Treating Chronic Migraine with Traditional Siddha therapy
Chronic migraine is a neurological condition characterized by headaches occurring 15 or more days per month, with at least 8 of those days showing typical migraine features such as:
- Throbbing or pulsating pain (often one-sided)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia) or sound (phonophobia)
- Visual disturbances or aura
Chronic migraines can significantly impact daily functioning, mood, and quality of life.
Siddha Perspective of Migraine
In Siddha medicine, chronic migraine is linked to vitiated Vaatham affecting the head and nervous system. Lifestyle, diet, stress, and climatic factors can aggravate this imbalance.
Siddha Treatment Approach
1. External Therapies:
- application of oil on the scalp
- Nasiyam (nasal instillation of medicated oils) helps clear sinus and cranial blocks
2. Varmam Therapy:
- Gentle stimulation of Varmam (vital energy points) around the head, neck, and face to balance energy flow
3. Rejuvenation:
- Incorporation of chanting to strengthen nervous health and reduce stress triggers
4. Diet and Lifestyle Modifications:
- Avoiding fermented, spicy, and dry foods
- Inclusion of cooling foods, regular meals, and adequate hydration
5. Yoga and Meditation:
- Pranayama and meditative practices like Siddha Samadhi Yoga help in managing stress and preventing recurrences
Improvements Observed with Chakrasiddh Therapy
- Reduction in headache frequency and severity
- Improved sleep, energy levels, and mood stability
- Decreased need for frequent pain medications
- Better stress management and mental clarity
- Enhanced quality of life with fewer interruptions from migraine attacks