A double-blind controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effects of nasal therapy with Vrihatajivakadya oil on different viscosities in patients with migraine

BACKGROUND: Migraine, characterized by pain of a specific type in one half of the head has a close resemblance with Ardhavabhedaka described in Ayurveda. Nasya karma (nasal therapy) with Vrihatajivakadya oil is indicated in Ardhavabhedaka. Low viscosity oil (LVO) and medium viscosity oil (MVO) prepared by Snehapaka (a specific Ayurveda method for preparation of oil) are advocated in different classical Ayurveda texts for N.karma. THE OBJECTIVES: This study was done to assess the effects of Vrihatajivakadhya oil on different viscosities in N.karma for the better Ayurveda management of migraine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this double-blind randomized controlled trial a total of 90 patients were randomly divided into two groups for N.karma with oil of different viscosities. In the group treated with LVO, 44 patients completed their treatment and one patient was lost in follow-up. In another group treated with MVO, 45 patients were enrolled and completed the intervention. N.karma was done with this oil in the dose of 6 drops per nostril for the duration of 14 days for each participant. The follow-up was done on the 15th day and 45th days. The assessment was done by the Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS) and Migraine Specific Quality of Life Assessment scale. RESULT: During the trial, significant improvement in both the groups on both parameters was observed. No adverse event was noticed during the study. CONCLUSION: N.karma with MVO had better improvement. No adverse event was noticed during the study. N.karma with these oils is effective and safe for migraine.