Migraine is a very common form of headache, seen in nearly 15 % of the population. Women are more likely to suffer from migraine, than men, and usually there is a hereditary component seen among sufferers.
Migraine is known as “Ardhavabhedak” in Ayurveda. Ayurvedic treatment of migraine consists of the following procedures: (i) “Swedan” (local fomentation) (ii) “Nasya” (medicated nasal drops) (iii) “Basti” (Medicated enema) (iv) “Shirobasti” (scalp treatment with medicated milk or oil) (v) “Dahan” (local heat branding ) and (vi) “Shaman” ( symptomatic oral treatment).
Local fomentation is done by a procedure called “Naadi swedan”. In this procedure, a jet of medicated steam is directed at the forehead and around the temple area, usually after local application of some medicated oil. A decoction of Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) is usually used for this procedure.
Nasya or medicated oil drops used for the treatment of migraine is of two types. The first is called “Shirovirechan”, in which strong, irritant medicines are instilled as nasal drops, which induce sneezing and watery discharge. The second is called as “Avapidak nasya’ in which a paste is prepared of a herb or several herbs, and the liquid is inserted in the nostrils. Usually, herbs like Vacha (Acorus calamus) and Pippali ( Piper longum) are used along with honey. Both procedures are aimed at removing the cause of the headache and the pain.
The medicated enema used in migraine is called as “Anuvasan Basti”. Small quantities of medicated oils, usually about 50 ml. are given at regular intervals, on an outpatient basis. Oil of Sesame and Mahanarayan oil (containing mainly Asparagus racemosus) are usually used for this purpose.
Shirobasti is a special procedure in which a special cylindrical cap is fitted on the shaved head and sealed all round to prevent leakage of medicine. Medicated oils and milk are poured into this cap, so that the medicine remains in contact with the scalp for a specific time. This is done at regular intervals till improvement is seen.
Those who do not respond to standard treatment are given heat branding at the site of the temple on the affected side.
Oral medications include Tribhuvankirti, Bhallatakasav, Triphala Guggulu and Godanti Bhasma. Several single and compound herbal medicines are used to treat the presenting symptom of headache as also treatment of blood impurity and reduction of stress and anxiety. However, a detailed history for the symptoms and a detailed study of the constitutional framework of the patient is essential in deciding the ideal combination of medicines for each patient, so as to get maximum results. Overall, with oral medications, and sometimes accompanied by some simple nasal drops, the majority of patients suffering from mild to moderate migraine get significant improvement in 1 – 3 months of treatment. Severe migraine sufferers may require more prolonged treatment.
Some patients may require repeat courses of medicines to completely prevent or stop recurrence.
It is advisable to avoid known trigger factors, irregularity in meals, and physical and emotional stress.
By: Abdulmubeen Mundewadi
About the Author:
Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, B.A.M.S., is a practicing Ayurvedic physician since the last 22 years. He is a graduate of R. A. Podar Medical (Ayurvedic ) College, Worli, Mumbai, India. During this period of 22 years, he has obtained considerable experience in the clinical treatment of a vast array of patients.
Dr. Mundewadi has studied and experienced extensively all the principles of Ayurveda , involving a healthy life-style, diet regimes, body-cleansing through panch-karma procedures, and treatment with herbal and herbo-mineral compounds.
Dr. Mundewadi has also studied the therapeutic effects of Reiki( he is a 3rd degree Reiki Master), Acupuncture ( he has done a basic and an advanced course in Acupuncture), Hypnotherapy and Magnetotherapy. His current style of clinical practice is a culmination of his experience with all these different treatment modalities.
Dr. Mundewadi has been doing clinical research work since the last 9 years. He has published his findings of herbal treatment of HIV / AIDS in 55 patients in the Bombay Hospital Journal, Mumbai, India, July 2005 issue. He has also successfully completed a clinical trial of herbal extract medicines in Schizophrenia compared to modern anti-psychotics, in 200 patients( See http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00483964 ). He has also conducted preliminary studies of Ayurvedic herbal extracts in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder, Vascular Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Mental Retardation, and Tobacco and Alcohol Dependence. He also has a special interest in the herbal treatment of Age Related Macular Degeneration and different types of Cancer.
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