What Causes a Migraine?
A migraine is a recurrent throbbing headache, usually on one side of the head. It is often accompanied by nausea and impaired vision. Migraines develop when there are high levels of undigested toxins (ama) in the blood. These undigested toxins often form as a result of fermentation in the gut, alcohol, drugs, and certain pharmaceuticals. High ama overwhelms the liver, aggravating Pitta and causing excess heat. Irritating foods such as coffee, alcohol, white sugar, and pungent spices also create inflammation and stress the liver.
There are many other causes of migraines including allergies, autoimmune disorders, dehydration, stress, and excessively hot temperatures. All of these factors put pressure on the liver and increase liver heat, particularly if there is an electrolyte deficiency or other imbalances in blood chemistry. Inflammation or infection in the sinuses may also cause a migraine. Throbbing migraines are often due to constriction of the blood vessels in the head.
Finding the Root Cause
Although migraines are a primarily hot, sharp, Pitta disorder, they may come from an imbalance in any of the doshas, or gunas. Therefore, it is important to find the root cause of your migraine before attempting a home remedy. To piece together the pattern and find the cause behind your migraine, journal your diet, activity, elimination, emotions, and weather conditions for the 48 hours prior to each migraine. Then, compare your results after 3-5 episodes.
As you journal, ask yourself some questions to try and discover what triggered your migraine. How did you feel before the migraine? Were you feeling particularly stressed, agitated, or irritated? When did the migraine start? Where were you when it started? Asking these questions and noticing any warning signs will help you avoid the circumstances that lead to a full blown migraine. Often, various warning signs will appear 24-48 hours in advance of a migraine.
Many people experience an aura moments before a migraine. An aura is a sensory disturbance that can include flashes of lights or technicolor spots obstructing peripheral vision. You may also feel more sensitive to light and sound. Seeing an aura is considered a prodromal symptom, or warning sign, that a migraine is coming on.
Remedies for Migraines
Bright lights and hot temperatures tend aggravate migraines, so taking a break from all screens and lying in a dark room with a cool cloth over your eyes can help provide some immediate relief. Also, remove yourself from direct sunlight if needed and have a glass of coconut water to restore electrolytes. Cumin, coriander, & fennel tea helps gently detoxify and cleanse ama that has accumulated in the blood.
Aromatic herbs such as lemon balm have a natural antispasmodic action that reduces colic on the blood vessel. Other antispasmodics that reduce headaches include brahmi, sandalwood, and cloves. Sweet and cooling, licorice root reduces heat and inflammation and supports liver function. A scalp massage with brahmi oil cools a hot and bothered mind, and placing a few drops of brahmi ghee in each nostril can help relieve the pain associated with migraines. To avoid migraines, a Pitta pacifying diet is generally suitable for long term management.
Disclaimer: Conditions such as 'Migraines' that cause tissue changes could be serious and should be checked by a medical doctor.
In collaboration with Joyfull Belly
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