Defeating Epilepsy A Holistic Approach

South African cricket icon Jonty Rhodes, despite being diagnosed with epilepsy, is remembered as one of the finest fielders in the sport.

- R.K. GUPTA

His story proves that epilepsy does not have to limit one's potential. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by abnormal electrical activity in brain cells, leading to seizures. These seizures can manifest as temporary confusion, uncontrolled muscle movements, loss of consciousness, or unusual behavior. Seizures are classified into two types: generalized (affecting both sides of the brain) and focal (affecting a specific brain region). Research at institutions like AIIMS in Delhi is advancing treatment options for this condition.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 50 million people worldwide live with epilepsy. Modern medicine (allopathy) uses medications to control seizures in 70-80% of cases, but side effects and drug-resistant epilepsy (where medications fail) have driven interest in alternative therapies like Ayurveda. Dr. R.K. Gupta's recent book, Epilepsy - Combination Therapy by Alternative Medicine, introduces a novel approach combining Ayurveda, naturopathy, and counseling. This method not only controls symptoms but also enhances overall health, offering hope to those seeking alternatives to allopathic treatments or struggling with drug-resistant epilepsy. However, more scientific research is needed to validate Ayurveda's efficacy globally. In Ayurveda, epilepsy is termed Apasmara, meaning a sudden loss of consciousness or memory. Ancient texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita attribute it to an imbalance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas, with Vata playing a dominant role. Ayurveda identifies four types of epilepsy: