Headache
Definition:-
Headache is one of the most common problems that we suffer from. It refers to a condition when a person experiences pain in the neck, head and upper back. In some cases these pains are mild and occasional in nature and usually we do not pay any heed to them. Medical intervention is needed if you suffer from severe pain and this problem continues for a long period of time. It may be the symptom of some other serious problems. A doctor should be consulted at an early stage to avoid any complication in future.
Comman causes:-
Sinusitis, tension, eye strain, migraine, low blood sugar and dehydration are the most common causes that can trigger headaches. In case of some serious and secondary headaches, severe ailments like encephalitis, meningitis, cerebral aneurysms, brain tumors, and extremely high blood pressure turn out to be the cause for the condition. Estrogen fluctuation during menstrual years may trigger headache in women. Headache may occur due to bad posture, work conditions, weak eyesight or a weak neck. Constipation, overeating, bad eating habits are the other causes responsible for the occurrence of headache.
Another common cause of this pain is congestion in the respiratory system. Athletes and sportspersons are more prone to this kind of problem. Mastoiditis and ear infections can create parietal or temporary headaches. Headache can occur due to ringing in the ear (a vata disorder). Headaches may also occur due to head injury, exhaustion, fatigue, or muscular contractions. Eye problems, like glaucoma, may also trigger a headache. One should consult a doctor if the problem persists.
Symptoms:-
Headache itself may be a symptom of some other ailment. But we do not pay much importance to it until affects us more seriously in the long run. Some of the collateral symptoms that may be experienced during headache are nausea, blurry vision, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. A person suffering from this pain can feel terribly cold or warm, and tired. Dizziness, upset stomach, throbbing pain and extreme sensitivity to noise, light and odors are other common symptoms.
Yogic cure:-
[1]Shatkarma {Purificatory techniques}
{a}Kunjal {Volitional stomach wash}
{b} Jal-neti { Nose wash by water}
[2] Yogasanas {Posture}
{a} Paschimottanasana {Posterior stretch}
{b} Halasana {Plough}
{c} Sarvangasana {Shoulder stand}
{d} Uttanapadasana {Foot stretch}
{e} Sirshasana {Head stand}
{f} Ustrasana {Camel}
{g} Shavasana {Corpse}
{h} Pawanmuktasana {Wind relese}
{i} Vajrasana {Adamantine}
{j} Marjari asana {Cat posture}
{k} Gomukhasana {Cow head posture}
{l} Shashankasana {Moon posture}
{m} Setubandhasana {Bridge posture}
[3]Pranayama {Body-mind energising breathing practices}
{a} Kapal-bhati {Lungs and brain wash by breathing}
{b} Nadi-shodhan { }
{c} Bhramari {Humming Bee pranayama}
{d} Sheetali {Beak tongue pranayama}
[4]Bandhas:- {Bands}
{a} Janandhar bandha {Chin lock}
[5]Mudras: {Finger –posture}
{a} Mritsanjivini mudra
{b} Vipreetkarni mudra
[6] Dhayan {Meditation}
{7} Yogic diet:-
A balanced diet can also play a crucial role in preventing or treating headaches. Some headaches result from a missed meal or a lack of protein and can be alleviated by eating a healthy protein snack. Include fruits, green vegetables (salad), and pulses in meals.
The non-vegetarians can eat fish and liver with least amount of spices.
Drink a lot of water.
There are also some foods which are suspected of causing headaches, such as some nuts, aged cheeses, and chocolate, and foods containing nitrates or monosodium glutamate.
Smokers should stop smoking. Reduce the number of cups of coffee tea or stop it completely. You simply don’t need any external stimulants.
Home Remedies For Headache
- The herb marjoram is beneficial in the treatment of a nervous headache. An infusion of the leaves is taken as a tea in the treatment of this disorder.
- acupressure: reduce headache pain,by squeezing the web of skin between the thumb and pointer finger as hard as you can; or use both thumbs and apply pressure under the bony ridges at the back of the head.
- Boil Vinager and water, cover your head with a towel and sniff the mix. This helps with sinus headaches.
- Roast some caraway seeds dry. Tie in a soft handkerchief or muslin cloth and sniff to get a relief from headaches.
- The flowers of henna have been found valuable in curing headaches caused by hot sun. The flowers should be rubbed in vinegar and applied over the forehead. This remedy will soon provide relief.
- B6 or B complex vitamins can prevent headaches or lessen their severity
- Apply the paste of 3-4 cloves on the fore head.
- Chamomile tea can also calm you, so you can sleep which will help your headache.
- Make a herbal tea with 10-15 holy basil leaves (tulsi), 5-6 peppercorns and 1/2″ ginger piece, powder. Keep in an air tight bottle. Take 2 pinches with warm water when a headache starts.
- Use a cold pack: the cold can cool your head and numb the pain.
Further suggestion:-
- Maintain regular sleep pattern. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day.
- Do exercise regularly. For example, Yoga Class for a least 30 minutes three times a week will definitely help reduce frequency or severity of migraine.
- Balanced diet is the best remedy for preventing or treating headaches. Eat regular meals, do not skip meals.
- Handle stress intelligently. Limit stress by avoiding conflicts and resolving disputes calmly.
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Yogi Yoganand