Migraines are common these days. Migraines are headaches that are usually felt unilaterally. This headache is different from the usual ones. In migraines, a person experiences throbbing pain, sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Let’s understand how to cure migraine naturally with the help of herbs and yoga.
There are many medications to cure migraines, but here, you will learn about natural ways that can help you to keep your migraines away.
Ayurveda presents many herbs that can reduce your migraine symptoms.
Here are some commonly used herbs to cure migraines
Do you know what is the best herb for migraines? It’s Brahmi!
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera):
This well-known herb is an adaptogen and exhibits calming and stress-reducing properties. Because of these properties, it helps manage migraines triggered by stress and anxiety.
Usually, Ashwagandha is consumed in the form of powder ( churna) or as a tablet (vati). The recommended dosage of this herb varies depending on the individual and should always be consumed under the prescription of an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri):
Brahmi is renowned for its brain-nourishing and calming properties. In Ayurveda brahmi is classified under medya rasayan. Medya means intellect in Ayurveda, and medya herb can help reduce the intensity. Being a media herb, Brahmi can reduce the frequency of migraines. Brahmi can be consumed as a powder, capsule, or liquid extract. An Ayurvedic practitioner should determine the dosage and form of consumption.
Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis):
Shankhpushpi is a well-known herb for its neuroprotective and memory-enhancing properties. It is beneficial in managing migraines associated with cognitive imbalances. Shankhpushpi is available as a powdered herb or syrup or tablets, with the dosage determined by an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Dashmool (a blend of ten roots):
Dashmool is a Ayurvedic preparation of roots of ten different herbs namely bel, agnimanth, shyonak, patla, gambhari, shalparni, prashniparni, brihati, kantakari and gokshura. This formulation is commonly used in Ayurveda for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in alleviating pain and reduces inflammation. Therefore, it can help in treating migraines. Dashmool is generally prepared as a decoction and consumed orally.
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia):
Guduchi is an immune-modulating herb that acts as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. It subsides migraines caused by immune system imbalances. Guduchi is typically consumed as a powder, capsule, or liquid extract.
Before you ingest any of the above-mentioned herbs, always remember that the dosage and form of consumption of these herbs vary from person to person. It changes depending on the individual, their dosha imbalance, and the severity of their condition. Thus, it is essential to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner first. Your doctor will determine the appropriate herb, dosage, and consumption mode for your Prakriti and health condition.
Now, you will learn about the yoga postures that can help you cope with migraines. Yoga’s relaxing effect helps relieve migraines symptoms. It not only helps keep an individual stress-free but also improves their overall well-being.
While trying yoga for migraines, keep in mind that yoga alone may not cure severe migraines, but it can help subside symptoms and also help prevent their occurrence.
Here are some yoga postures to cure migraines
Do you know what is the best yoga for migraines? It’s a child pose.
Child’s Pose (Balasana):
You can follow these simple steps for the pose-
- For the first step, kneel on the floor with your knees hip-width apart.
- Now, lower your torso between your thighs. While you do so, your forehead should rest on the mat.
- Now, extend your arms and place them alongside your body with palms facing up.
- Close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply so your body can relax. Maintain this posture for 1 -3 minutes.
Benefits: Child’s Pose helps calm the nervous system, releases tension in the back and neck region, and promotes relaxation.
Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana):
You can follow these simple steps for the pose-
- Begin on your hands and knees. Align your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips.
- Further, lift your hips and tuck your toes. Try to straighten your legs as much as you can.
- Now, gently press your palms firmly into the mat to distribute your weight evenly between your hands and feet.
- Relax in a position such that your head hangs between your arms. Maintain this posture for 1 -3 minutes.
Benefits: Downward-Facing Dog helps in relaxing the neck, shoulders, and back. This pose also improves blood circulation to the brain.
Supine Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana):
You can follow these simple steps for the pose-
- While lying on your back, stretch your arms to the sides, forming a “T” shape.
- Now, bend your left knee and place your right foot on the right knee. After this, drop both knees slowly to the left side. Your shoulders should remain grounded.
- As the last step, turn your head and look over your left shoulder. Maintain this posture for 1 -3 minutes.
- Repeat on the other side as well.
Benefits: The Supine Spinal Twist helps relax spinal muscles and the nervous system. It also improves spinal flexibility and circulation.
Summary
It’s essential to listen to your body. Many times, we overlook migraines, thinking that they are regular headaches. If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, then you should consult a doctor.
To treat and cure migraines with Ayurvedic medicines and yoga, you must consult an Ayurvedic practitioner and yoga instructor. Wrong medications and dosages can harm your body.
Yoga posture should always be done correctly. Yoga modifications can be done under the guidance of a yoga instructor. Remember, doing the wrong yoga may drastically affect your migraines. On the other hand, practising yoga regularly, incorporating breathing exercises, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can increase the probability to cure migraines.
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