What is Apasmara (Epilepsy)?
Apasmara (epilepsy) is a disease characterized by episodes of convulsions followed by a transient period of unconsciousness and momentary loss of memory. Traditionally in the treatment, Apasmara ancient literature reveals that one has many references about formulations that can successfully manage it.
Causes of Epilepsy (Seizures)
Apasmara (Epilepsy) described in most Ayurvedic treatises can be classified into three categories: Dietetic factors, behavioral factors, and miscellaneous factors.
Vitiation of the doshas, particularly Vata dosha. Since Vata dosha controls the functioning of the other doshas, vitiation in Vata dosha leads to disturbance of the delicate balance that exists between the doshas. This, in turn, leads to the disturbance in the functioning of the mind. The process resembles blocking of conduction of sensory as well as motor impulses from sense organs to mind and back. This results in convulsions and loss of memory for varied durations. Over a period of time, damage to brain cells is caused.
Ayurvedic Perspective of Epilepsy
by Dr Vikas Saroch (BAMS, MD) Award-winning Physician
The approach that Ayurveda has in treating Apasmara is unique. The first step involved is Shodhana or the cleansing of the body using procedures like Vamana (Emesis), Virechana (Purgation), Basti (enemas), Shirovirechana (Nasal medications) followed by Shirodhara.
This helps in eradicating the vitiated doshas from the body. These processes also make the body more receptive to the treatments that follow. Following Shodhana, various medications are administered through the oral and other routes for Shamana.
The basic fundamentals used as per Ayurveda are:
Swarasa (Expressed juice), Kalka (Paste), Kwatha (Decoction), Hima (Cold Infusion), Phanta (Hot Infusion).
Ayurvedic Medicines & Formulations
Swarasas & Ghritas
Swarasas: Rasona Swarasa, Shatavari Kanda Swarasa, Brahmi Swarasa etc.
Medicated Ghrita (Ghee): Considered to be the most effective treatment in Apasmara. This is because ghee can cross the blood-brain barrier better than most other forms of medications. The various Ghritas mentioned in classics are: Purana Ghrita, Panchagavya Ghrita, Mahapanchagavya Ghrita, Brahmi Ghrita, Mahakalyanaka Ghrita, Mahachaetess Ghrita, Vachadi Ghrita, Amalakyadi Ghrita, Kushmanda Ghrita etc.
Tailas, Rasaushadhi & Bhasmas
Medicated Tailas (Oils): Chandanadi Taila, Bala Taila, Triphaladi Taila, Palankashadi Taila, Katambharadi Taila, Vastramutradi taila etc.
Rasaushadhi: Chaturmukha Rasa, Anandbhairava Rasa, Maha Mritunjaya Rasa, Trailokya Chintamani Rasa, Unmada Gaja Keasari Rasa, Vata Kulantaka Rasa, Yogendra Rasa, Chanda Bhairava Rasa, Bhoota Bhairava Rasa etc.
Bhasmas: Swarna Bhasma, Rajata Bhasma, Haratala Bhasma, Pravala Pishti, Mukta Pishti, Swarna Makshika Bhasma etc.
Most Common Combinations Used
Ayurvedic treatment for Epilepsy include Guggulu Kalpanas like Saptavimsatika Guggulu, Maha Yogaraja Guggulu have also been mentioned. Vatis like Manasmitra Vatika, Vartis like Kayasthadi Varti, Mustadya Varti has also been mentioned.
Alcohol-based preparations like Ashwagandhadyaristha, Kumaryasava, Saraswataristha have good therapeutic efficacy and also Pravala Pishti, Mukta Pishti, Swarna Makshika Bhasma etc are the choice of combination.
Ayuceutical Approach Towards Treating Epilepsy
Ayuceutical believes in the individualized approach and provides best ayurvedic medicines for epilepsy. The major complains are the repeated seizures which remains from few seconds to hours and can be minimized with the help of customized ayurvedic medicine for seizures.
Ayuceutical provides epilepsy (seizures) treatment in India as well as abroad with its cost effective and result oriented approach. As per our previous experiences permanent cure for epilepsy (apasmara) in Ayurveda is only possible with proper Aahar (Food habits), Vihar (Healthy lifestyle) and Aushadhi (proper medicines).
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