Migraine Through the Ayurvedic Lens.

Understanding the Types, Causes, and Gentle Ways to Find Relief

Migraines are more than “just headaches.”
They affect the nervous system, digestion, emotions, and the body’s ability to tolerate light, sound, and movement. Ayurveda has long understood this complexity and offers a root-cause, individualized perspective rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.

Instead of asking “What painkiller will stop this?”, Ayurveda asks:
Which dosha is disturbed, and why is the body expressing pain in the head?

How migraines feel in Ayurveda (dosha-wise understanding)

Vata-type migraine

How it feels

• Sharp, piercing, throbbing, or shifting pain

• Pain may move from one side to another

• Dryness, anxiety, restlessness

• Worse with cold wind, travel, irregular meals, lack of sleep

Root cause
Vata governs the nervous system and movement. When aggravated, it creates instability, dryness, and spasmodic pain in the head and neck.

Pitta-type migraine

How it feels

• Burning, pounding, or intense pain

• Sensitivity to light, heat, smells, and noise

• Nausea, acidity, irritability, anger

• Worse with sun exposure, heat, spicy or sour foods

Root cause
Excess heat and inflammation disturb blood flow and nerve tissues in the head, leading to intense, fiery pain.

Kapha-type headache (less common migraine form)

How it feels

• Dull, heavy, pressure-like pain

• Congestion, sinus heaviness, lethargy

• Worse in the morning or with damp, cold weather

Root cause
Kapha excess leads to stagnation, mucus, and blocked channels affecting circulation in the head.

Many migraines are Vata–Pitta dominant, meaning both nervous system instability and heat are involved.

Common Ayurvedic causes of migraine

• Irregular eating or skipping meals

• Poor digestion and toxin (ama) buildup

• Excess screen time and mental overstimulation

• Suppression of natural urges (sleep, hunger, emotions)

• Chronic stress or emotional strain

• Exposure to cold wind, heat, or bright light

• Dehydration

• Overuse of stimulants (coffee, energy drinks)

In Ayurveda, when digestion, circulation, or the nervous system are disturbed, the head often speaks first.

Gentle Ayurvedic support for migraines

1. Marma points (self-care support)

Marma points are subtle energy points that influence nerves and circulation.

Gentle daily practice (use light pressure):

• Sthapani (between the eyebrows) – calms the nervous system

• Shankha (temples) – eases tension and throbbing

• Adhipati (crown of the head) – supports overall head balance

• Manyamoola (base of skull/neck) – releases neck-related headaches

Massage slowly for 30–60 seconds with warm oil or simply gentle touch.

2. Dietary support (food as medicine)

Favour

• Warm, freshly cooked meals

• Rice, oats, mung dal, soups, stews

• Ghee (especially helpful for Vata and Pitta migraines)

• Cooling spices: coriander, fennel, cumin

• Warm herbal teas (coriander–fennel, ginger in small amounts)

Reduce or avoid

• Skipping meals

• Very spicy, sour, or fermented foods

• Ice-cold drinks

• Excess caffeine, alcohol

• Processed and packaged foods

Digestion is central in migraine care—when digestion is calm, the head follows.

3. Lifestyle changes that truly matter

• Maintain regular meal and sleep times

• Avoid late nights and overworking the mind

• Protect the head and neck from cold wind

• Limit screen exposure, especially at night

• Create pauses during the day—silence is medicine for migraines

4. Oil therapies and nervous system calming

• Abhyanga (self oil massage) with warm sesame or medicated oil

• Gentle head and neck oiling before sleep (2–3 times a week)

• Warm showers after oiling to relax muscles and nerves

Oil is deeply grounding and stabilizing—especially for Vata-driven migraines.

5. Herbal support (general guidance)

Ayurveda traditionally uses herbs that:

• Calm the nervous system

• Reduce inflammation and heat

• Support digestion and circulation

Herbs should always be chosen based on dosha and individual constitution, ideally with professional guidance.

A compassionate reminder

Migraines are not a weakness.
They are a signal—asking for rhythm, nourishment, rest, and nervous system care.

Ayurveda does not aim to suppress symptoms overnight. It works gently, patiently, and deeply—helping the body regain balance so migraines reduce in frequency, intensity, and duration over time.

Healing begins not with force, but with understanding.