The Therapeutic Power of Yoga in Alleviating Epilepsy-Related Stigma
Epilepsy, a neurological condition affecting millions worldwide, often carries a heavy social stigma. Recent research, however, highlights an innovative approach to mitigating this challenge: Yoga.
The Study In a groundbreaking study published in Neurology, researchers from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi led by Dr. Kirandeep Kaur, Ph.D., explored the impact of yoga therapy combined with psychoeducation on epilepsy patients. The randomized controlled trial involved 160 patients, aged 18 to 60, who experienced high levels of felt stigma.
Methodology Participants were divided into two groups: one received yoga therapy plus psychoeducation, and the other received sham yoga therapy plus psychoeducation. The intervention spanned three months, followed by a six-month follow-up period.
Findings
- Stigma Reduction: The yoga group reported a significant reduction in felt stigma compared to the control group.
- Seizure Reduction: There was a notable increase in the odds of more than 50% seizure reduction and complete seizure remission in the yoga group.
- Improvements in Mental Health: The yoga group showed improvements in anxiety, cognitive impairment, mindfulness, and overall quality of life.
Implications This study underscores yoga’s potential as a therapeutic tool for epilepsy, going beyond physical wellness to address psychological aspects of chronic health conditions.
Concluding Thoughts Dr. Manjari Tripathi, a co-author of the study, emphasized, “Doing yoga can alleviate the burden of epilepsy and improve the overall quality of life by reducing perceived stigma.” This research paves the way for more holistic approaches to epilepsy treatment, recognizing the importance of mental health and social well-being.
Source:
Yoga Intervention Can Reduce Felt Stigma in Epilepsy Patients
