Complementary
Therapies
Many Australians
are now using complementary therapies in some
way to improve their health, combat illness
or even prolong their lives.
Some natural healing
disciplines have existed for thousands of years
and according to the World Health Organization,
80% of the world's population still relies on
traditional healing methods for health care.
Complementary (alternative)
medicine, is a group of diverse medical and
health care systems, practices, and products
that are not presently considered to be part
of conventional medicine.
There is evidence to suggest that some complementary
therapies when used as an adjunct to traditional
medicine may lead to improvement in seizure
control. This is especially true if the therapy
reduces stress or leads to a healthier lifestyle.
There are a variety of
complementary therapies including;
Some of these have been
reported to reduce seizures, but it
is important to visit a qualified practitioner
who specialises in the use of these therapies
rather than try it on your own.
Also check with the neurologist
regarding commencing any of these therapies.
Like conventional medicines,
if used in the incorrect manner, some complementary
therapies have the ability to worsen seizures
and should not be used in epilepsy. Also, some
of these therapies may not be suitable for women
who are pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant
or people with other health conditions.
Check with your therapist
or doctor if you notice any side effects during
any of these therapies.
---------WARNING---------
NEVER
stop taking your antiepileptic drugs suddenly.
This can lead to dangerous non-stop seizures,
a condition known as status epilepticus,
which is a medical emergency. This condition
can lead to permanent brain damage or
even death, and immediate medical attention
is required. |
Some
examples of alternative therapies - Please note
that this list is not exhaustive and there are
other therapies available.
Aromatherapy
This is the use of pure aromatic oils in the
management of disease or maintenance of a healthy
lifestyle. It can be either diluted and massaged
into the skin or heated in an oil burner. The
oils are a mixture of plant chemicals, many
which do have pharmacological effects and can
have profound effects on body or brain function.
It is important to consult a qualified aromatherapist
before using oils and discuss it with your doctor.
Calming oils
Because tension and stress can trigger many
seizures, it makes sense that most of the calming
and relaxing oils seem to benefit people with
epilepsy. Examples include Jasmine, Ylang
Ylang, Chamomile & Lavender oils (National
Society for Epilepsy 2002).
Stimulating oils
Oils that stimulate a person, such as Rosemary
should be used with a great deal of caution
as they may worsen seizures. Others that
may have this effect are Hyssop, Sweet Fennel
& Sage. (British Epilepsy Association)
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Biofeedback
This works on the principle that you can learn
to control body processes such as temperature,
blood pressure and even brain activity.
In epilepsy, it is more
effective with partial (focal) seizures, particularly
with people who get an aura or warning that
they are going to have a seizure. They can learn
to suppress seizures by consciously suppressing
abnormal brain activity.
Biofeedback also may
improve self-esteem by giving people a sense
of control over the epilepsy. This technique
is not widely used and can take several weeks
to learn, but has been successful for some.
For more detailed information
on biofeedback click
here.
For other therapeutic uses, including epilepsy,
of biofeedback, click
here.
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Ketogenic
Diet
This is a diet mostly used in children with
severe, uncontrollable seizures. It is very
high in fats and low in protein and carbohydrates
-producing a change in the body's chemistry
called ketosis (the body burns fat instead of
glucose, for energy), which has the effect of
controlling seizures or reducing their frequency,
in two out of three children placed on the diet.
A dietician works closely
with the child and family to specifically taper
and maintain the diet for each person.
Although not all children
benefit, parents report that children who do
are more alert and active than they were previously.
Like other treatments, the ketogenic diet has
side effects, which the medical team monitors
through blood and urine tests at follow up visits.
The
Stanford Medical Centre has answers to many
of your questions about the diet
Read Matthews
Success Story
What
every paediatrician should know about the ketogenic
diet.
The
Charlie Foundation to help cure paediatric
epilepsy
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Recognise
and respond to stress
Stress Management
Everyone reacts differently to stress and a
variety of approaches can be used to manage
stress. Not all stress management techniques
work for all people...what works for some, may
not work for others.
It is known that stress can contribute to "break-through"
seizures (when a person has good seizure control
then has a seizure that can be attributed to
a factor, such as being overtired). Stress management
helps with managing life stresses and controlling
breakthrough seizures for some people.
Some stress cannot be avoided but how we respond
to it can change the impact it has. Identifying
the cause(s) of stress and finding practical
solutions is important for all of us.
Some known stress busters are:
- Muscle relaxation
exercises
- Breathing techniques
- Yoga
- Effective time management
- Music
- Reading
- Good support networks
- Exercise
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to top
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is the use of plant remedies
to fight disease or illness. Plant extracts
have a combination of active ingredients that
aim to restore the natural balance of the body
and encourage healing. Herbal medicine is not
used to treat epilepsy and some
herbal medicines such as Schizandra, Kava Kava
& Comfrey may increase the risk of seizures.
Some people with epilepsy have reported having
seizures after taking herbal and homoeopathic
medicines or supplements. Substances
known to possibly increase seizure frequency
include Gingko Biloba, St Johns Wort and Evening
Primrose Oil.
Talk to your doctor before commencing any of
these substances or herbal medicines as these
may interfere with metabolism of anti-epileptic
medications.
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Nutritional
supplements
There is a relationship of diet and food sensitivities
to health problems, and vitamin, mineral, amino
acid or other dietary changes may help. Most
Naturopaths practice nutrition and dietary advice.
Antiepileptic drugs, especially in large dosages,
can deplete the body of vital vitamins, minerals,
amino acids, and other nutrients. Those most
vulnerable to vitamin deficiencies include:
- People on large doses
of medication or multiple drugs
- The elderly
- Growing children
- Pregnant women
- Heavy
drinkers of alcohol
- Those who follow poor
dietary habits
Problems can generally
be avoided by eating a healthy diet. Excessive
caffeine, alcohol or smoking can also deplete
the body of essential nutrients.
A combination
approach to seizure control includes medications,
careful avoidance of personal seizure triggers,
and the use of complementary therapies to help
prevent seizures and reduce stress. While alternative
therapies do not necessarily eliminate the need
for medications, they may help reduce the dosage
required.
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More information:
Alternative
and Complementary Strategies for Epilepsy
Andrews-Reiter
Epilepsy Research Program, Inc
Complementary
and Alternative Medicine - New York Online Access
to Health (NOAH)
Health
Matters - Consumer Guide
takes a look and finds that although complementary
medicine can be an extra helping hand in treating
a wide range of conditions, it can also be a
case of ‘buyer beware’.
Health
Matters - Library A-Z
HerbMed
An interactive, electronic herbal database -
provides access to scientific data underlying
the use of herbs for health. Evidence based
information.
Listen and Learn
Specialises in the delivery of non-invasive
auditory and brain training programs for children,
teenagers and adults.
Sacred
Space Essentials
Look here for vibration medicines and
bach flower remedies from someone who has epilepsy
and generously donates to Epilepsy Action with
each purchase.
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Epilepsy
Action
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(1300 37 45 37)
Australia wide Priority Call
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