This archive report was first published on 7 July 2020.
July 7, 2020 - For centuries, yoga has been a traditional method of leading a healthy life, alleviating stress, and inducing relaxation. Its numerous health benefits have made it a popular choice for people seeking alternative medicine.
One of the conditions that yoga has been found to help manage is epilepsy. A recent study aimed to assess the safety of yoga for adults with poorly controlled epilepsy and found that it had no adverse effects during six weeks of practice.
The study, which involved yoga classes and home practice, found that participants experienced a reduction in seizure frequency, increased energy levels, and reduced stress and anxiety. These findings suggest that yoga can be a valuable tool in managing epilepsy and improving the quality of life for those affected by the condition.
So, how does yoga work in managing epilepsy? Research suggests that it can help reduce stress, which is a common trigger for seizures. By practicing yoga regularly, individuals can better manage their stress levels and reduce the frequency of seizures.
Yoga has also been found to positively influence the reduced quality of life, anxiety, and depression that often accompany epilepsy. By reducing these symptoms, yoga can make the condition more manageable and reduce its impact on daily life.
One of the most significant effects of yoga is the stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system through the Vagus nerve. This can lead to a reduction in seizure frequency by about 30%.
Overall, the benefits of yoga in managing epilepsy are clear. By incorporating yoga into their treatment plan, individuals with epilepsy can experience fewer seizures, improved quality of life, and reduced anxiety and depression.
- The writer is the National Epilepsy Coordination Committee (NECC) National Secretary (Kenya), and an Epilepsy Awareness ambassador
