Lifestyle

Exploring the Benefits of Yoga in Managing Epilepsy and Seizure Control

1 April 2024

Epilepsy is a persistent condition characterized by recurring seizures caused by aberrant electrical discharges in the brain.

The majority of seizures may be managed with modifications in lifestyle and the use of drugs.

However, a considerable number of individuals with ongoing epilepsy have a notable disparity in treatment, often not obtaining the necessary care for their illness.

In regions with limited availability of contemporary healthcare, coupled with financial constraints, insufficient social support systems, and issues in obtaining medication, a significant number of individuals with epilepsy turn to alternative remedies.

According to Dr. Shiva Kumar R, who is the Head and Senior Consultant in Neurology at Manipal Hospital Sarjapur, yoga has been discovered to stimulate the vagus nerve and reduce the frequency of seizures by 28-38%.

This is achieved via influencing brain waves, limbic system activity, and the operation of the autonomic nervous system.

The Benefits of Yoga:

Yoga utilizes controlled breathing, meditation, and gentle postures to generate relaxation by targeting stress, a well-known cause.

According to Dr. Sreenivas UM, a Neurology Consultant at MGM Healthcare, stress has been scientifically established as a major catalyst for seizures.

This is particularly crucial in people who experience functional seizures or paroxysmal nonepileptic seizures.

Optimal sleep quality is essential for those with epilepsy.

“The majority of epilepsy types deteriorate when sleep is lacking, although there are specific forms of epilepsy that are only triggered by changes in sleep quality.”

The individual stated that practicing yoga can mitigate the likelihood of experiencing these seizures by enhancing the quality of sleep.

Yoga provides a beneficial supplementary treatment for managing and decreasing the occurrence of seizures.

According to Dr. Crystal D’Souza, a consultant in alternative medicine and research at Gleneagles BGS Hospital in Kengeri, Bengaluru, techniques such as breath awareness, slow-paced asanas, and Nadishodana can improve stimulation and induce deep relaxation.

“Yoga has the potential to regulate neuronal electrical activity and discharges, which may help control seizures, through modulation of the autonomic nervous system and brain activity,” she noted.

It is crucial to participate in activities that are slow-paced and avoid excessive exertion. Prior to commencing any form of practice, it is recommended to get guidance from a Yoga and Naturopathy Physician or a medical professional.

Yoga can be seen as a complex intervention, similar to other forms of complementary and alternative therapies.

Yoga can be used as a supplementary treatment for managing seizures when combined with pharmaceuticals, however it is not recommended to rely only on yoga as an intervention strategy.

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[Disclaimer: The material included in the article, including treatment recommendations offered by medical professionals, is meant solely for general informational purposes. This information should not be considered a replacement for expert medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. It is important to consult a physician or another trained healthcare provider for any inquiries about a medical problem.]

(The headline and the story has not been edited by THND staff and is published from a syndicated feed. However there can be minor changes from the original source article.)

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