Migraine

Migraine headache is a severe headache which can be debilitating and cause significant disability. They are more common among females than males.

Migraine is known as Suryavartha soola in Ayurveda, where Surya means Sun and avartha means arise of affliction, thus the aggravation of pain with light and heat. However, the type of migraine headache may be different according to a person’s individual constitution.

Causes

The exact cause of migraine is not well-known but genetic and environmental causes play an important role. We know in Ayurveda they can be caused by a Pitta-Vata imbalance.

An imbalance in the hot Pitta dosha manifests as a burning, searing, sharp pain – which can be associated with visual sensations and light sensitivity. Often exacerbated by heat, migraines may be triggered by eyestrain from using computers and watching television. Causes include digestive imbalances; the accumulation of digestive toxins; exposure to environmental pollution and toxins that can be found in food, air and water; and excess stress as expressed in anger, frustration, and mood swings.