Helping Epilepsy Patients With Yoga

At 50, Joan is not the oldest person in her yoga class, but she's probably the most accomplished. Of course, you'd expect that of the instructor. A devout practitioner of yoga, her body is the best advertisement for the methodology: She is strong, flexible, and looks much younger than her years.

Today, we had a chance to speak with Joan about a new project she embarked upon with the New York University School of Medicine, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center in New York under the project directorship of Steven V. Pacia, M.D. The center is undertaking a unique program of exercise and stress reduction for patients with epilepsy. The program is designed for patients who are considered to have benefited maximally from standard medical and surgical therapies but continue to struggle with debilitating seizures or chronic anxiety and depression.

Q: Joan, what prompted you to look into the practice of yoga?

I actually watched yoga programs on television in the 1970s as part of PBS programming. The teacher on television looked strong, in form, healthy, and radiated a sereneness and calmness that I wanted in my life.

Q: Since you liked what you saw on television, how did you pursue the practice of yoga?

I slowly got involved. I continued watching the television programs and began my own personal program of daily practice. I read books and did research, but it developed over time.

Q: Was it easy to develop these yoga skills on your own?

Over time, I felt I need a guru, or teacher. But just before this revelation I had a serious accident that caused me to rethink how I was living my life. I broke my back and over a period of seven years, I had to rework my body back to normal. I had lots of physical therapy, but I also had chronic pain. I used to get so upset with myself and I was very unhappy.

Q: How did yoga help?

After considering a good nutritional program, I decided to join the 42nd Street Y in New York to take up yoga. As my skills improved and I looked and felt better, I decided that I wanted to serve others. My intent is to serve others as an instructor. By serving others, I help myself.

Q: How does yoga work to benefit the body?

Yoga postures, called asanas, exercise every muscle, nerve, and gland in the body. They're not just exercises making your muscles firm and the kinds of things we look for in an exercise class, they're really more concerned or as concerned with the health of the internal body. Not only does yoga make the bones healthier and stronger and the muscles more flexible and strong, it keeps the body free from disease by strengthening the immune system. It increases circulation and lung capacity, drains the lymphatic system, and stimulates the glands. One of the things unique to yoga is it not only teaches us how to work skillfully but also how to rest deeply. Yoga postures help the student to become aware of their own personal habits and to change these habits and transform them into habits that promote good health.

Q: How often do you meet with epilepsy patients?

I usually see patients two or three times per week for one and a half hour classes. The classes are medically supervised in a well-controlled study situation. And the class size is kept small. I usually see five or six patients at one time. I develop a closer relationship that way.

Q: What does the exercise study and yoga program hope to accomplish for patients?

Dr. Pacia says there is preliminary data that shows improved seizure control for patients who exercise regularly. We hope to improve the quality of life and health for epilepsy patients.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish working with epilepsy patients?

I hope to improve their health, calm their expectations and perceptions, help them to relax, and encourage them to come back. That's why I volunteer to make a difference.

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