Overview
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of healing, is based on the three doshas or body types known as Vata, Kapha and Pitta. When a headache occurs, Ayurveda teaches that one or more of the doshas in the body are out of balance. While traditional medicine may focus more on pain relief, the primary goal of an Ayurvedic diagnosis is to find the root of the problem and eliminate it through diet or lifestyle adjustments to bring the doshas back into balance. This type of holistic approach may help a headache sufferer understand the many factors involved, to further prevent headaches. Ayurveda also offers many natural options for the management of pain relief for an existing headache.
Emotional Factors
According to Blue Lotus Ayurveda, a headache may be caused by one or a combination of several factors, which may begin with the emotions. When pain occurs in the front of the head, emotions such as anxiety and fear may be involved. Pain at the back of the head may be caused by possessiveness or depression. Emotions involved with pain in between the two may be caused by anger, jealousy or judgment.
Physical Causes
It is also possible that a headache is a sign of an underlying physical condition, according to Blue Lotus Ayurveda. Nose, throat or gum infections may cause headaches with pain that goes from the cheeks to the temples. A more common cause of a headache is due to environmental irritants such as insecticides, disinfectants, perfumes and pollen allergies.
According to Blue Lotus Ayurveda, headaches located on the top of the head may be caused by high blood pressure. Other possible physical causes for headaches include glaucoma, ear infections, hypoglycemia, obesity, fatigue, sunstroke, withdrawal from an addiction and misalignment of the spine.
Marma Point Therapy
In Ayurveda, the use of marma, or energy points, may be utilized to relieve a headache. According to Blue Lotus Ayurveda, these points may be rubbed or pressed for about 60 to 90 seconds. The location of the “third eye” between the brows and the center of the chin are two of these points. Other marma points for a headache include the mid-point of the thumb, the big toe and the muscle between the thumb and index fingers.
Essential Oils
Applying essential oils to the source of the pain is a common Ayurvedic practice. Headaches associated with the Kapha dosha may be sinus-related and may be relieved by essential oils of ginger, eucalyptus, clove and cinnamon. Vata headaches, which may be throbbing and located at the base of the skull, may be eased by nutmeg or musk oils. Pitta headaches, which are often pulsating and located in the temples, may be helped by sandalwood, jasmine and rose oils.
Prevention
Ayurveda teaches that true health can only be found in balancing the doshas, and offers specific guidelines for each body type to follow to achieve this. However, AyurvedicMedicines.com provides several recommendations for persons of every dosha to follow to prevent headaches. Getting proper exercise, stretching, and massage are important for stress relief and preventing headaches. Other suggestions include avoiding spicy and fried foods, not sleeping during the daytime and avoiding direct sunlight. Taking walks during the full moon is also recommended.
About this Author
Pamela Gentry has been a full-time writer and title editor for Demand Studios for two years. Gentry also has current published work on: eHow, Associated Content, The Examiner, Helium and Your Healthy Day.Net.
