Last verified: April 2026
Headache and Migraine
That throbbing pressure behind your eyes. The one-sided split that makes light unbearable. The dull weight that sits on your head after a bad night. Classical Ayurveda recognised that these are not the same condition — they arise from different causes, present differently, and need different approaches.
Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hridayam document three Dosha-specific headache types and Ardhavabhedaka — the classical description of migraine, including prodrome, photosensitivity, and periodic episodic pattern. This page documents what the texts say. It is not a diagnosis.
Classical documentation, not medical advice. Sudden severe headache, headache with fever/stiff neck, or headache after head injury requires immediate medical assessment. Full disclaimer →
Which type of headache are you reading about?
Each Dosha produces a distinct presentation. Select the pattern that fits to read its specific documentation.
Throbbing or pulsating. Variable in location — moves around. Can shift from one side to both. Worse in the morning and in cold, dry, windy conditions.
Neck stiffness. Dryness. Fatigue. Restlessness or anxiety before the headache begins. Sometimes accompanied by tinnitus.
Skipping meals. Travel and irregular schedule. Excessive screen use. Suppression of natural urges. Cold wind exposure (Shita Vayu).
Warmth. Oil application to scalp and temples. Rest. Sesame oil Nasya. Avoiding cold and wind.
Vata nimitta shirahriti — throbbing, pulsating, variable in location, worse in cold and dry conditions, associated with neck stiffness and dryness throughout the body.
Burning, sharp, penetrating. Often temporal or frontal. Worse in midday and in hot conditions. The pain feels hot to the person.
Photosensitivity (Tejodrashti — sensitivity to light). Nausea. Irritability. Flushing. Sometimes visual disturbances before the headache — classical prodrome documentation.
Hot foods, sour foods, fermented foods. Alcohol. Excess salt. Anger and competitive stress. Sun exposure. Skipping meals.
Cool, dark, quiet environment. Coconut oil on temples. Sandalwood paste on forehead (Lepa). Sheetali Pranayama. Avoiding heat and light.
Ardhavabhedaka: periodic severe half-head pain with Tejodrashti (light sensitivity), nausea, and prodromal features — episodic with symptom-free intervals. This is the classical description that maps most precisely to the International Headache Society migraine criteria.
Dull, heavy, constant. Head feels full or stuffed. Often worse in the morning and in cold, damp conditions. Pressure rather than throbbing.
Nasal congestion or post-nasal drip. Heaviness in the face and forehead. Tiredness. Loss of appetite. Cold and damp sensitivity.
Heavy, cold, oily foods. Daytime sleeping. Cold weather. Suppression of sneezing. Dairy excess.
Warmth. Steam inhalation. Dry ginger tea. Pungent Nasya (Dhamapana). Light diet. Movement and exercise.
Classical triggers — which apply to you?
Ashtanga Hridayam and Charaka Samhita document specific triggers. Tap any that you recognise in your own pattern.
How it develops — Samprapti
Charaka Samhita documents the step-by-step pathogenesis. Tap each stage to expand.
Classical approach
The primary classical Panchakarma procedure for all headache types is Nasya — nasal administration of medicated preparations. Ashtanga Hridayam documents Nasya as the primary treatment for all conditions above the clavicle. The preparation varies by type.
Continuous warm oil poured on the forehead — documented in Ashtanga Hridayam for Shirashula (headache), Ardhavabhedaka, and Anidra (insomnia). Modern research documents Shirodhara reducing cortisol and producing parasympathetic activation. See: Kerala Panchakarma procedures →
Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 17.8 (three headache types). Ashtanga Hridayam, Uttarasthana (Ardhavabhedaka — classical migraine). API Anu Taila monograph. Uebaba et al. (2008) Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, DOI:10.1089/acm.2008.0273 (Shirodhara research).