MIGRAINE

Migraine is a headache that tends to re-occur and is accompanied by a feeling of nausea. The pain is usually felt on the unilateral side of head. According to Ayurveda, it occurs due to aggravated pitta (fire element). It is most of the time triggered by stress. We should adopt little modifications in diet and lifestyle to balance pitta dosha and avoid stress.

• Every person has its own trigger for migraine. So avoid the food items like chocolates, tea, coffee, cola drinks, red wine vinegar which can induce headache.
• Never skip meals. Always try to eat at regular intervals.
• Do not ignore your breakfast as it is very important meal of the day.
• Avoid too much fasting since it can stimulate your body to release stress hormones.
• Consume balanced meal providing all nutrients. Do not take more carbohydrates at a single meal. 
• Include fresh fruits, salads and leafy vegetables in diet daily.
• Consume around 10-15 glasses of water daily.
• Avoid sharp flavored spices. Prefer to eat bland and light food items.
• Add fresh root ginger to your food.
• Increase the intake of vitamin B6 and niacin in diet as B vitamins help to check stress headaches.
• Fresh garlic cloves when eaten in a salad helps clear headaches.
• Maintain a proper schedule. Do not take too much of stress.
• Avoid sleep disturbances like frequent awakening, poor quality of sleep and too much sleep as it can significantly contribute to migraine.
• Distribute your work evenly during the day just to avoid the peaks and lows of stress.
• Avoid the excessive exposure to sun, strong smells, noisy surroundings, bright light, medications like painkillers, sedatives as it can induce migraine headaches.
• Asanas like sun salutations (surya namaskar), Warrior pose (Veerasana), Shavasana (corpse pose), Vajrasana (Diamond pose), Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Spinal Twist) are quite beneficial.
• Anulom-vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing), Deep Breathing, Kapalbhati (Shining Skull), Shitali Pranayama, Sitkari pranayama are good to energise the body and mind.
• Meditation is best to avoid stress.
• Herbs like vacha (acorus calamus), shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus) are good for strengthening mind.