Migraines

The Prophet Muhammad said, "There is no disease that Allah has created, except that He also has created its treatment." (Bukhari)

What are Migraines?

Migraine is not just a bad headache. It’s a disabling neurological disease with different symptoms and different treatment approaches compared to other headache disorders. The American Migraine Foundation estimates that at least 39 million Americans live with migraine, but because many people do not get a diagnosis or the treatment they need the actual number is probably higher. (1)

Headaches result from an imbalance between the four humors. Specific to Migraines, where there is throbbing and pulsating pain, it results from ''su-e-mizaj maddi (imbalance in temperament due to change in matter)''(2). This means that eliminating abnormal matter is required to relieve the migraines and correctly treat the patient.

Before looking at how to determine which type of matter may be causing the migraines, here are some other symptoms:

• The pain is usually on one side of the head
• Noise and light severely affect the patient
• Nause and vomiting

Migraines can last hours and even days, hence significantly affecting a person's quality of life.

What Causes Migraines?

Migraines are caused by an abnormal accumulation of substances within the head. For example, when there is an excess of coldness or moisture due to an overabundance of phlegm, migraines typically occur. The same applies when there is an excess of blood humor, yellow bile humor, or black bile humor. Each type of excess matter presents different symptoms, which are important to identify for effective treatment.

Signs of Excess Phlegm Humor:

• Heavy head
• Little red and yellow on the face
• Lead-colored face, eyes, and tongue

Signs of Excess Yellow Bile Humor:

• Some head heaviness
• Stinging
• Inflammation
• Extreme burning
• Dryness in nostrils
• Thirst
• Sleeplessness
• Yellow face

Signs of Excess Blood Humor:

• Head heaviness
• Throbbing
• Swollen face and eyes
• Red face
• Secretion from vessels
• Involuntary sleep

Signs of Excess Black Bile Humor:

• Less head heaviness
• More sleeplessness
• Obsession
• Senseless thoughts
• Unclear yellow face, eyes, and organs

How are Migraines treated in Unani Tibb?

There are many different ways of treating migraines. Here I will be highlighting five therapies within Unani Tibb to effectively treat migraines.

Dietary Changes

In Unani Tibb, dietary modifications are essential for treating migraines, as diet directly affects the balance of the body's humors (akhlaat). Consuming fresh, wholesome foods that are easily digestible helps maintain the equilibrium of phlegm, blood, yellow bile, and black bile. Additionally, dietary choices should be tailored to an individual's temperament (mizaj), which is a unique combination of four primary humors: blood (dam), phlegm (balgham), yellow bile (safra), and black bile (sauda). Each temperament requires specific dietary guidelines to sustain balance and health. By eating according to your temperament and focusing on a whole foods diet, you minimize toxin buildup, promote healing from migraines, and reduce the likelihood of food-triggered episodes.

Stress Management

Stress is a significant trigger for migraines, and effective stress management is crucial in Unani Tibb. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga are recommended to calm the mind and body, helping to maintain the balance of humors. Stress causes an imbalance in the body's natural state, leading to the production of excess heat and dryness, which can trigger migraines.

By incorporating regular relaxation practices, individuals can reduce the physical and emotional tension that often precedes migraine attacks. These practices not only alleviate immediate stress but also build long-term resilience, making the body less susceptible to future episodes. The holistic approach of Unani Tibb encourages a lifestyle that harmonizes the mind, body, and spirit, thereby preventing the onset of migraines.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy, or dalk, is an integral part of Unani Tibb for treating migraines. It involves the use of specific techniques to improve blood circulation, reduce muscle tension, and promote relaxation.

By using medicinal oils such as Roghan-e-Badam (Almond Oil) or Roghan-e-Zaitoon (Olive Oil), massage therapy helps balance the humors, particularly when there is an excess of phlegm or yellow bile. The gentle, rhythmic movements during a massage stimulate the nervous system, encouraging the release of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.

Additionally, massage therapy helps in detoxifying the body by promoting lymphatic drainage, thus removing waste products that can contribute to migraine attacks. Regular massage sessions not only provide immediate relief from migraine symptoms but also contribute to long-term migraine management by maintaining the overall balance and harmony of the body's systems.

Nutool Therapy (Irrigation Therapy)

Nutool therapy is a traditional treatment method that involves the application of medicated oils or herbal extracts, typically on the forehead or scalp, to alleviate various ailments, including migraines. The oils are applied in a dripping manner from a distance. This practice has roots in ancient medicinal systems like Ayurveda and Unani medicine. Its effectiveness lies in its relaxing and soothing ability as well as the medical oils' therapeutic effects (3).

Hijama Therapy (Cupping Therapy)

Hijama, or cupping therapy, treats migraines by detoxifying the body, improving blood circulation, reducing muscle tension, and providing pain relief. By creating suction on the skin, hijama draws out stagnant blood and toxins, enhances blood flow, and stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers.

This therapy also helps balance the body's humors (phlegm, blood, yellow bile, and black bile) according to Unani Tibb principles, addressing the root causes of migraines. It is especially beneficial for imbalances relating to the blood humor. Regular hijama sessions can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, offering both immediate and long-term relief through a natural and holistic approach (4).

References:

1. American Migraine Foundation - https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/what-is-migraine/
2. Riyazuddin M, Shahid A, Nagaraj RB, Alam MA. Migraine (Shaqeeqa) and its management in Unani medicine. Drug Metab Pers Ther. 2021 Aug 13. doi: 10.1515/dmdi-2021-0146. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34391218.
3. Adil, Mohd & Anjum, Ruby & Wani, Paras & Perveen, Aisha. (2022). Case Series to evaluate role of Nutool Therapy on Headache frequency, MIDAS (Migraine Disability Assessment Score) headache intensity by VAS in diagnosed cases of Shaqiqa (Migraine) in Delhi. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics. 12. 143-148. 10.22270/jddt.v12i1.5204.
4. Kaki A, Sawsan R, Samiha M, Al Jaouni S, Elalah MA, Ibrahim N. Wet Cupping Reduces Pain and Improves Health-related Quality of Life Among Patients with Migraine: A Prospective Observational Study. Oman Med J. 2019 Mar;34(2):105-109. doi: 10.5001/omj.2019.21. PMID: 30918603; PMCID: PMC6425047.