New Delhi, December 24 (IANS). With the arrival of winter, the problem of headache increases in many people, especially for people suffering from migraine, this season becomes real torture. Cold air in the morning, lack of sunlight, slow blood circulation in the body and disturbance in daily routine, all these together cause headache. Especially if cold air hits the forehead or ears directly, the blood vessels of the brain shrink and severe pain like ‘brain freeze’ starts. Apart from this, dehydration also increases headache due to less thirst in winter.
Lack of sunlight is also a big reason. Vitamin D deficiency decreases the serotonin hormone, which can trigger migraine. Apart from this, heavy quilt and wrong posture also increase the pain by putting pressure on the nerves of the neck. Problems like nasal congestion, swelling in sinus and cold are also responsible for headache. Stress and disturbed sleep patterns also intensify headaches.
A simple headache is mild or moderate and resolves with rest, while a migraine often comes with severe pain in one side of the head, nausea, discomfort from light and sound. In Ayurveda it is called ‘Ardhavabhedaka’ and it is linked to Vata-Pitta dosha.
Some simple measures are very beneficial to reduce headache in winter. Massaging the head with lukewarm sesame or mustard oil calms the nerves. Ginger and basil tea provides relief from migraine and sinus headache with anti-inflammatory properties. Nasya Karma i.e. putting 2 drops of cow’s ghee or sesame oil in the nose is also beneficial. Taking steam of lukewarm water and consuming Triphala powder reduces both constipation and headache.
Not only solution, prevention is also necessary. Drink enough water, cover head and ears, avoid staying awake late at night, reduce heavy and cold food. Increase in blood pressure in cold, imbalance between hot feet and cold head, or constant tension of the jaw can aggravate migraine. By following these easy rules, you can avoid the problem of headache and migraine in winter to a great extent.
–IANS
PIM/DKP