Epilepsy is a serious condition, and if you or a loved one has it, you know how scary it can be when a seizure hits, especially unexpectedly. Although there is currently no cure for epilepsy or the seizures the disease causes, there are many ways to manage them. Perhaps one you haven’t yet thought of is acupuncture, a natural method to curb seizures.
Origins of Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by seizures, classified as either grand mal or petit mal. It has been written about since the beginning of recorded time, although it has long been misunderstood. In the beginning, it was thought to have spiritual origins with a possession manifesting itself within an individual’s body. Depending on the viewpoint, that “possession” could be either negative (e.g., the devil) or positive (e.g., the holy spirit).
It wasn’t until the fifth century BCE that Hippocrates began to dispel the thought that the seizures were associated with a divine intervention. He theorized that the condition began in the brain and, therefore, was treatable. Unfortunately, the general public did not agree with Hippocrates’ assessment and perpetuated the belief that the spirits were at play. That fear-shrouded idea was accepted as fact until the 18th century.
The Cause of Seizures
Because epilepsy is a neurological condition, the issues begin in the brain. In a normal, healthy brain, connections are made all the time, with neurons firing and sending signals throughout the body. However, in a brain affected with epilepsy, those neurons misfire, and the connection is interrupted. That causes a surge of electrical energy to occur, which sparks a seizure. The person can feel something as minor as a tingle and as significant as a grand mal attack.
Traditional Treatments and Management
Since there is no cure for epilepsy, the goal of the medical profession is to manage the seizures. An anticonvulsant is typically given, to be taken daily, to avoid issues with convulsions. Phenobarbital has been the go-to choice since the 1800s, and because it is the most cost-effective solution, the World Health Organization gives it a first-line recommendation, especially in developing countries. In the United States, however, phenobarbital is a controlled substance, and not all patients or medical professionals choose to go that route.
Other medications are available to manage seizures, including phenytoin, carbamazepine, and sodium valproate (more commonly known by their brand names of Dilantin, Tegretol, and Depacon, respectively). The most common side effects of these drugs include mood changes, sleepiness, and unsteadiness when walking.
When medications don’t work, some doctors will consider brain surgery to remove tumors or affected areas of the brain. Neurostimulation is another option that exceeds medication but doesn’t go so far as to include cutting into the brain.
Alternative Care of Epileptic Seizures
Diet has long been at the center of many ailments and their management, and the case is the same with epilepsy. A High-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, known as a ketogenic diet, has been shown to cut seizures 50% in 30–40% of children, according to Wikipedia.
Another way to control seizures is to review lifestyle. That could include diet, television viewing, or highly stimulating activities. Some professionals suggest an elimination program to identify possible triggers and then focus on avoiding them.
[tweet_box]According to HealthCMI, acupuncture has been proven effective in treating some forms of epileptic seizures[/tweet_box] by reducing neuron excitement. Specifically, auricular acupuncture and body style electroacupuncture have been attributed as having stopped epileptic seizures.Another study at the same site saw a significant reduction in seizures when acupuncture was also used with traditional medicine only approaches. So while patients diagnosed with epilepsy may not be ready to forego medication entirely, acupuncture can only serve to enhance its effectiveness.
Explore Acupuncture Today
If you or someone you love is suffering from seizures related to epilepsy, acupuncture may provide some relief. Schedule your initial consultation with Harmony and Health Acupuncture, and we’ll determine if including acupuncture will help you live with epilepsy.
