Yoga Teacher Training Forum

Namaskar Parell,

Seizure disorder (also known as epilepsy) is one of the oldest recorded conditions of suffering to humanity. "Epilepsy" is a word used to describe many different illnesses with one common symptom. That being seizures impede and interrupt the normal activity of the central nervous system.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that makes people prone to seizures. A seizure is a change in sensation, awareness, or behavior brought about by a brief electrical disturbance in the brain.

There are many different disorders, which may cause seizures. In the language of Ayurveda, epilepsy is called "Apasmara," which means loss of consciousness.

Yoga offers a contemporary approach to treating seizures. The ancient Indian texts, Vedas describe four types of epilepsy and nine disorders causing convulsions in children. As therapy, the physical discipline of yoga seeks to re-establish a balance (union) between those aspects of a person's health that cause seizures.

Asana (Yoga Posture)

The asanas help in restoring metabolic systems and balance to the body. Practicing asanas will increase your physical strenghth, endurance, calm the nervous system. Asanas, used as a physical exercise alone, will improve mental focus, circulation, and breathing. At the same time asanas will lower your odds of having a seizure.

Meditation

Anxiety and stress are well known triggers of seizure activity. "Dhyana" or meditation soothes the mind and heal the body. Meditation increases the levels of neurotransmitters, like serotonin, which keep the body's nervous system calm. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as yoga meditation, is well known as a definitive aid in seizure control. Meditation also improves blood flow to the brain and slows the production of stress hormones.

Pranayam

If someone slips into a seizure state, he or she should reflexively catch and hold the breath, as if he or she were frightened. This will bring about changes in metabolism, blood flow, and oxygen levels in the brain. The practice of pranayama techinques which are controlled and deep diaphragmatic breathing helps restore normal respiration. This can reduce the chances of having a seizure or stop the seizures before they become full blown.

Here is a video by Baba Ramdev about Yoga for Epilepsy and Migraines.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWJ_thhnPHQ

Om Shanti,

Priyah