Migraine

Causes of Migraine:

• Can be a result of Vata, Pitta or Kapha imbalance
• Usually - because of Pitta imbalance. Pitta moves and circulates in cardiovascular system affecting blood vessels around the brain.
• Blood vessels dilated because of hot, sharp qualities of Pitta.

Preventive Diet: 

Pitta-pacifying foods should be consumed, and hot, spicy, sour and fermented foods should be avoided.

If you get migraine at midday and it subsides in the evening, you might want to try eating this:

• Take 1 ripe chopped banana. 
• Add 1 tsp warm ghee and 1 tsp of date sugar and a pinch of cardamom on top.

Preventive Action: 

Avoid direct exposure to the sun.

Herbal Combination to take:

Ingredients:

• Shatavari
• Brahmi
• Jatamamsi
• Musta

Take the above-mentioned ingredients in 5:4:3:3 ratio.

Dosage:

Take ½ tsp twice a day morning and evening after food with a lukewarm water.

Recommended Yoga Postures and Exercise:

People who suffer from migraine headaches should do the following yoga exercises:

• Moon Salutation
• Hidden Lotus
• Boat Pose
• Bow Pose
• Spinal Twist
• Palm Tree pose
• Standing on your Toes

Recommended Pranayama:

Shitali Pranayam

What can be done when one gets a migraine headache?

Curative Nasya: After you get a migraine headache, put 5 drops of brahmi ghee in your nose for relief in pain.

A Healing Yawn: Gently squeeze your earlobes, pulling the ear down and doing the act of yawning. [This works because it will relieve the pressure on blood vessels.]

References:

Primary Source: The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies - Vasant Lad - Pg 244-245