Why it happens (Nidana)
Skipped meals and dehydration, sun exposure, fermented/aged foods, hormonal shifts, sleep irregularity, screen strain, stress build-up then sudden relaxation (weekend migraine).
Mind & Sleep
Migraine & Headache · Ardhavabhedaka
vata involvedpitta involved Source: Ashtanga Hridaya Uttara 23; Madhava Nidana (Shiroroga)
Ardhavabhedaka — "splitting half (of the head)" — is the classical description of migraine. Ayurveda manages it by identifying triggers (skipped meals, sun, fermented foods, poor sleep), calming Vata-Pitta with Shirolepa (cooling head packs), Brahmi and regulated routine.
See a doctor first if: Sudden "worst-ever" headache, headache with fever and stiff neck, weakness or speech difficulty, or new headache after 50 are emergencies — seek care immediately.
How it shows up (Lakshana)
One-sided throbbing headache, nausea or vomiting, light and sound sensitivity, visual aura in some, attacks lasting hours to days, relief after sleep or vomiting.
Key herbs & formulations
Brahmi, Jatamansi, Yashtimadhu, Shunthi (dry ginger paste on forehead — traditional), Pathyadi decoction (practitioner-guided); Shirodhara therapy at a clinic.
Classical medicines beyond kitchen herbs should be taken under a registered Ayurvedic practitioner, especially with existing medication, in pregnancy, or for children.
Home care protocol (Chikitsa)
Never skip meals — keep regular eating times; hydrate well; sandalwood or dry-ginger paste on forehead at onset; rest in a dark quiet room; cold compress for Pitta-type, warm for Vata-type; keep a trigger diary for 4 weeks; regular sleep schedule including weekends.
Food rules (Pathya–Apathya)
Favour
Regular warm meals, sweet juicy fruits, coconut water, soaked almonds, ghee in moderation, adequate water.
Avoid
Aged cheese, fermented and preserved foods, MSG-heavy food, red wine/alcohol, excess coffee (and sudden caffeine withdrawal), long gaps between meals.
Lifestyle (Vihara)
Screen breaks every 30 minutes; sunglasses in harsh sun; consistent sleep; manage stress before it accumulates; gentle neck stretches.
Yoga & breath
Bhramari, Anulom Vilom, Yoga Nidra between attacks; avoid inversions and strong Kapalabhati during an attack.
AyurSetu provides traditional Ayurvedic wellness information for education only. It is not a medical diagnosis and does not replace consultation with a qualified physician. Seek immediate medical care for severe, sudden or persistent symptoms.