Use of an Integrated approach of Yoga therapy and Ayurveda in the management of Migraine

Objectives: To study the influence of Ayurveda and Yoga in patients suffering from Migraine headache

Methodology:

Subjects: 60 subjects (both genders) diagnosed with Migraine headache based on the International Headache Society’s diagnostic criteria were recruited.

Intervention: 30 of them who chose to undergo Ayurveda and Yoga treatment for Migraine were recruited to experimental Group, while the other 30 who were on standard allopathy treatment were selected under control group.

Assessments: The subjects were assessed on Day 1, Day 30 and Day 90. The assessments included Surface EMG recorded from the forehead, Heart rate Variability, Respiratory rate, MIDAS, Headache related Quality of Life Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale and Prakruthi Analysis.

Intervention: An integrated Approach of Ayurveda followed by Yoga Therapy was given for 90 days. Ayurveda included Snehapana with Kalyanaka gritha for 3-5 days, Abhyanga and Sweda for 3 days followed by Virechana. This was proceeded by Oral medication (Pathyaksha Dhatryadi Kasha yam, Avipathi Choorna, and external application of Kachoradhi Choorna to the forehead) with Yoga Therapy for the period of 90 days. Customised Yoga Therapy for Migraine included Breathing exercises, Loosening exercises, Asanas, Pranayama, Relaxation and Chanting.

Results: The data were analysed using Repeated Measures ANOVA with post-hoc analysis doing multiple comparisons between the mean values of individual variables.

Following 30 and 90 days of Ayurveda and Yoga therapy compared to Day 1 values, there was a significant reduction in the Migraine related disability scores (MIDAS) (p<.001, for both comparisons), Perceived Stress Scale scores (p<.01, p<.001, respectively), Autonomic arousal measured by Heart Rate Variability (Decreased LF component (p<.05), increased HF (p<.05) and decreased LF/HF ratio (p<.01)), and EMG amplitude (p<.05). There was also a significant improvement in the Physical, Mental and Social domains of Headache related Quality of Life( p<.01). The Control Group showed no change in the Quality of life (p<.05, for all three domains). There was no change in MIDAS scores, Perceived Stress scores, Autonomic variables as well as EMG amplitude (p>.05 for all comparisons).

Conclusion: Integrated Ayurveda and Yoga intervention has shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of headache, reduce Migraine related disability, lower medication scores, Reduce perceived stress and Improve quality of life in patients suffering from Migraine. Also, there was a decreased amplitude in EMG during frowning and an increase in the High frequency component and reduction in the low frequency component of HRV suggesting reduced physiological arousal and better relaxation. The control group showed No changes in most of the variables measured, while their quality of life has worsened significantly.

The present study demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of an integrated Ayurveda and Yoga based intervention in in the management of Migraine Headache.