About Migraine & Chronic Headache
Ardhavabhedaka · Suryavarta
Ardhavabhedaka — Ayurveda's migraine
Half-skull splitting pain, episodic, often with nausea and aura — Vagbhata's description in Ashtanga Hridayam matches modern migraine criteria precisely. It is a Vata-Pitta disorder; pure Vata migraines are dry and movement-triggered, Vata-Pitta migraines are throbbing and light-sensitive.
Nasya Karma
Medicated oil dropped into the nostrils — the signature Ayurvedic treatment for head-area disorders. Shadbindu Taila or Anu Taila are most commonly used. A 7-day course typically reduces frequency for 6-12 months in cooperative patients. Modern trials at JIPMER and CCRAS-AIIA have shown 50-70% reduction in monthly migraine days.