MIGRAINE(SHAQEEDA)

THE word shaqeeqa is derived form an Arabic word which means half. It is a periodic or episodic headache which is mostly unilateral and is associated with visual disturbances and vomitting.

Unani doctors believe that migraine is caused by the imbalance of the safra (Yellow bile) or Saoda (black bile). It may start as early as puberty and it seems to be more common among women. In sixty percent of the cases it affects the right side of the head.

It mostly starts in morning and the intensity of the pain gradually increases as the day progresses.

ADVICE AND TREATMENT:

Person must always sleep in a room which should not have much light. He/She must not take any food during the attack and it is advisable to relax in a noiseless semi-dark room during the pain.

• During the pain Sendur (red oxide of lead) can be applied over the forehead and the affected area, or it can be rolled in a ordinary paper and the fumes inhaled.
• 3 gm. of Mazu (Quercus infectoria,Oliv) can be finely ground and mixed with about 30 ml. of wine or alcohol. Put 5-6 drops into the ear of the affected side about 3-4 times per day for 10-12 days.
• Take one part of Phitkari(Shibb-e-yamani) (alum) and twenty parts of Zard chob (Curcuma longa,Linn) powder and strain with a clean and fine cloth. Then clean the ear with luke warm water and put 3-4 drops of this solutions atleast 3-4 times a day.