The Prophet's guidance on treating headaches and migraines
Headaches resemble a pain that appears in some part of the head or all of it, but when the headache attacks one side of the head, it is called migraine. The type that attacks the entire head is sometimes called a helmet, for it resembles the helmet that covers the head. Furthermore, headaches sometimes attack only the back or the front side of the head.
There are many types of headaches that result from various conditions. Headaches usually start when the head becomes hot due to the pressure of a septic vapor that accumulates near the head and which seeks a way out of the body but fails. Then, the pressure of the vapor intensifies, just as a pot when it is heated but the steam is not able to escape from it. It is a fact that when moisture heats up, it seeks more space to expand. Similarly, the vapor accumulates near the head and then causes a headache in the entire head because it is unable to expand or escape from the body as it heats up. This condition causes a type of dizziness.
There are various specific causes for headaches. First, when one of the four essential conditions (coldness, hotness, dryness and wetness) becomes predominant. Second, ulcers of the stomach cause headaches, because the cephalic (relating to the head) nerves and the stomach are connected, Third, thick flatulence might accumulate in the stomach then later ascend to the head and cause headaches. Fourth, headaches are sometimes caused by a tumor in the gastric veins that cause pain in the head, because the stomach and the head are connected. Fifth, when the stomach is full of food it sometimes provokes headaches, as some of the food remains undigested. Sixth, headaches sometimes occur after sexual intercourse because the body will then be weakened anc thus exposed to the heat of the air. Seventh, headaches sometimes occur after vomiting due to excessive dryness, or to accumulating gaseous materials (flatulence) that ascend to the head from the stomach. Eighth, sometimes the hot weather and air provoke headaches. Ninth. headaches are sometimes caused by the cold weather and from the vapor that accumulates in the head and which is unable to decompose. Tenth, not having enough sleep In addition causes headaches. Headaches are sometimes caused due to the pressure exerted on the head, such as when one carries a heavy object on his head. Twel=h, excessive talking sometimes weakens the mind in a wzy that causes headaches. Thirteenth, excessive movemercs and sports activity can In addition provoke headaches. Fourteenth,
sadness, depression, obsession and evil thoughts In addition provoke headaches. Fifteenth, excessive hunger provokes headacl.es, as in this case; the excess gaseous materials (flatulence) that accumulate in the stomach ascend to the brain and provoke headaches. Sixteenth, those who suffer from a tumor in the cerebral lining sometimes feel as if hammers are constantly pounding on their heads. Seventeenth, fever In addition provokes headaches because of the intense heat that the body suffers from them. Allah knows best.