestion or toxins in the colon. In nervous disorders and pain conditions, particularly Vata-related, the colon is often the primary site of the problem. Triphala can benefit Vata types as a laxative. Herbal sedatives and adequate sleep are essential.

• Pitta Headaches: Temporal headaches, indicative of excess Pitta in the stomach, can be relieved by consuming a tea made from cumin and coriander seeds (½ tsp. each in one cup of hot water). Headaches may also be based on internal heat from the liver and hyperacidity. Aloe powder or rhubarb root can be used as a purgative, and the liver should be cleansed. Gotu kola is beneficial, either alone or with a passion flower. Sandalwood oil or paste can be applied to the forehead or the temples.

• Migraines: Often associated with Pitta and Vata imbalances. Causes include lack of sleep, overwork, stress, poor digestion, or muscular tension. Similar treatments apply, but long-term tonification therapy may be necessary, using Chyavan Prash, Brahma Rasayana, or Ashwagandha compound.

YOGA FOR HEADACHES

Inversions:

For individuals experiencing tension headaches resulting from vasodilation (typically around 90 per cent of cases), inversions can be highly beneficial. Tension headaches often stem from the vasodilation of arterial vessels. Inversions work to reduce arterial dilation by slowing the heart rate. This, in turn, leads to an immediate decrease in arterial blood pressure and heart rate. You can achieve inversions by placing your legs up the wall, practising a half-headstand, or engaging in gentle shoulder stands.

Utilise pulling actions for the arms:

In standing postures, it is beneficial to incorporate a pulling action of the hands to stretch the rhomboid and trapezius muscles. Implementing pulling actions, such as hanging off verandah railings or using belts, is crucial for enhancing shoulder strength and stability. Integrating these actions into your asana practice whenever possible contributes to overall well-being.

Yoga for Shoulder Tension with Celia