2025, Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part B
Combined acupuncture and Shirodhara therapy for refractory pediatric migraine: A case report
Author(s): Narendra Lamichhane, Dal Pozzo Lisa, Ishwar Gyawali and Kamal Sharma
Abstract: Pediatric migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder that significantly impacts quality of life and academic performance. While conventional pharmacological treatments are commonly used, their limited efficacy and potential side effects have increased interest in complementary therapies. Acupuncture, a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique, and Shirodhara, an Ayurvedic therapy, have shown individual promise in headache management, but their combined use in pediatric migraine remains understudied.
This case report examines a 14-year-old female with treatment-resistant migraines unresponsive to multiple medications. Following diagnosis of Liver Yang Rising (TCM) and Pitta-Vata imbalance (Ayurveda), she underwent an integrative treatment protocol of 20 acupuncture sessions targeting Liver Yang sedation and Yin nourishment, combined with Shirodhara therapy using Brahmi oil over six weeks. Clinical outcomes were measured using standardised scales for pain intensity, disability, sleep quality, and emotional stress.
Results showed substantial improvement, headache intensity decreased by 75%, migraine-related disability reduced by 71.4%, and headache frequency declined from daily to once weekly. Significant enhancements in sleep quality and emotional well-being were also observed.
The combined acupuncture and Shirodhara approach proved effective for this refractory pediatric migraine case, offering a promising non-pharmacological alternative. These findings highlight the potential of integrative therapies in pediatric neurology and warrant further investigation through controlled studies.
DOI: 10.22271/27080056.2025.v7.i2b.142Pages: 57-61 | Views: 773 | Downloads: 256Download Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
Narendra Lamichhane, Dal Pozzo Lisa, Ishwar Gyawali, Kamal Sharma.
Combined acupuncture and Shirodhara therapy for refractory pediatric migraine: A case report. J Case Rep Sci Images 2025;7(2):57-61. DOI:
10.22271/27080056.2025.v7.i2b.142
