Background
Ms. Ritu, a 32-year-old marketing professional, had been suffering from chronic migraine for over 8 years. Her headaches were severe, often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light, and occasional vomiting. Over-the-counter painkillers and prescription medicines gave only temporary relief, leaving her exhausted and stressed. Her migraines were triggered by work pressure, irregular meals, and certain foods like chocolates and fried items.
Ayurvedic Assessment
At Ayurvedshala, a thorough evaluation revealed that Ms. Ritu had a Pitta-dominant constitution, with aggravated Pitta in the head region. Stress and irregular lifestyle patterns had contributed to the imbalance, and Vata aggravation was also evident, explaining nausea and digestive upset during attacks. The root cause was identified as Pitta-Vata imbalance, compounded by improper diet, sleep deprivation, and prolonged stress.
Treatment Plan
- Therapies
- Shirodhara: Warm herbal oil poured over the forehead for 30 minutes, 3 times a week. It calmed the nervous system and reduced Pitta.
- Nasya (nasal therapy): Medicated oils administered daily to clear sinus congestion and improve circulation to the head.
- Herbal Medicines
- Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Shankhapushpi to calm the mind and reduce stress.
- Triphala at night for digestion and detoxification.
- Dietary Changes
- Avoided spicy, fried, and fermented foods. Reduced caffeine and chocolates.
- Included cooling foods like cucumber, coconut water, and saffron milk.
- Lifestyle Adjustments
- Consistent sleep schedule of 7–8 hours.
- Daily pranayama: Anulom Vilom and Sheetali for stress management.
- Gentle yoga focusing on neck, shoulder, and head relaxation.
Progress
- Weeks 2–4: Reduced headache intensity and improved sleep. Less irritability and stress.
- Weeks 5–8: Migraine frequency dropped by 70%. Occasional headaches manageable without painkillers.
- Month 3: Significant control over migraines. Energy, focus, and overall wellbeing improved.
Conclusion
Ayurveda addressed the root cause rather than just symptoms. Combining therapies, herbs, diet, and lifestyle adjustments led to long-term relief and improved quality of life for Ms. Ritu, demonstrating a holistic approach to migraine management.
