Abstract

EFFICACY OF YOGIC PRACTICES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF EPILEPSY: A CLINICAL AND NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL REVIEW

*Dr. Km. Kanta, Rajesh Kumar, Megha Pathak

Abstract

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures resulting from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Despite advances in antiepileptic therapy, approximately one-third of patients continue to experience uncontrolled seizures, along with psychological distress and reduced quality of life. These challenges have increased interest in complementary and integrative approaches, including yoga. Yoga is a traditional mind–body practice incorporating physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation. Emerging evidence suggests that yoga may influence seizure-related outcomes through autonomic regulation, stress reduction, and neurophysiological mechanisms. This review evaluates the available clinical and neurophysiological evidence regarding the role of yoga in epilepsy. A narrative literature search was conducted using databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Relevant studies published in English between 2000 and 2025 were identified based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The available evidence suggests that yoga may contribute to reductions in seizure frequency, improvements in electroencephalographic activity, autonomic balance, anxiety, and quality of life. Proposed mechanisms include modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid activity, reduction in cortisol levels, and autonomic stabilization.

Keywords: Epilepsy, Yoga therapy, Neurophysiology, Seizure disorder, Complementary medicine.