Ayurvedic Perspective of Migraine and its management
Migraine is one of the worst headaches a person can experience. It is described as a throbbing or pulsating pain that can be on one side of the head.It can begin in a specific area and then spread while it builds in intensity. A migraine is associated with nausea and vomiting. The person will also be
sensitive to light, sounds and even certain smells. Sleeping can be difficult and many people become depressed. They can last for a couple of hours or for several days. The symptoms of Migraine almost simulates with the condition “Ardhaavabhedaka “ which is one among the 11 types of Shiro rogas explained
in Ayurvedic classics .Lets discuss about the causative factors, pathology and management of Migraine in Ayurveda.
General Pathology
Vagbhata in the Ashtanga Hridaya explains the causative factors of Shiro ruja (Different types of head aches) as Air pollution, too much exposure of sun, cold, over use of water activities, too much sleeping or less sleep, sweating of head,
stress and related conditions, holding of tear, too much water intake, alcohol over use, infections, blocking natural urges, not being tidy and clean- both internally and externally, reduced oil application on body, use of computer or similar activities where the person has to look downwards for a longer period of time, digestive disturbances, talking on loud voice for longer time etc. Because of these factors, the Doshas are vitiated with the dominance of Vata, reaches head to create the pathological process. There is a migraine "pain centre" or generator in the brain. A migraine begins when hyperactive nerve cells send out impulses to the blood vessels, causing them to clamp down or constrict, followed by dilation (expanding) and the release of
prostaglandins, serotonin, and other inflammatory substances that cause the pulsation to be painful. The hyper action of the nerve cells and expansion and dilation of blood vessels are caused because of the Vata vitiation due to the above factors. This further vitiates Pitta and Kapha Doshas in our body, which
causes the inflammatory process. Charaka also mentioned that if this condition left untreated, it can lead to blindness or deafness.
Management in Ayurveda
Ayurveda has a variety of efficacious procedures and medications with no drawbacks and incidence of recurrence in the treatment of Migraine. Internal preparations, external treatments and Panchakarma (purification) treatments
are adopted for the management. This is done after a detailed diagnosis according to Ayurvedic methods. History of the disease with duration, previous disease history, mental state, pattern of sleep, appetite, food habits, activities, analysing the sense organs, analysing the pulse, character of stool and urine,
menstrual history, etc are examined in detail. This helps to get knowledge regarding the involvement of Dosha and the intensity of the disease. Treatment is done according to these two factors. First phase in the management of Migraine (Ardhavabhedaka) is Nidana Parivarjana (avoiding Triggering factors). Ayurveda enlists various nidanas (Reasons) which includes aharaja (diet born), vihaaraja (lifestyle related), manasika (mind and emotions related) factors. Most of the nidanas mentioned in Ayurveda go in similarity with migraine triggers, which has an active part in the diagnosis as well as in planning the treatment modalities.
Therapies Generally Used.---
External treatments along with the internal preparations are very effective in chronic conditions. Panchakarma helps to remove the accumulated toxins and help to strengthen the nerve system. Involvement of other systemic disorders is also taken into account before deciding the treatment protocols.
1. Thala pothichil : Various kinds of paste (grinded mixture of selected herbs in suitable liquid media ) over the forehead / entire head help for the sudden relief from the ache. The preparations help to normalize the hyper action of the nerve cells and regulates the blood circulation towards the brain
2. Thalam : Special herbal powders suitable to reduce the Dosha vitiation, are selected and mixed with suitable liquid media(oils/ghee) and this medicated herbal paste is applied lukewarm over the crown of head (Anatomically over the Bregma point on skull). (Dur 25-45min).
3. Shiro abhyanga : Head Massaging with Oils suitable for the Dosha vitiation, helps to increase the blood circulation towards brain and also helps to relax the spastic muscles on head. Special care is taken to massage the Marmas or the Vital points on head which have marvelous results.
4. Nasya : Nasya (application of herbal preparations through nostrils) is one of the treatments which directly acts on the nerves and removes the toxins accumulated in the sinuses. Mucus lining inside the nostrils are one of the areas where numerous nerve endings are exposed. The medicated oils applied through Nasya directly acts on these nerve endings and help to pacify Vata Dosha in disturbed nerves and control the abnormal impulses gernerated by these nerves. The special preparations used for Nasya drains the mucus deposited in the sinuses there by the pressure in this area is relieved. The
medicinal contents of the oils administered, stimulate the higher centers of brain which have actions on regulation of endocrine, nervous system and circulatory functions.
5. Shiro dhara : Shiro dhara with Takram (medicated butter milk) is also another important therapy which is used to control the vitiated vata kapha doshas localized head.(Dur 25-75min) Other Panchakarma treatments like Vasti (a course of medicated oil and decoction enemas), Virechana (purgation) also helps to put the toxins out from the body.
After the Panchakarma therapies, special preparations called Rasayana (immuno regulatory) is administered. Rasayana preparations improve the immune system further improving the perception of sense organs. Migraine due to other systemic involvement like psychological problems, digestive problems,
blood pressure, ophthalmic problems, immune problem, improper menstruation, etc will be relieved when treated according to the specific treatment told for these diseases.

MYSTERY OF DEVOTION: DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

We are often desperate to spread our conviction about NAMA and NAMASMARAN!
Why is this so?
This is because, even as we are convinced for years together that NAMASMARAN is the key to individual and universal blossoming, we do not have the experience of 1) the continuous universal grace of NAMA, 2) the ecstatic romance involved in NAMASMARAN and 3) most importantly its supreme and pivotal role in individual and universal blossoming.
But at some point in time, we get; 1) the glimpse of the universal grace of NAMA, 2) the ecstatic romance involved in NAMASMARAN and 3) most importantly the supreme and pivotal role of this romance in individual and universal blossoming.
At this point, we are “promoted” to the status of being romantically involved in NAMASMARAN, from the status of “understanding its importance; and practicing and spreading it”!
With this promotion we feel happy that we could practice and spread NAMASMARAN without being disheartened, cynical, indolent and escapist about it! We feel happy in the realization that while we are promoted to the status of being romantically involved in NAMASMARAN, the spread of the importance of NMASMARAN is actually multiplied, by the divine hand, without us being apparently involved in it!
We begin to get freed from our obsession, as we become aware of the infinitely more powerful mighty hand of God involved in universalization of NAMASMARAN!

BEYOND SENILITY: DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

In modern days aging is a major concern. There is a definite fear about aging and senility. There is a feeling of helplessness.

This is because; we take into account our physical characteristics such as our looks, our strength, our sexual potency, sexual charm etc. while considering the aging and senility. All these deteriorate and hence we get frustrated. Moreover; our intellectual capacity diminishes and our mind becomes weak and fickle! So, we feel miserable as aging advances.

But a person who practices NAMASMARAN, counts his or her life in terms of the count of NAMA! Since the count of NAMA goes on increasing with age, he or she feels increasingly satisfied even in the presence of debilitating symptoms of aging! This is like getting something far more valuable and far more endearing in exchange of something of relatively lesser value and of lesser concern!

In fact, this is like entering in a new and beautiful house, while the old is getting dilapidated and nearing collapse.

It can also be compared to returning to mother NAMA; after prolonged separation and being in the veil of the step mother viz. the body senses and the illusions created by them, which is undergoing aging and senility! Naturally the practitioner of NAMASMARAN, who is now in the perceptibly caring custody of Guru Mauli (NAMA); is increasingly fulfilled even amidst the aging and senility!

GURUKRUPA: DR. SHRINIWAS JANARDAN KASHALIKAR

The infinite universe, the myriads of events and the space and time cannot be comprehended completely; and are beyond human intellect. We know that we don’t know it.
We do not know the reality; hence it is true that what we write is not a reality.
Even though; it springs from reality; it gets quite distorted in the process of being filtered through the thick filter of our body needs, subjective instincts, feelings and thoughts.
Hence there is always an apprehension about whether what gets expressed through us; is a worth expressing and presenting. This is especially true, if we are writing about such a meritorious topic as NAMASMARAN!
Another thing; is we are ordinary or even less. We have not internalized the majesty and glory of NAMA and NAMASMARAN; expressed in our writing.
But this is understandable. How can an individual match the glory and majesty of the trans-temporal absolute reality?
Hence without assuming any credibility; we can write and present; with due humility; what we understand about NAMA, NAMASMARAN and SUPERLIVING or HOLISTIC RENAISSANCE or TOTAL STESSS MANAGEMENT!
In fact; while doing so; i.e. following SWADHARMA our Guru is taking us to the individual and global blossoming!
Our mortal existence and our crap in our writing; should and will perish at appropriate times; as and when they deserve.
But NAMA would victoriously continue to illumine the universe; with NAMASMARAN; in different ways, by different means; and in appropriate manner!
This small bunch of articles is a tribute to the eternal victory (VIJAY) of NAMA!

LOVE: DR. SHRINIWAS JANARDAN KASHALIKAR

Probably majority of us feel like loving! But majority of us probably do not know how to love!
Love is very much there; in every heart. In fact there is an eternal ocean of love in every heart and this is what is referred to as the true self! There is a fountain of nectar of immortality; in the core of every being.
We simply have to overcome the insensitivity to this source of eternal love in our own and others’ hearts. We have to open our eyes to the beauty of our own and others inner charm. We have to have passionate urge to drink the fountains of nectar in our own and others’ core.
But at least this was not possible for me; on my own!
I found (Thanks to my Guru) that NAMASMARAN removes the infection of pettiness and ego; from our core; and empowers us to reach out to the depth of others. NAMASMARAN strips off our innate core of its repulsive prejudice, vengeance; and callousness; and empowers us; to wholeheartedly welcome the others, who are trying to reach out to our cores!
NAMASMARAN adds melody and rhythm to life; by immortalizing it!
This is victory (VIJAY) of NAMA!