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SYMPTOMS & AYURVEDIC REMEDIES
EPILEPSYWHAT DOES IT MEAN? WHAT'S CAUSING IT? WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Written by John Immel,
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Written by John Immel,
Are you prone to a problem with 'Epilepsy'?
Ayurvedically, a seizure may represent a kind of nervous system colic. The nervous system fires asynchronously, leading to twitching. The recovery stage resembles a reboot of the nervous system. This "reboot" takes time as all systems resynchronize. Awareness starts as a dot then expands slowly to include all systems. 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. Acute SeizureIf you see a person having a seizure, call 911 immediately. During the seizure keep head forward, lay the person on their side so they don't aspirate saliva or vomit into the lungs. Do not attempt CPR or heimlich (but check breathing to make sure they are not choking). Do not stick anything in the person's mouth.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. Nonpharmcological treatmentNonpharmacological treatment of epilepsy includes surgery, vagal nerve stimulation, ketogenic diet, and other alternative/complementary therapies, e.g., yoga, Ayurveda, electroencephalography (EEG) biofeedback technique, aerobic exercise, music therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, acupuncture, and herbal remedies (traditional Chinese medicine). (source: Nonpharmacological treatment of epilepsy)Ayurvedic ApproachPlease review and research the ideas below to determine their suitability for your health and wellness. Please contact your doctor before making any changes to your health and wellness.Avoid TriggersKeep a journal to record potential triggers. Note time of year, time of day, what the person was doing, recent foods, and where the seizure occurred. Some common triggers include lack of sleep, stress, mirrors, and flashes of light.Maintain a Relaxed, Balanced & Resilient Nervous SystemResearch the following techniques below to support the nervous system as much as possible, which may reduce the number and length of seizures.Monitor Your Nervous System
Notice in general when your nervous system is tense, or "off". Then take simple measures to relax and/or restore balance generally. Set a "wellness checkin" alarm every hour during school to 1) self monitor how you feel, 2) move lymph and 3) detox: stretch, drink some water, walk around, etc.
There are many potential causes of nervous system upset, and these have to be determined on an individual basis. Support Your Nervous SystemRelaxRelease tension with deep breaths. Stretch your muscles. Use various contemplative and self awareness techniques to manage and process stress. Antispasmodic herbs and nervines such as lemon balm, shankhapushpi, kava, and cloves may be helpful to prevent the nervous system from going haywire.Keep Blood Chemistry BalancedColic & asynchronous nerve firings may be reduced by keeping blood chemistry balanced.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. Good bowel habitsAvoid foods that cause gas and/or fermentation in the gut. This fermentation creates toxicity which stress the body and the nervous system in particular. Sit on the toilet for ten minutes every morning to encourage regular movementsSleep HabitsPoor sleep aggravates the nervous system. Learn techniques to improve sleep, as well as how to stay relaxed when not sleeping. Avoid screens after 8pm to encourage a good night's sleep.Disclaimer: 'Epilepsy' could be serious and should be checked by a medical doctor.
WHAT HAS HELPED YOU HEAL?DIET REMEDIES FOR 'EPILEPSY'GrainsAmaranth ,  How does Amaranth affect this symptom?
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Oat Milk , How does Oat Milk affect this symptom?
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Oats / Oatmeal , How does Oats / Oatmeal affect this symptom?
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Sorghum Flour How does Sorghum Flour affect this symptom?
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. FruitsApple (cooked) , How does Apple (cooked) affect this symptom?
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Green Plantain How does Green Plantain affect this symptom?
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. SpicesChamomile , How does Chamomile affect this symptom?
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Mustard Seed , How does Mustard Seed affect this symptom?
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Nutmeg , How does Nutmeg affect this symptom?
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Poppy Seed , How does Poppy Seed affect this symptom?
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Salt (Mineral Salt) How does Salt (Mineral Salt) affect this symptom?
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. OilsCoconut Oil , How does Coconut Oil affect this symptom?
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Ghee How does Ghee affect this symptom?
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. RootsGarlic , How does Garlic affect this symptom?
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Potato How does Potato affect this symptom?
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Nuts-SeedsHemp Seed How does Hemp Seed affect this symptom?
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. MeatsShrimp How does Shrimp affect this symptom?
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. HERBS & PRODUCTS FOR 'EPILEPSY' MORE MIND STRESS SLEEP TIPSDISCLAIMER: The pathogenesis of each person's condition is unique, and so the diet must be fit to the individual and the unique root causes of the condition in your body. The information on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be used to treat a medical condition. It is not a substitute for medical care. Please check with your doctor before making any changes to your health and wellness routine. HOW DOES AYURVEDA HEAL 'EPILEPSY'?AVOID DIETS, LIFESTYLES & HERBS THAT AGGRAVATE THESE EFFECTSAccording to Ayurveda, one or more of the following doshas and qualities may aggravate 'Epilepsy'. If you have an excess of one of these doshas or qualities below, Ayurveda recommends reducing foods and lifestyle habits that aggravate them. Click on the quality to learn what foods and lifestyle habits should be reduced. 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 & qualities. If you notice a quality or dosha appears next to many of your symptoms, it helps you establish a pattern that may be systemic.V = VATA, P = PITTA, K = KAPHA 
To learn more about the symbols above, click on them. Are you prone to a problem with 'Epilepsy'?
FAVOR DIETS, LIFESTYLES & HERBS WITH THESE MEDICINAL EFFECTSEverything you eat has an effect on your body, which Ayurveda categorizes in a simple and easy way, using gunas. Gunas are qualities (like cold and hot) that describe the effect a food or herb has on your body. Cooling foods like cucumber, decrease metabolism. Heating foods like chili pepper, stimulate your body and increase metabolism. For 'Epilepsy', you should select foods with the following qualities (gunas). Individual results will vary, based on your body type and the root cause of your imbalance.
To learn more about the symbols above, click on them. Digestion: Antispasmodic ANTISPASMODICHerbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, colic or IBS.Cleanse and Detox: Detoxicant DETOXICANTAn herb that eliminates or metabolizes toxins from the body.Heart & Circulation: Rebuild Electrolytes REBUILD-ELECTROLYTESSubstances that increase your electrolyte balance. Electrolytes help you retain water, keep your palate moist, and truly quench your thirst.Mind, Stress & Sleep: Grounding , GROUNDINGEncourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth.Relaxes mind , RELAXES-MINDReduces mental agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts.Relieves tension , RELIEVES-TENSIONAn herb that releases tightness, constriction, and rigidity in a muscle.Brain Tonic , BRAIN-TONICAn herb that strengthens the brain, thereby improves either mental function, stamina, or stability.Nervine , NERVINEHerbs that specifically go to the nervous system and brain. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer?s, even chronic pain.Sedative SEDATIVESedative herbs create a sense of calm in the mind and body by specifically calming or quieting the nervous system. Excellent for anxiety, stress and chronic pain.Weight Loss: Lowers Blood Sugar LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGARAn herb that lowers blood sugar.Muscle-Health: Muscle relaxant MUSCLE-RELAXANTHerbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.Bowel-Poop-Elimination: General Laxative GENERAL-LAXATIVEPromotes a bowel movement. General laxative is an umbrella term that refers to several different types of laxatives...ADDRESS ISSUES IN STAGE OF DISEASE 4EPILEPSY IS IN STAGE OF DISEASE 4 - TISSUE DISEASEIf 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. REDUCE THESE RELATED SYMPTOMS & HABITSThe following symptoms & habits may be related to 'Epilepsy'. See your quiz results for a computerized assessment of your body type. Please click on the symptoms below to learn more about them.WHAT'S NEXT? 
DO YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR UNIQUE BODY?What aggravates it? What heals it?
Then get your Personal Ayurvedic Body Book!
This book, written by founder and director of Joyful Belly, John Immel,
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HOW AYURVEDA WORKS
ARE YOU WONDERING HOW AYURVEDA CAN HELP YOU?
WHY IS AYURVEDA THE RIGHT SOLUTION?Ayurveda strengthens the body, in addition to addressing the disorder. It take a holistic, systemic approach, instead of myopically focusing on the disorder in question. Ayurveda shows a person how to interpret signs and symptoms of imbalance, and how to address them using materials from home, so they can optimize their health on a continual basis. You can't take the doctor home with you, but you can take Ayurveda home with you. Ayurveda is the most advanced and easy to use home system for self healing with an exceptional focus on digestion.HOW DOES AYURVEDA WORK?Ayurveda starts by identifying your body type, which identifies certain tendencies in your body to get sick (as well as identifying your strengths). It uses body type to determine the likely root causes of your disorders. Next, Ayurveda analyzes the nature of your disorder. It fits all your signs and symptoms into a pattern, expressed as a combination of gunas / qualities. For example, you may have a heat disorder, a cold disorder, or an oily disorder, etc. This simple categorical approach shows you how to correct systemic imbalances and strengthen your body as a whole.On Joyful Belly, we've created an extensive categorization of food so you can easily match food to your imbalances (gunas). By eating an optimal diet that balances your gunas, your whole body is strengthened and the conditions that created the disorder are removed. Once the root causes of the disease are removed, the disease lessens in strength or disappears altogether. Additional remedies - such as herbs and lifestyle practices - focused on the specific disorder, can greatly enhance your healing. Want to learn more about Ayurveda and its step-by-step approach to healing? Click below.LEARN MOREGET STARTEDTo get started on your Ayurvedic journey, we first recommend that your find your body type by taking our free quiz. In Ayurveda, every solution is based on your unique body type, so by taking this quiz, you’ll get the best results.5 WAYS TO HEAL YOUR BODY
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