Epilepsy and Ayurvedic Treatment

EPILEPSY AND AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

- Dr. Murali Manohar Chirumamilla, M.D. (Ayurveda)

A seizure, commonly referred to as a fit, is caused by sudden, brief changes in the normal electrical activity of the brain. Seizures triggered by a temporary physical problem, such as exceedingly high fever, or a brain infection, or a near drowsing condition are not considered to be related to epilepsy. When seizures continue to occur for unknown reasons or because of an underlying problem that cannot be corrected, the condition is termed as epilepsy.

Guidelines

	A shower rather than a bathtub is considered to be the safest option for people with epilepsy.
	Both gas and electric cookers can be hazardous in the event of a seizure.
	A microwave oven may be a safer alternative.
	Avoid very hard and irregular surfaces, which may cause injury during a seizure. For those who have frequent and unpredictable seizures, stairs can be a major hazard.
	Accidents caused by broken glass can be avoided by the use of safety glass or by covering ordinary glass with a safety film.
	A bed placed against a wall or with protective cushions around it can help to minimise injury, which could be caused by falling out of bed.
	Sharp objects such as bedside tables or cabinets should be kept away from the bed.

Ayurvedic Remedies

	Charaka samhita recommends mega-doses of Mahaa pancha gavya-ghrita, Brahmi ghrita, Vachaadya ghrita for internal use. Cow’s ghee is considered extremely beneficial in this condition. This regimen closely resembles the ketogenic-diet that is gaining popularity in the west for treating drug-resistant cases of epilepsy. It is the special type of diet that is very high in fats and low in carbohydrates. It makes the body burn fat for energy instead of glucose.
	For first aid, make the patient recover from the attack; 5 to 10 drops of onion juice are to be dropped in the nose.
	Braahmi (Baccopa monnieri) and vacha (Acorus calamus) are the important herbs that are of particular use in this condition. Both these herbs grow in marshy lands. You can take a teaspoonful of brahmi juice or the powder of the root of vacha, or both of them together, after mixing with honey, twice or thrice a day.
	Alternately, take one gram of garlic paste with a 5 ml of til oil.
	Powdered root of mulathi (glycyrrhiza), 3 to 6 grams with half a cup of fresh kushmaanda (ashgourd) juice is also beneficial in this condition.
	In intractable cases of epilepsy, Jataamansi choorna, Apasmaaraantaka ras are recommended.
	Brahat vata kulantak ras is very good in controlling epilepsy. Til oil or Brahmi oil are good for head massage.

Note

As we all are genetically different with different constitutions and patterns, we respond to treatments in many different ways. Hence Standard Ayurvedic Treatments are always individually formulated. This article is intended only for information. It is not a substitute to the standard medical diagnosis, personalized Ayurvedic treatment or qualified Ayurvedic physician. For specific treatment, always consult with a qualified Ayurvedic physician.

Address

Dr. Ch. Murali Manohar, M.D. (Ayurveda)

Ayurvedic Specialist

Raksha Ayurvedic Centre,

Opp. Directorate of Women Development,

Yousufguda Main Road (Sarathi Studio Road),

Ameerpet, Hyderabad - 500073.,

Andhra Pradesh, INDIA

Phones: Land: +91 (040) 23742146; Mobile: 09246575510

Consultation Hours (by phone appointment)

Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Sundays: 10 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.

E-mail: muralimanoharch@hotmail.com