Migraine Headaches

By John Douillard, DC, PhD

A migraine headache is specifically a result of vasodilation of the cerebral arteries and the ensuing intracranial, arterial pressure. The reason for this occurrence is varied according to body type and congenital susceptibilities. The most common underlying stress factor is neurological. It is how the nervous system deals with the onslaught of mental, emotional, and sometimes physical stress that will determine the onset of a migraine headache. Each body type will deal with this stress uniquely.

Vata

The vata body type is hypermetabolic in nature, both physiologically and mentally. Vata types think fast and act fast. When the stress builds in the nervous system a neurological as well as muscular tension is created in the head and neck. Blood vessels are first constricted, followed with a rebound dilation. The dilation causes pressure, pain, and toxicity, as the ama floods into the dilated vessels. Often, ama from the seat of vata in the intestinal tract enters the blood stream via the enteric cycle to the liver. From here, this ama is transported into the head and neck to deal with the increased stress. This happens as more blood is shunted into the head and neck in an attempt to provide fuel in the form of blood sugar to the central nervous system.

Treatment

For vata, nervines such as calamus (Acorus calamus) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis) are useful (one-half teaspoon three times a day, taken one hour before meals). Purgation is also extremely important, as is nasya (see: Nasaya for Migraines, below).

Pitta

Pitta-based migraine headaches will follow a similar pattern to the vata migraine, except that the excess of pitta will exacerbate the heat and toxicity in the blood. This is because heat and pitta will rise and the aggravation of pitta will bring more heat to the head and neck area. Pitta body types are usually driven, making for more heat in the blood, with more ama pulled out of the apana vata in the intestinal tract. As the heat rises with the increased energy demanded from the head and neck, ama accumulates and a pressure, causing vasodilation, occurs.

Treatment

Sandalwood (Santalum album) powder, made into a paste and applied to the head.Peppermint oil (Mentha piperita), applied over area of pain. Ghee and castor oil are useful as well, as both are pitta-pacifying.

Kapha

A kapha-based migraine headache is usually rare. If it does occur it is as a result of accumulated ama in the bloodstream, causing pressure, vasodilation, and pain. This type will always have vata and pitta factors to be dealt with.

Treatment

Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens), trikatu (Piper longum, Piper nigrum, and Zingiber officinalis), and clove (Syzgium aromaticum) are all excellent for kapha in this case (1⁄2 teaspoon, 3 times per day). Vigorous exercise with emphasis on deep nasal breathing to pump more prana into the head and neck.

Brahmari Pranayama:

Breathe in deeply through the nose and during the exhale make a humming sound. This sound acts like a micro-ultrasound that will break up ama and adhesions in the head and neck (practice for 10 minutes, maximum).Nasya for MigrainesPlace 2-3 drops of sesame oil (with a pinch of pepper and table salt mixed in), into your left hand. With your right hand, rub your little finger in the oil. Then place your little finger into the right nostril as far up as is comfortable (nail short). Repeat the procedure in the left nostril. Repeat until all the oil is gone. Then hold the nostril closed and breathe in.

Further Information

http://www.lifespa.com/article.asp?art_id=35