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Migraine (Apasmara)

Migraine (Surya Vartam) is classified as a Pitta-predominant headache linked to apana vayu obstruction and retention of feces. This guide outlines Ayurvedic therapeutic protocols, dietary recommendations, and preventive measures.

Migraine (Apasmara)

Overview & Modern Science

In Ayurveda, Migraine is recognized as Surya Vartam, which is classified as a Pitta pradhana sirasula (Pitta-dominant headache).

The disease primarily manifests due to apana vayu rodha (obstruction of apana vayu) and purisa vega dharana (retention of fecal urges), which results in recurring, painful headaches.

Common Symptoms

  • Throbbing pain on one side of the head that is worsened by physical activities like sound and smell.
  • Nausea
  • Sometimes vomiting
  • The aura involves temporary, reversible disturbances in vision, sensation, balance etc.

Causes & Triggers

  • Neurovascular disease
  • Gastro intestinal disturbances

The Ayurvedic Perspective

  • Pitta pradhana širasūla (Pitta-dominant headache).
  • Apāna vāyu rodha (obstruction of apana vayu) and purīsa vegā dhāraṇa (retention of feces) directly result in headaches.

Recommended Herbs & Treatment

  • Treatment Principles
  • Ārdhava bhedaka cikitsa
  • Tikta, madhura rasa pradhāna kaṣāyam (pitta vātahara)
  • Pitta jvara cikitsa
  • Lepam, Virecanam, Nasyam, and Śiro dhāra
  • Internal Medicines
  • Pathyakṣadhātryādi tablet - 2-0-2 with kaṣāyam (Bipha, AVN)
  • Drakṣādi kaṣāyam - 60 ml morning and night before food
  • Pathyāśadānga kaṣāyam - 60 ml morning and night before food
  • Sudarśana vati - 2-0-2 after food
  • Śrṅgaverādi cūrṇam (SKM) - 3 gm with honey morning and night after food Or Śirāsula vajra rasa - 1-0-1 with milk after food (SKM, Dabur)
  • Sitārdrakam (KAPL) - 10 ml with equal warm water morning and night after food
  • Śuṇṭi ghrṭam - 10 ml with equal warm water morning and night after food (SKM)
  • Kušmanda ghrṭam - 10 ml with equal warm water morning and night after food.

Home Remedies

  • Ginger (Ardraka): Ardraka drug is considered the best for migraine. Adding ginger to the diet helps reduce Pitta.
  • Rāsnādi Lepam: Mix Rāsnādi cūrṇam with lemon juice, warm it slightly, and apply on the forehead to relieve headache.
  • Cooling Forehead Application: Prepare a lepam with candana, uṣira, and karpūra to soothe throbbing pain on the forehead.

Diet & Lifestyle (Ahara-Vihara)

  • Pathya (Recommended Diet & Lifestyle)
  • Sleep well.
  • Don’t miss meals, have meals at proper time.
  • Add ginger in diet (to reduce pitta).
  • Apathya (Diet & Lifestyle to Avoid)
  • Avoid stress, alcohol, cheese, and chocolates.
  • Avoid excess AC exposure.
  • Avoid hunger; don’t delay eating.

Investigations, External Therapies, and Panchakarma

Tailas for Siro Abhyanga and Siro Dhara

Asanamanjistādi tailam (Vaidyaratnam)

Amṛtādi tailam (Vaidyaratnam)

Bala dhātriyādi tailam

Balañatādi tailam (This is a sita virya yoga)

Bala gudūcyādi tailam (Vaidyaratnam)

Ghritapana (Recovery Phase)

Kalyāṇakam ghrṭam - 10 ml with milk at night after food.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Migraine (Surya Vartam) according to Ayurveda?▼

In Ayurveda, Migraine is called Surya Vartam. It is classified as a Pitta-predominant sirasula (headache) caused by apana vayu rodha (obstruction of downward wind) and purisa vega dharana (suppression of natural fecal urges).

What are the key external treatments for Migraine (Surya Vartam)?▼

External therapies include Lepam (such as Rāsnādi cūrṇam with lemon juice, or Candana and Karpūra paste), weekly Virecanam (using Kalyānaka guḍam), evening Nasyam (using Anu tailam or Kalyānaka ghritam), and specialized tailas for Siro Abhyanga and Siro Dhara.

What are the recommended diet and lifestyle restrictions for Migraine?▼

Patients should sleep well, eat meals at proper times without delay, and add ginger to their diet to reduce pitta. They must avoid stress, alcohol, cheese, chocolates, excessive AC exposure, and delaying meals.

Conclusion

Migraine (Surya Vartam) requires a comprehensive Ayurvedic approach addressing both pitta pacification and correction of apana vayu movement. Adherence to timely meals, proper sleep, and custom external therapies like Lepam, Virecanam, and Nasyam can provide effective long-term relief.

Reviewed By

Syed Aman Hussain

Reviewed By

Syed Aman Hussain

BAMS, MD

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