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Ayurvedic management of ardhavbhedaka (migraine) - a case report

M. Sharma, S. Verma

International Ayurvedic Medical Journal, 2025

Abstract

Migraine, referred to as Ardhavbhedaka in Ayurveda, is a prevalent and incapacitating neurological condition marked by recurring episodes of severe headaches, typically on one side of the head. These migraine episodes are frequently accompanied by various symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and aversion to sound (phonophobia). While conventional medicine mainly employs pharmacological approach-es— such as analgesics, antiemetic’s, and preventative medications, these treatments often demonstrate limited effectiveness over the long term and can lead to considerable side effects. Consequently, many individuals ex-plore alternative or complementary therapies, such as Ayurveda, to manage their condition in a more compre-hensive way. This case report examines the Ayurvedic treatment of a 30-year-old woman diagnosed with recur-rent migraine attacks. Over the past three years, she has experienced 3 to 4 migraine episodes each month. Her treatment involved a combination of Ayurvedic therapies specifically aimed at balancing the doshas (especially Vata and Pitta), along with detoxification and rejuvenation strategies. The comprehensive treatment plan incor-porated herbal remedies, Panchakarma therapies, dietary modifications, and lifestyle adjustments tailored to the patient’s individual constitution and the underlying causes of her migraines. Key herbal treatments included Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) for enhancing mental clarity and reducing stress,…

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