Headaches

Headaches can be throbbing, constant, sharp, or dull, and differ greatly and are classified by:

Migraines: Felt unilaterally with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, and smells.

Clusters: Felt laterally with pain, tearing, facial sweating, red eyes, and a stuffy nose.

Tensions: Felt bilaterally with mood, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and sensitivity to noise and lights.

Sinus: This can feel like an infection in the sinuses with pressure around the eyes, cheek, and forehead.

In Ayurveda, the different types of headaches are associated with the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Vata- (Tension or Migraine) headaches are associated with cool, dry, light, and mobile qualities and originate from the back of the head at the occipital area with throbbing, pulsating, shooting pain with possible neck and shoulder tension, constipation, dehydration, stiffness, and sciatic. 

Treatment: Drink warm water and incorporate more ghee into the diet. If constipation is severe, toxins will ferment in the colon, and their gases will rise. Drinking Triphala tea and performing a sesame oil enema are suggested. Mahanarayan Abhyanga oil, sesame nasya, and Shirodhara and Shiro Basti can be helpful. Use peppermint and lavender essential oils.

Pitta- (Migraine or Cluster) headaches are located in the temporal area and are associated with hot, wet, mobile, and light conditions. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, sharp piercing pain, burning sensations, irritability, and extreme sensitivity to bright lights. Indigestion, hyperacidity, and sensitivity to light are prevalent.

Treatment: Massaging coconut oil on the head and scalp is soothing. Herbs such as Shatavari, Gotu Kola, and aloe vera gel will balance. Eating frequent meals is recommended, and putting a few drops of Brahmi Ghee in the nostrils relieves migraines.  Use peppermint and lavender essentials.

Kapha- (Sinus) are associated with cold, heavy, moist, and stagnant sensations. It is located in the frontal head and sinus area, and nasal congestion (ama) creates pressure in the sinus cavities. This pressure brings a dull, achy feeling to the face and head, aggravated by the spring allergy season.

Treatment: Using a neti pot and nasya oil will clear stuffiness. Fresh ginger tea, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves reduce congestion.  Use eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint, and tulsi essential oils.