Unani insights on migraine: psychological and holistic care

Abstract

Migraine, referred to as Shaqeeqa in Unani medicine, are complex neurovascular headaches predominantly affecting one side of the head. Rooted in the imbalance of humors, Shaqeeqa is believed to arise from the accumulation of morbid matter, either vapors or humors, in vulnerable regions of the brain. Unani scholars, including Avicenna and Jurjani, classified migraines based on the nature of humoral imbalances—whether hot or cold—and proposed treatments aligned with the principles of humoral theory. Acute migraines (Shaqeeqa Haar) are associated with hot humors and are managed through evacuation (Istifragh) and cooling therapies, while chronic migraines (Shaqeeqa Barid) involve cold humors, necessitating long-term detoxification. Key therapeutic interventions include purgation, bloodletting, herbal formulations, and dietary adjustments, all aimed at restoring humor balance. Additionally, Unani emphasizes a holistic approach, considering psychological triggers such as stress and anxiety. The integrative Unani treatment strategy offers promise in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of the condition. The review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of these traditional Unani approaches to diagnosing and managing migraines. By comparing classical Unani insights with contemporary understanding of migraines, this review seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of Unani regimens in the long-term management of migraines, offering potential integrative treatment approaches for modern healthcare.