Headache is a common symptom of various disorders and is not a disease by itself. Headache often goes unchecked and without treatment as it is regarded by the patient as an inherent part of the body pattern. The patient takes it for granted that though there may be relief, there can never be a cure for headache, which is a fallacy. A headache could result from an organic disease or from a referred pain of local infection. It could also occur when there is no organic disease. Causes could be high or low blood pressure, trauma or head injury, fever, anaemia, wrong dietary habits, over-eating or fasting, lack of sleep, poor ventilation, tension, worry defective vision and tumour in brain etc.

Migraine is a common form of headache and is a symptom of deep lying disturbance. The patient experiences an intense throbbing pain, often only on one side of the head, which increases with movement of the head. It may be associated with nausea and vomitting, disturbances in vision, hearing, speech and sensation. It is more common in women.Emotional stress, lack of sleep, exposure to intense cold or heat, food items like cheese, chocolate and coffee, intake of oral contraceptive pills etc. may predispose to an attack.

It is now know that it happens due to a disturbance in the blood flow of the arteries in the head ; though why this occurs is still a question for medical practitioners to answer. According to Naturopathy, digestive disturbances play a major role. Improper digestion and accumulation of wastes, result in toxins entering the blood stream. These may reach the arteries of the brain, thus causing alteration in the blood flow. In most cases, Cervical (Vertibrae) problem is the main cause.

Naturopathy has a varied approach. Instead of depending upon sedatives, pain killers and tranquillisers, it would be better to depend on physical measures to decongest the brain like bowel elimination, warm applications to nape of the neck and feet, stomach wash etc. Most important is to avoid physical / mental strain and adopting the right type of diet ( see chart), after total detoxification. Treatment

1. Do Kunjal on empty stomach followed by mud pack and enema, if constipated.
2. Hot foot bath and fomentation to neck which relieve stiffness of Vertibrae and congestion of the arteries of the brain.
3. Fasting -with only liquids, specially citrus fruit juices for 5-6 days and adequate water intake.
4. Rest in a quiet, well ventilated, dark room.

Long term measures are important as they can prevent untold suffering. Regulation of eating habits, regular performance of asanas, pranayama and relaxation techniques (Yoganidra is best) are necessary.