According to books based upon the works of Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah), headaches are generally caused by heat and fever in the head, because an accumulation of hot vapours are seeking a way out of the body. As the heat rises into the head, it causes an increase in amount of fluid in the cranium and a swelling of the membrane inside the skull. The pain can either be felt all over the head or more commonly, on one side of the head.
In comparison, Migraines are usually caused by an obstruction of a blood vessel or vessels in the brain. The vessels can be blocked by tiny air bubbles or foreign bodies carried in the bloodstream which find their way into the brain. Many people find that applying gentle pressure to the head during a migraine helps ease the pain.The treatment for headaches and migraines depends upon their particular type and cause. Sometimes they can be treated with the induction of vomiting, by hijamah cupping, with compression head bandage or sometimes just with rest, quietness and calm.
Ruqya
“Where they get no aching of the head nor any madness [intoxication].”
[Qur’an 56:19]
Recite the above verse an odd number of times (for example, 33) and then blow into cupped hands and wipe on the head of the patient. The headache should disappear soon in sha’Allah. Or, this verse can be recited along with Ayat ul Kursi (2:255) and Surah al Fatihah (1) on olive oil, which is then used to massage on the scalp.
Hijama
Hijama (wet cupping) is an excellent and immediate remedy for a headache/migraine and there is a direct Sahih Hadith pertaining to the use of Hijama for this purpose;
It was narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) was cupped on his head for an ailment he was suffering from while he was in a state of Ihram. at a water place called Lahl Jamal. Ibn ‘Abbas further said: “Allah’s Apostle (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) was cupped on his head for unilateral headache while he was in a state of Ihram.”
Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 602
And also;
Salmah (radhi Allahu anha), the maid-servant of the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam), said: “No one complained to the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) of a headache but he told him to get himself cupped [hijama], or of a pain in his legs but he told him to dye them with henna.”
Sunan Abi Dawood Book 28, Hadith 3849. Classed as Hasan by Sh. Al Albani (rahimullah).
Sunan Abi Dawood Book 28, Hadith 3849. Classed as Hasan by Sh. Al Albani (rahimullah).
