Yoga Poses For Seizure Control

Seizure disorders are usually managed using a variety of different medications. Some suggest using yoga poses can help control seizures. If you or a loved one experience seizures, talk with your doctor about adding yoga to your treatment regimen. Do not discontinue or reduce your medication without approval from your health care provider.

Considerations

A 1996 study published in the "Indian Journal of Medical Research" found the practice of sahaja yoga reduced seizures in the test group studied by 86 percent after six months of practice. The EEG or brain wave tests conducted on these individuals improved as well. Meditation and deep breathing helps improve the brain's discharge of electrical activity in individuals with epilepsy or seizure disorder. Other studies are being conducted on the effect yoga has on seizures because this study only included 32 individuals.

Meditation

Dr. Umesh Rai, director of the International Sahaja Yoga Research and Health Center in Mumbai, explains that sahaja yoga focuses on awakening dormant energy in individuals that nourishes and rejuvenates. This is achieved by meditation, which helps your body create fluids with the ability to improve symptoms. Meditation helps reduce stress and improves blood flow to your brain. It also reduces the level of stress hormones in your blood and helps increase your serotonin level.

Shavasana

This relaxation pose helps restore energy, and calm your mind and spirit. In this pose, lay on your back with your hands at your sides and your palms facing up. Keep your body in line and your feet slightly apart. You can move your head slightly to the right or left -- whichever is most comfortable for you. Close your eyes, concentrate on one body part at a time and slowly relax each segment. Shavasana is not recommended as a meditation pose because you might fall asleep.

Asanas

Asanas, or poses, help to restore balance in your body and promote normal metabolic health. Rai suggests they increase your physical well being and strength, act to calm your nervous system, improve circulation, respiration and concentration which reduces your likelihood of seizure activity. In addition to meditation and shavasana, other poses to consider include sarvangasan, matsyasana, paschimottanasana and shirshasana.

Warning

Certain poses should be avoided based on specific medical conditions you have. Before assuming yoga poses, talk with your health care provider to determine which are safe for you.