Ayurveda & Pitta Headaches

Ayurveda & Pitta Headaches

According to Ayurveda the Pitta is the Dosha that represents the sun and fire principles, so it makes sense that a Pitta Headache will be hot and penetrating.

A Pitta headache typically starts in the temples and spreads with intensity to the central part of your head. 

This headache is more likely than others to develop into a migraine, where the capillaries in the head expand and cause pain, symptoms can develop into sharp piercing pain, burning sensations, irritability, dizziness, nausea and extreme sensitivity to bright lights.

As all ayurvedic diagnosis, we are always looking at the imbalance of the body type and Pitta headaches are often linked to imbalances in the stomach and intestines, such as acid indigestion, hyperacidity or heartburn.

There are many causes of Pitta migraines, heat and sun exposure, alcohol, chocolate, overexcitement, hypoglycemia due to hunger, and hormonal/estrogen fluctuations.

Support

Pitta is associated with the element of fire. Our goal when remedying a Pitta headache is to cool the fire in the body and clear acidity.

·        Avoid spicy, salty, fried foods and add more cooling foods such as cucumbers, watermelon, cilantro or dates to your daily diet.

·        Massaging coconut oil on the head and scalp is very soothing.

·        Putting a paste of sandalwood powder on the forehead calms pitta.

·        Herbs such as Shatavari and aloe vera gel maintain female hormone balance.

·        Eating frequent meals prevent hypoglycemia, and in case of acute migraine, snacking on something sweet like fruit or date can help regulate low blood sugar.

·        Putting a few drops of Brahmi Ghee in the nostrils relieves migraines.

The key to relieving a Pitta headache is to cool, calm and slow down.