Epilepsy Seizures Natural Ayurveda Management

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterised by temporary loss of consciousness which can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. During an epileptic attack there is a sudden and abnormal electric discharge form cerebral neurons. Sudden jerky movements of the body parts occur followed by loss of consciousness termed as seizures.

In Ayurveda epilepsy is called ‘Apasmara’. It is found in both children and adults. It caused due to imbalance of all the three doshas- Vata, Pita and Kapha. Mainly there are two categories- Petit Mal and Grand Mal. Vata epilepsy may generally be a mental issue including other causal factors like stress, lack of sleep, mental exertion, constipation and gastritis. Pita type of epilepsy is generally may be caused due to inflammations in the head due to diseases like encephalitis. Kapha type of seizures generally may occur due to blockages in the nervous system due to sedentary lifestyle.

Causes and symptoms of epilepsy

Factors causing epilepsy are generally broadly divided into two categories:

• Symptomatic causes- The causes that are known and accounted for.
• Idiopathic causes- The causes that are unknown.

Some of the symptomatic causes may include:

• Problems in the foetus during pregnancy or after birth.
• Drug addiction and excess alcohol intake
• Infections caused by certain parasites, bacteria or viruses (e.g. encephalitis)
• Head injury or stroke
• Genetic disorders

However in some cases epilepsy symptoms may start surfacing in the age group 5 to 20 without any discernible causes. These kind of instances are more prevalent in the people who have a family history of epilepsy.

• The symptoms may vary depending on the nature of the seizure.
• Repeated and frequent blinking of the eyes
• Rapid muscular contractions and spasms
• Irregular breathing
• Biting of the tongue
• A staring look that can be misunderstood as dreaming
• Stiffness in the entire body
• Urine incontinence
• Loss of consciousness

Epilepsy is a disorder that requires long term medication. Many times people take the medicine for a few weeks or months and then suddenly withdraw it thinking that they are fine, this lead to dangerous consequences. The medicine must be taken regularly for a few years so that the disease is fully treated. 

Natural Treatment for Seizures and Epilepsy

Epilepsy treatment in Ayurveda works by unclogging the various channels of mind and heart that are blocked due to an imbalance of doshas. This process of unblocking the channels is achieved by using various concoctions and purgatives. These medicines are taken orally and are cooked in pure oils and ghee. Coupled with this some external oil massages and baths also form an integral part of the treatment.

Herbal Treatment of Seizures

Nature has provided us with many herbs that are effective in treatment of epilepsy. The following herbs for epilepsy are known to show positive effects in both children and adults.

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) - This herb is known as the brain booster. A teaspoon full of brahmi juice may be taken thrice a day to alleviate the symptoms.

​A case study presented by Rajdip R Rao on Ayurvedic management of epilepsy through herbal means, highlights the uses of brahmi for this condition. A 24 years old patient was suffering from epileptic seizures, weight gain and fatigue for seven years. This patient was administered a number of Ayurveda procedures like panchakarma, oleation and udavartana. Besides this internal medicines and nasya with brahmighrita (a polyherbal formulation) were also advised for a month with regular weekly follow-up. Marked improvement was observed in the severity of attack, frequency of attack and duration of attack. A marked improvement in the quality of life was also observed.

Vacha (Acorus calamus) 

Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus Willd) 

Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)

A research presented by Parul Agarwa mentions about many uses of shankhpushpi. In Ayurveda this plant is referred to as a brain tonic. This plant may help to improve memory, it is a psychostimulant, a tranquilizer and reduces mental tension. The pharmacological studies of the herb have shown varying degree of its hypotensive and tranquilizing effects. The herb induces a feeling of calm and peace, good sleep and a relief in anxiety, stress and mental fatigue. The herb appears to produce its action by modulation of neurochemistry of the brain. The plant improves the balance and vitiation in kapha-vata-pitta doshas. With all these properties the herb is very useful for patients suffering from epilepsy.

Besides these herbs some other natural remedies for epilepsy may include:

• Coconut oil- It is generally rich in fatty acids and may have a therapeutic effect on the brain cells.
• Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) - It may be helpful in reducing the frequency of seizures.
• Limes- They may help in improving the blood circulation to the brain. They may also reduce the excess calcium levels that hampers brain functions.
• Garlic- The commonly available spice in Indian households, may be useful in the treatment of epilepsy for its anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and antioxidant properties.
• Winter melon- Also known as ash gourd may be useful for epilepsy for its medicinal and nutritional properties. It helps to keep the nervous system healthy.

Diet Suggestions for Epilepsy

It is imperative for epilepsy patients to follow some diet suggestions to curb the frequency of seizures. The following may be considered:

• Foods like tofu, sardines, flax seeds, cauliflower, walnuts, shrimp and soya bean should be made a part of diet as they are rich in omega 3 fatty acids.
• Foods like soya bean, carrot, mangoes, nuts, papaya, red peppers, spinach, sunflower seeds, and flax seed oil should also be had as they are rich in Vitamin E.
• Ketogenic diet- This diet is low in carbohydrates and proteins but high in fats. It is considered very useful in case of children with epilepsy. It helps in decreasing the frequency of seizures.
• Intake of sweet foods should be limited.
• Fried and greasy food, strong tea and coffee, alcoholic beverages and condiments should also be avoided.
• These dietary changes coupled with herbal medicine for epilepsy will definitely show positive results.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Epilepsy In Melbourne 

Epilepsy is a brain disorder and the natural medicine for seizures may help you bring about some positive results. However the patient and his family need to understand that the treatment and management of epilepsy is long term and one needs to be very careful and regular with the medicines.

Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic in Melbourne is a reputed centre for herbal treatment. 

We understand that every individual is unique with a different constitution and thus needs a custom made treatment. Before starting the treatment a detailed Ayrveda case study of the patient is conducted so that the root cause of the disease can be established. We focus not only on treating the disease but also increasing the immunity and overall vitality of the system.

Panchakarma- the mind and body healing therapy, also forms an integral part of the treatment methodology. It cleanses the system of the toxins that have been collected in the body for years.  We are very fortunate to have an experienced team of ayurvedic doctors in Melbourne who share our ideology. Walking an extra mile for our patients is something that they love to do.

References:

1. Rajdip R Rao, A B Thakar, K S Patel and Shital Bhagiya, ‘Ayurvedic Management of Apasmara (epilepsy) along with Anti-Epileptic Drugs: Case Study’, International Ayurvedic Medical Journal, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321588777_AYURVEDIC_MANAGEMENT_OF_APASMARA_EPILEPSY_ALONG_WITH_ANTI-EPILEPTIC_DRUGS_CASE_STUDY
2. Parul Agarwa, Bhavna Sharma, Amreen Fatima and Sanjay Kumar Jain, ‘An Update on Ayurvedic Herb Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy’, Asian Pacific Journal of tropical Biomedicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3868798/