Abstract

MANAGEMENT OF SHIRO ROGA ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA

Anita B. Kulkarni* 

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Abstract

The traditional science of Ayurveda considers headache to be caused because of two primary reasons – a sensitive nervous system and impaired digestion. Improper diet and lifestyle causes aggravation of Pitta (Ayurvedic humor representing Fire) in the body. In an aggravated state, Pitta impairs digestion, leading to production of digestive impurities (known as ama). This ama gets stored in the manovahi strotas (mind channels), thereby becoming the cause for headaches. A sensitive nervous system lowers the ojas (energy) in the body. Ojas is the essence of all body tissues and provides strength to the nervous system and body. If you have a strong nervous system, you are able to fight against problems and carry on with your work with a ealthy mind. Lowering of ojas causes migraine-like problems. Ayurvedic treatment of headache does not focus on simply alleviating the pain but aims at treating the root cause. Herbal preparations are administered to balance aggravated body energies and restore the digestive function. Shirashoola is one among the Jatrurdvagata Roga and elaborately described by all Acharya under Shiroroga.

Keywords: Traditional, Ayurveda, Pitta, Manovahi strotas, Shirashoola, Jatrurdvagata.