This archive report was first published on 4 May 2021.
May 4, 2021, marked a significant shift in the burden of Epilepsy care and management, moving from a lack of knowledge and information to a gap in treatment.
While Epilepsy is manageable and treatable, it requires a multidisciplinary approach to achieve holistic care. Complimentary therapies, such as massage, are considered alternative aids in the treatment process, alongside the use of anti-epileptic drugs.
Massage therapy has been used for centuries in many African cultures as part of Traditional African Medicine (TAM), where traditional herbalists employ various methods to treat different ailments.
Jane Richards, a massage therapist and person living with Epilepsy, shared her experience of incorporating massage therapy into her treatment journey during an interview at her spa in Malindi.
“Most people with Epilepsy can do the same things as other people,” Richards said. “I have never felt I could not get a massage because I have Epilepsy. However, it's essential for a client's physician to make the decision if a person's problem is severe, such as experiencing daily seizures.
“A person shouldn't receive a massage during a seizure, and if there's great concern, a family member should be present,” Richards added. “Some medications make it easier for a person to receive a bruise, and it's crucial to know what to do if a person has a seizure.”
Stress is known to lower seizure thresholds, and massages are recognized for their ability to help in this regard. By reducing tension, assisting with relaxation, and minimizing stress, massages can provide relaxing and calming effects that assist in seizure control.
