Yoga Poses for Epilepsy: Calming the Mind and Nervous System

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• The Role of Yoga in Managing Epilepsy
• Best Yoga Poses for Epilepsy
  • Balasana (Child's Pose)
  • Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose)
  • Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
  • Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose)
  • Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose)
• Pranayama and Meditation for Epilepsy
• Safety Guidelines for Practicing Yoga with Epilepsy
• Conclusion

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that is composed of repetitive seizure activity, that affects millions of individuals, and impacts everything from appointments to work and school, to sleep, and emotional well-being. Epilepsy is a condition that results in living in a world where you cannot prevent seizures from happening.

Though we depend on medical treatment to control epilepsy, it is not rare that those who live with this neurological disorder turn to alternative medicine to improve their overall well-being. It is when we mention alternative medicine that we hear many times about yoga.

Yoga is not a cure for epilepsy. It is an option, one of the means to enhance wellness and your own care. Yoga is a means to soothe your nervous system, reduce stress and to enhance the connection to your mind and body, which may influence your seizure triggers and overall health. Here you will learn more about the yoga poses for epilepsy.

The Role of Yoga in Managing Epilepsy

So, how exactly performing yoga poses for epilepsy help with a neurological condition? The magic lies in yoga's holistic approach, which combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to bring balance to the body and mind.

1. Relief from Stress and Anxiety: This is likely the greatest benefit. Stress is a frequent seizure trigger for most individuals. Practice of yoga, particularly restorative and gentle yoga, activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) within us. This shuts down stress response in the body which slows down heart rate, reduces blood pressure, and reduces stress hormone. A relaxed nervous system is a more controlled nervous system.
2. Enhances Sleep: Poor sleep or tiredness is another frequent seizure initiator. The practice of soothing yoga can prepare your body to sleep, getting you to sleep faster and sleeping more soundly with more recuperative sleep.
3. Increases Body Awareness: Yoga makes you aware of how your body feels. This sense of knowing what your body is sensing better can sometimes allow a person to sense if there are very faint sensations which may precede a seizure that might allow them time to move to a place of safety.
4. Breath Awareness: Conscious achievements of breath, referred to as pranayama, in yoga is employed in all forms of therapeutic yoga. By incorporating slow, deep, conscious breathing you are communicating safety to the brain. This serves the purpose of breaking an anxiety feedback loop and accessing calm.

Best Yoga Poses for Epilepsy

When practicing yoga poses for epilepsy, the focus should be on grounding, stability, and relaxation. Avoid poses that put pressure on the head (like headstands or shoulder stands) or involve rapid, jarring movements. Here are five gentle yet powerful poses to get you started.

1. Balasana (Child's Pose)

Calms the mind, reduces stress, and gently relaxes the nervous system to help prevent seizure triggers.

Steps:

1. Start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position.
2. Place a block or bolster under your chest or abdomen for extra support.
3. Gently lower your hips toward your heels, stretching your arms forward on the mat.
4. Rest your forehead on the bolster or on a block, allowing the bolster or block to support your torso.
5. Place a blanket under your hips to support the pose.
6. Relax into the pose, breathing deeply to release tension in the back and hips.

2. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose)

Improves blood circulation to the brain, eases fatigue and promotes overall relaxation.  

Steps:

1. Begin in a tabletop position with hands under shoulders and knees under hips.
2. Take two yoga blocks, keep your palms on it for support, tuck your toes, and lift your hips toward the ceiling.
3. Try to keep your legs straight while keeping a slight bend in the knees if needed.
4. Place yoga block below your head for the support.
5. Gently press your heels toward the mat without forcing them.
6. Keep your arms straight, shoulders away from ears, and engage your core.
7. Stay for a few breaths, keeping a steady breath and even inhale-exhale.
8. Lower your knees back to the mat to exit the pose.

3. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)

Relieves anxiety, reduces mental agitation, and supports a calmer nervous system.

Steps:

1. Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight in front of you.
2. Hold a yoga belt around the balls of your feet or place a block under your knees to avoid strain in the hamstrings.
3. Inhale to lengthen the spine, and as you exhale, fold forward gently from the hips, bringing your torso towards your legs.
4. Keep the neck relaxed and allow the breath to guide you deeper into the stretch.

4. Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose)

Encourages steady breathing, aids digestion, and helps stabilize the mind and body.

Steps:

1. Sit on your knees with your thighs and calves touching the floor, keeping a yoga blanket below for cushioning.
2. Sit back on your heels, placing your hands on your knees.
3. Keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and gaze forward.

5. Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose)

Promotes deep relaxation, reduces nervous tension, and balances the autonomic nervous system.

Steps:

1. Sit next to a wall and lie on your back, swinging your legs up against the wall.
2. Bring your hips close to the wall, placing the bolster below the back, keeping legs straight and feet pointing up.
3. Rest your arms by your sides, palms facing up.
4. Close your eyes, relax, and breathe deeply.
5. Stay in the pose for 5-15 minutes.

Pranayama and Meditation for Epilepsy

Breathing and mindfulness are just as important as the physical postures.

1. Anuloma Viloma Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing): Anuloma Viloma is an alternate nostril breathing technique with a more intense focus on the breath. This makes it easier to sit upright for longer durations without discomfort, promoting a more focused and effective breathing practice.
2. Mindfulness Meditation: Simply sitting for 5-10 minutes and focusing on the natural rhythm of your breath can work wonders. When your mind wanders, gently guide it back to your breath without judgment. This practice trains the brain to stay in the present moment, reducing anxiety about the future.

Safety Guidelines for Practicing Yoga with Epilepsy

Safety must always come first. Follow these guidelines to ensure your practice is supportive and risk-free.

1. Consult with Your Doctor: Speak to your neurologist prior to beginning yoga or any new exercise program.
2. Find a Qualified Instructor: Find a qualified yoga teacher who has experience working with students who have epilepsy. Be open with them regarding your condition and any limitations you may have.
3. Listen to Your Body: This is the golden rule! If you feel dizzy, tired, nauseous stop immediately. Let your body rest in a safe place like Child's Pose (Balasana).
4. Use Props: Blocks, blankets, bolsters, and belts are there to help you! Use them to practice safely and to provide support that may protect you from strain.
5. Stay Close to the Ground: Choose poses that let you stay lower to the ground. Avoid poses that require you to be upside down like Headstand (Sirsasana) or Handstand (Adho Mukha Vrksasana). Avoid very difficult poses that make balancing a challenge and put you at risk of falling.

Conclusion

Inculcating yoga poses for epilepsy can be a powerful way to navigate the everyday experiences of living with epilepsy, as it can help restore your nervous systems to calm and facilitate a connection with your body that includes reducing stress. You, your mind, and your body, can use yoga for epilepsy as a tool for well-being. It is important to remember that this process is about compassion, not perfection. Yoga is an ally to you, and complements your medical treatment, you can attain balance, harmony, and stability along with yoga, one breath at a time.