Chronic Headache: An Integrative Ayurvedic Approach at Dr. Sanjeev Kalra’s Integrative Brain Health Center, India
chronic headache is one of the most disabling neurological conditions worldwide, affecting people across all ages and lifestyles. When headaches occur 15 days or more per month for over three months, they are classified as chronic daily headaches, encompassing chronic migraine, chronic tension‑type headaches, new daily persistent headache, and hemicrania continua. These persistent headaches significantly disrupt work, family life, mental health, and overall well‑being.
Global Prevalence
Headache disorders are among the most common nervous system disorders globally, affecting an estimated 3.1 billion people (40% of the world’s population). The burden continues to rise:
- • 65.5% of adults report at least one headache per year.
- • Migraine affects roughly 14–15% of the global population.
- • Chronic daily headache subtypes affect approximately 5% of adults. Headache disorders rank among the top neurological causes of disability worldwide.
Symptoms & Signs of Chronic Headache
Chronic headaches can present with:
- • Headache lasting 4+ hours, on most days
- • Pulsating, throbbing, tightening, or pressing sensations
- • Pain on one or both sides of the head
Pain Characteristics
Associated Symptoms
- • Nausea or vomiting
- • Sensitivity to light and sound
- • Neck stiffness
- • Redness or tearing of the eyes (hemicrania continua)
Functional Impact
- • Reduced concentration
- • Fatigue and irritability
- • Sleep disturbances
- • Anxiety or depression due to chronic pain burden
Diagnosis
A structured diagnostic approach includes:
- • Detailed clinical evaluation of frequency, duration, pattern
- • Assessment for medication‑overuse headache, a key contributor to chronicity
- • Neurological examination
- • Imaging (MRI), if red‑flag symptoms suggest a secondary cause Classification into chronic migraine or chronic tension‑type headache guides individualized treatment.
Ayurveda’s Understanding of Chronic Headache
Ayurveda describes chronic headaches under Shiroroga, such as Ardhavabhedaka and Shirashoola, driven by imbalance in Vata, often accompanied by Pitta aggravation. Persistent pain, throbbing se nsations, and stress‑triggered flares closely correspond to modern chronic headache patterns. Case studies show effective management through Vata‑Pitta balancing therapies, Nasya, Shirodhara, and internal herbal formulations.
Panchakarma & Ayurvedic Treatment at Dr. Sanjeev Kalra’s Center
At Dr. Kalra’s Integrative Brain Health Center, chronic headache treatment is:
- • Holisti
- • Individualized
- • Root‑cause oriented
- • Integrating neuroscience + Ayurveda
Panchakarma Therapies
Ayurveda identifies anxiety as Chittodvega, arising due to:
- • Nasya (Medicated Nasal Therapy)
Highly effective for Ardhavabhedaka (migraine‑like headaches); cleanses and nourishes the head–neck region. - • Shirodhara
Continuous medicated liquid stream on the forehead reduces stress, calms the nervous system, and reduces headache frequency. - • Abhyanga & Swedana
Helps improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and calm aggravated Vata. - • Basti (Medicated Enema)
Especially useful for chronic Vata‑driven headaches; addresses deep‑rooted imbalances.
Herbal & Internal Medications
Ayurvedic formulations used in clinical studies include
- • Mashbaladi Pachan Kashaya
Shown to reduce chronic migraine episodes and improve quality of life. - • Medhya Rasayana herbs (Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Shatavari)
Support nervous system strength and prevent relapse.
Lifestyle, Diet & Mind‑Body Therapies
Ayurveda emphasizes:
- • Regulating sleep
- • Identifying food triggers
- • Stress‑reducing practices (breathing, meditation)
- • Anti‑inflammatory, Vata‑Pitta balancing diet These measures help break the chronic headache cycle and support long‑term healing.
Why Choose Dr. Sanjeev Kalra’s Integrative Brain Health Center?
- • Personalized Ayurvedic + modern clinical evaluation
- • Evidence‑aligned Panchakarma therapies
- • Child‑friendly and adult‑friendly holistic care
- • Focus on long‑term results, not symptom suppression
- • Supportive environment for neurological healing