Epilepsy is called Apasmara (Apa = loss, smara = memory, intelligence and/or consciousness) in Ayurveda, and classified as a vata disorder. In Chinese medicine, a seizure is related to heat in the heart.
There are many types of seizures. Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) is due to chemical malfunction of nervous system, suspected to be systemic and genetic. In one type, a genetic defect causes immature development of the pores in the cell membrane of the nerve axon. As a result, the cell is unable to keep sodium ions from permeating the membrane, disrupting the function of the potassium channel. This makes the nerve fire more often.
Flashing lights may trigger a seizure due to an effect called "cortical driving."
If the seizure lasts for a longtime (15+ minutes) it can cause hypoxia if the person is unable to breathe well. At the emergency room, doctors may order various tests including an EKG, cat scan, blood test, urine test, and a neurological exam. These tests rule out causative factors. Then, they may recommend an appointment with a neurologist for further testing (EEG, MRI).
If no causative factors are found, it may be epilepsy. Epilepsy is confirmed by two or more episodes of seizures. The probability of a second seizure within one year is 25%, and 45% within 3 years. Unprovoked seizures are most common in infants and at puberty. Infection b y tapeworm (Neurocystericercosis) is the most common cause of epilepsy in many tropical countries as well as some isolated areas of the U.S.
There are many potential causes of nervous system upset, and these have to be determined on an individual basis.
Stay hydrated. Keep electrolytes balanced. Keep blood sugar levels low by avoiding sugars and carb heavy diet.
Daily exercise helps to move blood & lymph, flushing toxins out of the body and refreshing the whole system. Generally, follow a healthy diet & lifestyle.
Alterative herbs such as amalaki are known to regulate blood chemistry.
Disclaimer: 'Epilepsy' could be serious and should be checked by a medical doctor.
These ingredients are contraindicated / may aggravate 'Epilepsy'.
These supplements are contraindicated / may aggravate 'Epilepsy'.
If you have symptoms in this category it means your imbalances have overwhelmed your body's resistance causing a full-fledged disease. Once imbalance reaches this stage it is more likely to cause acute or chronic conditions. You might be tempted to focus your attention on fighting symptoms in this category, but dismiss earlier warning signs of imbalance - i.e. symptoms in the stage 1 category. It is ideal to find and address the root causes weakening your system and remove them first. This ensures you are not adding fuel to the fire of disease. Once the root causes are removed, you can work on addressing the disease head on along with strengthening your body. This typically yields a quicker recovery and prevents recurrence. Ayurveda's preventative approach suggests you pay careful attention to every stage of disease development.
Symptoms Tell A Story
The first step to healing is learning patterns from your symptoms. Symptoms are clues that reveal underlying imbalances. Symptoms show you where your body is weakened. Ultimately, all disease has a root in tissues too weak to defend itself. Ayurveda describes these patterns of weakness using doshas & biocharacteristics. If you notice a biocharacteristic or dosha appears next to many of your symptoms, it helps you establish a pattern that may be systemic.BIOCHARACTERISTIC | DO YOU HAVE THIS IMBALANCE? |
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VATA | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Vata' dosha. |
CLEAR | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Clear' guna. |
MOBILE | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Mobile' guna. |
DRY | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Dry' guna. |
TOXIC | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Toxic' guna. |
ASTRINGENT | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Astringent' taste. |
To learn more about the symbols above, click on them. See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.
About the Author
John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.
John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 6 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.