Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

The human beings have entered in the 21^st century with modernization in every walk of life and we have paid for it by living in severe stressful psychological conditions. The response to psychological conditions varies from person to person because each has different psychic and bodily constitution. This stressful lifestyle affects one’s mind and homeostasis of body by several psychosomatic mechanisms and results in many psychosomatic disorders. Tension headache is one such psychosomatic disease which is considered under primary headaches. It is a highly prevalent condition that can be disabling. Studies estimates the prevalence of tension type headache vary over a wide range from 1.3% to 65% in men and 2.7% to 86% in women. Tension type headache is commonly used to describe a chronic head pain syndrome characterized by bilateral tight band- like discomfort. The pain typically builds up slowly, fluctuates in severity and may persist more or less continuously for many days. The headache may be episodic or chronic (present > 15 days per month). This can be related to Vataja Shirashoola. According to Charaka, Manasantapa is one of the leading causes for Shirashoola.^[1] It is mentioned by Charaka and Harita that Shoka and Bhaya are specifically responsible for Vataja Shirashoola.^[2] Other causative factors which cause Vataja Shirashoola are Uccha and Atibhashana, Prajagara, Sheetamaruta Samsparsha, Vyavayadhikya, Veganigrahana. People who follow these Nidanas for a long time can lead to Vataja Shirashoola.

A 56 years old female patient was taken from Shalakya OPD of SKAMCH & RC, Bengaluru. Detailed history of the patient was taken. Assessment was done after completion of treatment.

Chief complaints

• Pain in both temporal regions of head
• Reduced Sleep
• Anxiety

History of present illness

A female patient, aged 56 years approached the OPD with complaints of headache since 2 years.

After 1 week of Nasya treatment patient showed a significant amount of change in the condition, pain was reduced patient was getting sound sleep.

In this present case study patient got considerable difference from the symptoms. The patient is having headache and it is relieved by tight bandage, using massage around the temporal region and scalp, so this could be concluded as Vataja Shirashoola. By assessing the etiology of Vataja Shirashoola, it could be co-related with Tension Headache as the patient was having heavy work tension in his office which ultimately makes his to skip her food frequently. Along with Vata Anubandha Dosha involved is Pitta, Nidanas can lead to Ruksha Guna Vridhi which may cause Vata Prakopa. Since the Anubandha Dosha involved is Pitta we should pacify Vata and Pitta at same time and we should also take consider about Nidra (sleep), and also the constipation. Considering all the above factors Nasya Yoga prescribed here was Aparajitha Moola Swarasa which is known for its Tridoshahara property. As mentioned in Bhaishajya Ratnavali in the context of Shirashoola.^[3] It helps in alleviating the vitiated Doshas and restores the normal function of Vata. Manasamitra Vati is having gold as an ingredient and it is having action on Manas, it will reduce anxiety and tension and will help to induce sleep also.

Vataja Shirashoola is a one such psychosomatic disease which can be compared to Tension head ache. Nidanas like Vishamashana, Ratri Jagarana, Ruksha Ahara and also Manasika Nidanas like anxiety fear etc. is the main triggering factors in Vataja Shirashoola. Along with Nidana Parivarjana Snigdha and Madhura Brimhana Oushadas will help to reduce Vataja Shirashoola. In the present case, patient got satisfactory result from all symptoms of Vataja Shira Shoola.

1. Charak Samhita of Agnivesa elaborated by Charak and Drdhabala with the Ayurvedadipika