Headaches

headaches

Headaches are a “headache” to treat :)! First, you have to figure out the type of headache is and accordingly tailor the remedy.

Type	Pain Location	Associated Symptoms	Causes	Aggravating Factors
Vata	Back of head Left side of head	Neck and shoulder tension Stiff back Constipation Dehydration	Anxiety, stress, fear, nervousness, over activity, constipation	High altitude Movement
Pitta	Temples and temporal area Central part of head	Irritability Stomach upset Nausea Burning of eyes Dizziness Shooting, burning, intense pain	Hyperacidity Getting overheated Pitta provoking food	Bright light Hot sun Pitta aggravating foods
Kapha	Upper frontal Nasal/sinus areas of head	Usually strikes in winter/spring, morning or evening Nose block, cold, cough, allergies Dull and deep-seated	Kapha provoking diet and lifestyle	Bending Cold surroundings

There are other causes for headaches like eye problems, tension in the neck, lack of sleep, stress, incorrect sleeping posture etc.

Vata Headaches:

Due to the association with dehydration, drinking lime juice with sugar and salt, using proportions acceptable to your taste will help. Don’t overdo the sugar or salt though!
Mix 2 tsp of flaxseed in 1 cup of warm milk and drink in the night before sleeping. This helps in flushing toxins from the colon. 1/2 tsp of triphala in 1/2 cup or 1 cup of warm water at night will also serve the same purpose.
Oil massages with sesame oil before a warm shower.
Putting a few drops (1-2 in the beginning that can be increased slowly to 3-4 drops) of warm ghee in each nostril.
Rubbing some sesame oil on soles of feet and scalp just before going to bed.
Make a paste with nutmeg powder (jaiphal) and water and apply on the affected parts. Leave for half an hour and wash it off.
Follow a vata pacifying diet i.e. eat more moist, warm, grounding foods. Avoid too much stimulation and exercise, adopt some relaxation techniques and a routine.

Pitta Headaches:

Eat something sweet like a sweet fruit or ice cream or even a small piece of candy.
Putting a few drops (1-2 in the beginning that can be increased slowly to 3-4 drops) of warm ghee in each nostril.
Drink aloe vera juice or 2 tbsp of aloe vera gel up to 3 times a day.
Drink a tea of cumin (jeera) and coriander (dhania) seeds. Soak 1/2 tsp of cumin and 1/2 tsp of coriander seeds in 3 cups of hot water, soak for 10 mins, strain, cool tea and drink several times a day.
Make a paste with sandalwood powder (chandan) and water and apply on the affected parts. Leave for half an hour and wash it off.
Rubbing some coconut/brahmi/bhringraj oil on soles of feet and scalp just before going to bed.
Follow a pitta pacifying diet and lifestyle i.e. avoid spicy, sour, salty foods, alcohol and favor mild, cooling foods and drinks. Avoid going out in the hot sun, over exercising, sleeping late at night etc and take life easy in general.

Kapha Headaches:

Steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil, dried ginger powder will help.
Make a paste with dried ginger powder or cinnamon powder and water and apply on affected parts. Leave for a few minutes and wash it off. This may burn a little, so try with a small amount first especially if using for a child and then proceed if the child is okay with it. Avoid getting it into the eyes while washing it off.
Jal neti or Neti pot nasal rinses with slightly warm, saline water help in such situations.

Choose wisely and live well!