Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system and causes abnormal brain activity, leading to seizures or convulsions. Approximately 50 million people worldwide suffer from epilepsy, which can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. According to Ayurveda, epilepsy is known as “Apasmara,” which means a sudden loss of consciousness. Ayurveda views epilepsy as a nervous system disorder caused by an imbalance of the three doshas, namely Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. In this blog, we will discuss the causes of epilepsy according to Ayurveda and how Ayurvedic treatment can help manage seizures.
What are the Symptoms of Epilepsy?
The primary symptom of epilepsy is seizures, which can vary in intensity and duration.
- Temporary confusion
- A staring spell
- Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs
- Loss of consciousness or awareness
- Psychic symptoms such as fear, anxiety or Deja vu
How many Types of Seizures Can be felt in Epilepsy?
Focal (partial) seizures occur when seizures appear to be caused by abnormal activity in only one area of your brain. Symptoms of focal seizures can be mistaken for those of other neurological disorders such as migraine, narcolepsy, or mental illness. A thorough examination and testing are necessary to distinguish epilepsy from other disorders. These seizures are classified into two types:
Focal seizures without loss of consciousness:
These seizures, formerly known as simple partial seizures, do not result in loss of consciousness. They may alter emotions or change things’ appearance, smell, feel, taste, or sound. They can also cause involuntary jerking of a body part, such as an arm or leg, and unexpected sensory symptoms like tingling, dizziness, and flashing lights.
Focal seizures with impaired awareness:
These seizures, formerly known as complex partial seizures, involve a change or loss of consciousness or awareness. You may stare into space and not normally respond to your surroundings during a complex partial seizure or perform repetitive movements such as hand rubbing, chewing, swallowing, or walking in circles.
Generalized seizures
Seizures that appear to involve all brain areas are referred to as generalised seizures. There are six types of generalised seizures.
- Absence seizures:Â These seizures cause brief lapses in consciousness and can result in staring or blinking.
- Tonic seizures:Â These seizures cause muscle stiffness, and the person may fall to the ground.
- Atonic seizures:Â These seizures cause a sudden loss of muscle tone, causing the person to collapse.
- Clonic seizures:Â These seizures cause rapid, jerking movements in the arms and legs.
- Myoclonic seizures:Â These seizures cause sudden, brief twitches in the muscles.
- Tonic-clonic seizures:Â Formerly known as grand mal seizures, are the most dramatic type of epileptic seizure, causing an abrupt loss of consciousness, body stiffening and shaking, and sometimes loss of bladder control or biting your tongue.
What are the Causes of Epilepsy?
The exact cause of epilepsy is still unknown, but there are certain factors that can increase the risk of developing the condition, including:
- Brain injury:Â A head injury or trauma can cause changes in brain activity, leading to epilepsy.
- Genetics:Â Certain types of epilepsy are known to run in families, suggesting a genetic component to the disorder.
- Brain tumors:Â A tumor in the brain can cause epilepsy by altering brain activity.
- Infections:Â Some infections, such as meningitis or encephalitis, can damage the brain and trigger epilepsy.
Ayurvedic Pathological Representation of Epilepsy:
What are Causes of Epilepsy – According to Ayurveda:
Ayurveda views epilepsy as a disorder caused by an imbalance of the three doshas. Vata dosha imbalance is the primary cause of epilepsy, leading to the accumulation of toxins in the brain, leading to seizures. Pitta dosha imbalance can also cause epilepsy, leading to inflammation in the brain, which can cause seizures. Kapha dosha imbalance is the least common cause of epilepsy but can also lead to seizures.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Epilepsy
Ayurvedic treatment for epilepsy involves balancing the doshas and removing the toxins from the body. The treatment approach includes dietary and lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and Panchakarma therapy. Here are some of the Ayurvedic treatments for epilepsy:
Ayushakti Treatment Fundamentals for Epilepsy:
- Balance Dosha (Balance aggravated Doshas)
- Nourishes Sattva Guna (Increase positivity, stimulate mind)
- Increases Blood Circulation in Mind, Heart (Balance secretion of neurotransmitters, stimulate heart tissues)
- Correct Doshas (Alleviate Rajas, Tamas & correct thought process of mind)
Detox (Panchakarma) Therapy for Epilepsy:
Panchakarma therapy is an Ayurvedic detoxification treatment that can help remove toxins from the body. Digestive impurities such as mucus and metabolic toxins pile up in the veins, intestine, liver and joints. They circulate throughout the entire body and block the system. Continuous build-up of these impurities can cause physical and mental disorders and disease. A Detox helps to clean out toxins.
This therapy includes five different procedures, including Vamana (emesis therapy), Virechana (purgation therapy), Basti (enema therapy), Nasya (nasal administration of herbal medicines), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting therapy).
Panchakarma therapy can help manage epilepsy by removing toxins from the body and balancing the doshas.
Ayushakti’s detoxification Panchkarma treatments are highly focused on relieving the root cause of any chronic problem by cleansing, repairing and rejuvenating the deeper tissues and cells in your body.  Click here to check out our Panchkarma Detoxification PlanÂ
Marma (Acupunture) Therapy:
Marma points are subtle energy points in your body. These energy points, if pressed systematically, provide instant relief in many acute health conditions. Marma treatments help release blocks in the energy channels (tissues) and rejuvenate you mentally, physically and emotionally. Marma can help with epilepsy too. Explore more about Marma click here to read
Ayurvedic Diet Plan For Epilepsy
Ayurvedic practitioners recommend dietary and lifestyle changes to manage epilepsy. A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help balance the doshas and remove toxins from the body. Avoiding processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol can also help manage seizures. Practising relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation can also help manage epilepsy. Follow Ketogenic diet this high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet has been shown to reduce seizures in some people with epilepsy. Avoiding triggers, such as lack of sleep or stress, can help reduce the frequency of seizures.
Also Read: A Complete Ayurvedic Diet Guide to Managing Epilepsy
Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies For Epilepsy:
Ayurvedic herbal remedies can help manage epilepsy. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), and Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) are some of the herbs used in Ayurveda to manage epilepsy. These herbs have a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing the frequency of seizures.
Takeaway
If you are looking for a natural approach to managing seizures, Ayurvedic treatment can help. At Ayushakti, we offer personalized Ayurvedic treatment plans to manage epilepsy. Please book an appointment with us today and start your journey towards a healthy life.
Ayushakti‘s mission is to help people in every possible way. You can consult our experts on phone or video. We will suggest diet & home remedies for maintaining your well-being in these difficult times.
Book your consultation here  – https://bit.ly/3XiG50D
For more information write to us at info@ayushakti.com
You may contact us on our toll-free numbers –Â 18002663001Â (India) &Â +18002800906Â (Global)
Author of the Blog: DR.ROHIT MORE
Expert Review By:Â Dr Smita Pankaj Naram
Co-Founder, Ayushakti Ayurved Pvt Ltd
