Ayurvedic Intervention in Migraine (Ardhavabhedaka): A Comparative Clinical Study of Nasya and Dhumpana

Abstract

Migraine is a recurrent neurological disorder characterized by moderate to severe headache and associated symptoms that may substantially affect daily activities. Ardhavabhedaka, described among the Shirorogas in Ayurveda, shows considerable clinical similarity with migraine. Ayurvedic management emphasizes Nidana Parivarjana, Shodhana and Shamana therapies, with Nasya being an important therapeutic procedure in Shiroroga. Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the therapeutic effects of Nasya with Shadbindu Taila and Dhumpana with Vacha and Jyotismati in patients of Ardhavabhedaka (migraine). Methods: A two-week randomized comparative clinical study with a parallel-group design was conducted in the Department of Panchakarma, IPGAE & R at SVSP, Kolkata. Sixty patients who completed the study were randomly allocated into two groups of 30 each. Group A received Nasya with Shadbindu Taila, while Group B received Dhumpana with Vacha and Jyotismati for 14 days. Clinical assessment was performed before and after treatment using Sangbheda, Toda, Bhrama, Shula and the modified ICHD-3 Rating Scale. The data were analysed using appropriate statistical methods, including Student’s paired t-test. Results: Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in the assessed parameters (p<0.001). Group A demonstrated 63.33%, 73.24%, 50.69%, 74.44% and 35.02% relief in Sangbheda, Toda, Bhrama, Shula and ICHD-3 Rating Scale, respectively, compared with 36.23%, 35.29%, 36.36%, 31.82% and 22.43% in Group B. Conclusion: Both Nasya with Shadbindu Taila and Dhumpana with Vacha and Jyotismati were beneficial in the management of Ardhavabhedaka. Within the limitations of the study, greater improvement was observed with Nasya.