Yoga is an ancient discipline that focuses on mindfulness, breathing techniques, and physical postures. It has been gaining popularity in recent years as a complementary therapy for children with health conditions like epilepsy. While more research is still needed, early studies suggest that yoga may help improve symptoms and quality of life for kids with epilepsy.
One of the main benefits of yoga for children with epilepsy is stress reduction. Stress is a major trigger for seizures, so lowering stress levels can help decrease seizure frequency. Yoga focuses the mind on the present moment through breathing and posture, which helps promote relaxation. The slow movements and stretches also release muscle tension that accumulates from stress.
Yoga breathing or pranayama techniques, like alternate nostril breathing and diaphragmatic breathing, can specifically target stress relief and anxiety reduction in children. Proper breathing activates the body’s parasympathetic nervous system which induces the relaxation response.
Yoga postures, known as asanas, can also improve balance, flexibility and strength over time. This physical fitness may help kids with epilepsy in various ways. Better balance and coordination can reduce the risk of injury during seizures. Increased flexibility and muscle tone can counter some of the physical side effects of anti-seizure medications.
Overall, incorporating simple yoga practices into the daily routine of a child with epilepsy may be worth discussing with their healthcare provider and parents. Even just 10 to 15 minutes of yoga a few times a week focusing on breathing and gentle poses tailored to the child’s abilities can provide benefits. The key is creating a consistent yoga practice that the child enjoys so they are motivated to continue. With patience and creativity, yoga has potential to complement standard medical treatments and improve quality of life for many children living with epilepsy.
Best Epilepsy Ayurvedic Center in Kerala
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition that creates a neurological imbalance, which in turn leads to loss of consciousness and epileptic attacks. Ayurveda calls epilepsy as Apasmara which needs a long-term management plan that includes herbal medication, panchakarma, diet, and lifestyle adjustments. Sanjeevanam Ayurveda Hospital ,situated in kochi ,kerala having good neurodevelopmental team consist of Ayurvedic neuro-developmental pediatrician , diet consultants , yoga and naturopathic experts , panchakrma specalised doctors ,physiotherapists ,well trained therapists for child care .
Sanjeevanam Ayurveda Hospital utilizes a holistic approach to treat epilepsy. Their treatment focuses on balancing the doshas – vata, pitta and kapha – which can become imbalanced and cause seizures. They use internal and external treatments including medicated oils, herbal powders and herbal drinks
For internal medicine, they create custom herbal powders and drinks using anti-spasmodic, anti-convulsive and nervine herbs
Alongside herbal treatments, they focus on diet and lifestyle changes. This includes following a vata-pacifying diet with warm, cooked foods and spices like ginger, cumin and cloves. Meditation, yoga and other relaxation techniques are also prescribed to reduce stress levels which can trigger seizures.