As per Ayurveda, Shira or head is considered as uttamanga or the most important and major part of the body. Shira is always compared with the sun and all the sense organs and the channels carrying the sensory and vital impulse from the shira are like the rays from the sun.
The science of Ayurveda considers headache to be caused because of two primary reasons – a sensitive nervous system and impaired digestion. Improper diet and lifestyle causes aggravation of Pitta in the body. In an aggravated state, Pitta impairs digestion, leading to production of digestive impurities, which gets stored in the manovahi strotas (mind channels), thereby becoming the cause for headaches. A sensitive nervous system lowers the energy in the body. Lowering of ojas causes migraine-like problems. Ayurvedic treatment of headache does not focus on simply alleviating the pain but aims at treating the root cause.
Headaches are caused due to a variety of reasons. Excessive exposure to heat of Sun, exposure to moist and cold air, fog, dew, playing in water for longer periods or repeatedly, working in water, excessive sleep, excessive awakening during nights, controlling tears, withholding emotions, excessive consumption of alcohol, controlling or suppression of natural impending reflexes or urges of the body, mainly those of defecation, sneeze, hunger, sleep, yawning, tears, sex, stress, continued eye strain, exposure to incompatible smells and even contaminated, incompatible and unwholesome foods are various causes of headaches.
Based on the type of headache, different types of treatments are prescribed as per Ayurveda. Triphala choorna, Shirashooladivajra rasa, amalaki, anu taila, and medicines such as Shoola Gajakesari rasa are given in adequate dosages. Diet & lifestyle advices are also prescribed which include having easily digestible foods, fruits, dry fruits like almonds or walnuts, as well as shirodhara treatments.
Itoozhi Ayurveda promises freedom from headaches through various treatments.
