12 Feb

Handling Headaches Ayurvedically

Lissa Coffey

Lissa Coffey

Lissa Coffey

At some point or another, we’ve all had a headache.  And now that we know about Ayurveda, we have more tools we can use to manage this common condition.  Headaches can be caused by indigestion, constipation, colds or flus, muscle tension, stress, anxiety, anger –lots of different things.  And they can be aggravated by the weather, genetics, and other factors.

A Vata headache is extremely painful, and anxiety and/or depression are usually present.  To treat this headache, try taking some Triphala, drinking Vata tea, and resting.

A Pitta headache is one where the eyes are sensitive to light, and you feel hot, angry or irritable.  Sometimes this is accompanied by a nose bleed.  A beneficial treatment is to apply sandalwood oil to the third eye area, the temples, heart and under the nose to additionally benefit from the aroma.

A Kapha headache is dull and heavy.  You feel tired and nauseous.  Phlegm may be present.  For this condition, basil is helpful, as an herb on food, or as a tea.  The aroma of eucalyptus oil is also beneficial.

Shirodara, a very warm oil head massage, is beneficial for overcoming any headache.


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Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)

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