As defined by the Epilepsy Foundation, "Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes recurring, unprovoked seizures. Your doctor may diagnose you with epilepsy if you have two unprovoked seizures or one unprovoked seizure with a high risk of more". "Seizures are sudden surges of abnormal and excessive electrical activity in your brain and can affect how you appear or act."
Epilepsy is unique to each person. Thus, those with the same diagnosis can have different experiences! When I, Chóng Lǎoshī, was diagnosed with left temporal lobe epilepsy (focal seizures) in 2014, I tried several pharmaceutical medications for less than one year. They gave me depression, rashes, migraines, tight muscles, & more seizures! Thus, I decided to try natural/alternative medicine! Please note that attempting to heal epilepsy can be very complex! It requires patience, attention to detail, & optimism! I am a licensed teacher. I am a fighter! As my own detective, I have researched different remedies/dosages in hopes of finding something strong & successful. I am not a licensed doctor, but my years of profound research, detailed experiments, & the continuous analyzing/synthesizing of my nervous system have bred my success! For this reason, I gave myself an "Honorary Ph.D" during My Youtube Living with Epilepsy Series! I, Chóng Lǎoshī, hope that sharing my discoveries will help My Fellow #EpilepsyWarrior #Seizure Fighter live their best life! Yes You Can!
DIY ACUPRESSURE Since Fall 2021!☺Rejuvenating! Magical DU26 & More! WKLY ACUPUNCTURE Since Dec 2022!☺Bye Sleep Seizures! April 24, 2024 160 Days!☺100% Sleep AND Day Seizure FREE! *DAILY REST (7+ Hour Sleep) & HYDRATION (Water)* *Frankincense Oil & Lavender Oil* My Daily Nutrients: Multivitamin, Magnesium: L-Threonate or Citrate, & Omega Fatty Acids My Moments of Calm: The Herbs of Ashwagandha, Lemon Balm, Passion Flower, & Skullcap taken when I Arise & Midday, alongside Alternate Nostril Breathing, DU26, &Cortices Tapping. My Successful Fight: When I feel an aura, I initiate Immediate Oxygen to My Brain by Alternate Nostril Breathing for 5 Cycles. If My Frankincense Oil/Lavender Oil are nearby, then I rub drops on the bottom of my nose & inhale the scents during Alt. Nostril Breathing. Then, I'll stop to stimulate acupoint DU26 for 3min! I'll Cortices Tap (Head & Chest Acupressure Routine). Then, I'll continue Alternate Nostril Breathing until calm. My DIY Vagus Nerve Stimulation: I Activate My Parasympathetic Nervous System when I arise & before the start of or during an activity that may cause stress/exhaust. I stimulate DU26 for 3min. With an Acupressure Wrist Band, I may stimulate HT7/PC6 for 5+min each. My Flexibility-Strength Training Routine: Acupressure, Cortices Tap, Full Body Tap, Exercise, & Meditation/Mudras
#1. MY REST & MY HYDRATION!
According to CDC, the recommended adult daily hours of sleep is at least 7 & one must stay awake no longer than 17 hours. However, 7+ hours of sleep does not signify that the body has received enough "deep sleep" (the restful stage of sleep).
I try my best to drink the daily water recommendation (half of one's pound body weight in ounces of water).
October 2021 I learned from research; I also have catamenial epilepsy. Over the years, a high level of relaxation at bedtime did not matter, for it did not control hormonal triggers that caused my sleep seizures. Today, Acupuncture is My Key!
#2. MY Daily Nutrients!
My Daily Nutrients: Multivitamin, Magnesium: L-Threonate or Citrate, & Omega Fatty Acids
A magnesium deficiency can trigger seizures; this deficiency is common in the USA. It is important for me to maintain a healthy magnesium level! In 2019, myPast Trial #6 resulted in 103 seizure free days! Since October 2021, Magnesium L-Threonate has significantly decreased my deja vu experiences! Since 2023, weekly acupuncture has erased them! Types of Magnesium/UsesMagnesium L-Threonate Medical StudiesWhen To Take Magnesium
Since 2019 I have tried different dosages of taking Natural Vitality's Calm (A Magnesium Citrate supplement) & different brands of Magnesium L-Threonate capsules. Weekdays I take Magnesium L-Threonate capsules with meals (A Daily Total of 2g Mag. L-Threonate is 144mg "elemental magnesium"). Weekends I take a full scoop of Natural Vitality's Calm (325mg of Magnesium Citrate) mixed with water and I drink the mixture when the bubbling stops (better digestion).
What are Omega 3-6-9 Fatty Acids? There are medical studies about omega 3 fatty acids/fish oil helping some with seizure quantity/severity. Prior to Fish Oil, I experienced horrific migraines after seizures. Since 2014, daily I have taken at least 3.6g of Fish Oil in capsule form. This has resulted in zero migraines after seizures or only a small short-lasting headache! Hemp Seed Oil has a high gram amount of omega-3 & omega-6 (3:1 ratio), plus omega-9! Some days instead of Fish Oil, I take a tablespoon of Hemp Seed Oil after a meal. Hulled Hemp Seeds (omega-3 & 6) are a great addition to many foods. Fish Oil StudyOmega 3/6 StudyEPA/DHA StudyHemp Seed Oil
Flaxseeds (ALA) contain more omega-3, than omega-6 fatty acids. Plus, they are a good source of fiber to help with "gut health"; a healthy digestive system. Prior to Remedy #6 Acupuncture, when I felt an "unrelaxed' digestive system, I drank/ate a heaped tablespoon of ground flaxseeds (ALA) mixed with water. Also, to help prevent my sleep seizures triggered by an aggravated digestive system, I tried to go to bed at least 4 hours after a heavy meal and I ate foods that may irritate my stomach early in the day. However, weekly acupuncture has done an amazing job calming my digestive system; I no longer need to worry about an "unrelaxed' digestive system! Ground Flaxseeds are a great addition to many foods.Flaxseed Study
An article cited a pilot study, "In another study, probiotic treatment was shown to reduce seizure frequency by 50% or more in 28.9% of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy" (In relation to the cited pilot study: Link 1 & Link 2).
#3. MY Heart Rate Variability Discoveries! Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is the measurement/variance of time between heartbeats. In comparison to one's Heart Rate (HR), HRV is a better description of Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) activity. In hopes of using my discoveries/trials to help predict/prevent/understand my seizure activity, 2021-2022 I kept track of my HRV (mornings, exercises, and/or bedtime) to analyze remedy efficacy! HRV is a great indicator of one's current stress level & how much stress one's body can handle. Many athletes track HRV to understand their performance/durability; it helps to determine "rest days". But even without an HRV monitor, LISTEN to one's body and do NOT be afraid to REST! July 2021 I read that one can train/increase HRV by practicing nasal diaphragmatic resonant breathing. It is true for me!
#4. MY Calming Herbs! During a seizure, another person rubbed drops of Lavender Oil & Frankincense Oil on the bottom of my nose, I smelled it, and it stopped the seizure! My daytime seizures are triggered by body/mental exhaustion/anxiety/stress; I know my sleep seizures are most likely due to hormonal triggers (catamenial epilepsy). My Calming Herb Combo is a 1.5g Ashwagandha (with pepper) capsule, a 500mg Lemon Balm capsule, a 1.1g Passion Flower capsule, & an 800mg Skullcap (scutellaria baicalensis) capsule. These herbs work great together. Start with a smaller dosage, slowly increase, & learn one's personal mg dosage! Drowsiness is a side effect for some. All are common natural remedies for anxiety. Daily Skullcap & Passion Flower have helped to calm a friend's daily high pulse. The key is to take the herb(s) prior to the stressful task (such as Physical Therapy); it helps to keep my pulse calmer! Everyone's body is different; some bodies may need as little as 15min for a capsule/pill to take its effect and others may need 60min or more.
I take My Calming Herb Combo when I arise, midday, and prior to/during stressful tasks.
I have found that Ashwagandha capsules "with black pepper" work better for me. Online notes state that Ashwagandha should not be taken when one has a fever, but Lemon Balm may reduce a fever!
Two Types of Skullcap: American Skullcap (scutellaria lateriflora) & Chinese Skullcap (scutellaria baicalensis) | Some research state they are more alike than different and others say otherwise, but both are calming. When shopping, many simply label both types as "skullcap" and one would have to read the ingredients and find the latin name.
In the past, I have found that smelling Lavender Oil, Frankincense Oil, or taking Lemon Balm was calming when I experienced any twitching, nerve vibration, or a fast pulse. If I did not have Lavender Oil, Frankincense Oil, or Lemon Balm, then Alternate Nostril Breathing, Resonant Breathing, Box Breathing, Deep Calm Breathing, or Cortices Tapping helped me! BUT since Remedy #6 Acupuncture, my body is calmer! Furthermore, since my acupuncturist added Head Acupoint DU20 on Session7 of My Acupuncture Therapy, my pulse is calmer than it was before!
Alternate Nostril Breathing: Refreshing! I Began July 2020. My sessions can be 2-10 min before/during/after stressful activities, exercise, meditation, acupressure, or cortices tapping (head & chest acupressure routine). It makes my head/body feel lightweight/relaxed. It heightens my body's oxygen level (oximeter ring proof). Full sessions are said to be 6-10 cycles, but a few 1-5 cycles can be great too! One may even first rub drops of a calming oil, such as frankincense oil or lavender oil on the tip/bottom of one's nose, to inhale during a session.
I Alternate Nostril Breathe throughout all stretches/exercise sessions.
My Successful Fight: When I feel an aura, I initiate Immediate Oxygen to My Brain by Alternate Nostril Breathing for 5 Cycles. If My Frankincense Oil/Lavender Oil are nearby, then I rub drops on the bottom of my nose & inhale the scents during Alt. Nostril Breathing. Then, I'll stop to stimulate acupoint DU26 for 3min! I'll Cortices Tap (Head & Chest Acupressure Routine). Then, I'll continue Alternate Nostril Breathing until calm. *Has prevented my recent seizures with auras*
#6. MY Meditation, DIY Acupressure, & Weekly Acupuncture! A Moment of Calm is Beautiful. At the Start of My Meditation, Acupressure, or Acupuncture, many times I enjoy Lavender Oil and/or Frankincense Oil Drops on Tip of Nose/Neck/Behind Ears. From January to July 2021, Cortices Tapping every 3 to 5 days changed my life (See My Past Trial #10)!Due to the decrease of both the quantity and the severity of my seizures since 2021, I am certain that my body loves acupoints! Acupressure & Acupuncture have made my nervous system calmer!!! Thus, Stimulating Acupoints may be My Key!!!
Acupuncture/Acupressure Research: Use of a Mini Multi Speed Massager to Massage Acupoints has made My DIY Acupressure Easy! I Massage Acupoints when I feel exhausted/stressed, such as Cortices Tapping, The "4 Gates" (Li4 & LV3), DU26,PC6, PC8, HT7, GB41, & Li11! During my first stimulation ofDU26 in 2022, I felt a light flow of air through my body. On Aug. 19, 2023 I stimulated acupoint DU26 and it improved my circulation; muscles are moving even better and it rejuvenated my sense of feeling! I probably had a big effect due to months of professional acupuncture. Before Acupuncture, My Bedtime Meditation Acupressure Sessions definitely seemed vital for my sleep seizure prevention. The KD6-BL62 joint 4min hold is truly magical for me! It is said to be great for sleep problems and I certainly saw the results!
Cortices Tapping (A Head & Chest Acupressure Routine) has prevented☺my recent daytime seizures with auras. I Cortices Tap when I arise, midday, during exhaust, or during my fight! It always leaves my body feeling lightweight and it can stimulate acupoints such as CV17, GV/DU20, EX-HN1, GV/DU20-24, UB/BL3-7, GB13, & GB15-17! As soon as I feel my dizzy aura, I start My Successful Fight! When I feel an aura, I initiate Immediate Oxygen to My Brain by Alternate Nostril Breathing for 5 Cycles. If My Frankincense Oil/Lavender Oil are nearby, then I rub drops on the bottom of my nose & inhale the scents during Alt. Nostril Breathing. Then, I'll stop to stimulate acupoint DU26 for 3min! I'll Cortices Tap (Head & Chest Acupressure Routine). Then, I'll continue Alternate Nostril Breathing until calm. NO seizure!!!
My DIY Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Since August 2023, I Activate My Parasympathetic Nervous System when I arise & before the start of or during an activity that may cause stress/exhaust. With my fingers, I stimulate DU26 for 3min.With an Acupressure Wrist Band, I may stimulate HT7/PC6 for 5+min each. During my first trials, I started by wearing an Acupressure Wrist Band for 40-60min to stimulate my PC6. At bedtime, it has resulted in a calmer sleep; I have awoken breathing calmer than before. November 16, 2023 I started stimulation of my HT7. I felt a light flow of air through my legs & my head felt lighter. Since then, I begin activating PC6 & HT7 for at least 5min and still great effects. PC6 & HT7 stimulate the vagus nerve which activates the parasympathetic nervous system (calming system)!
FirstAcupuncture Session Dec 1, 2022. December 2022 I began Weekly Professional Acupuncture! Immediately after the first hour session, my body felt less tired/heavy. My acupuncturist said that my great first experience was due to my months of already doing acupressure and I must continue to do my daily acupressure. Acupressure and acupuncture work well together. My acupuncturist also said that some people need multiple sessions to feel anything from acupuncture. Acupuncture has relaxed my catamenial epilepsy, thus zero sleep seizures! Since Session17, acupuncture has elongated the length of my daytime auras. Thus, more time to fight! It has made it harder for my body to be triggered for a daytime seizure!
December 2022 to April 2024 Acupuncture Hour Sessions (Majority Weekly) *At times, unable to do 1 or 2 points, due to "awakened nerves" (needle pain in some areas) or tender muscles* Session1 12/01/2022 - Li4, LV3, ST36, Yintang, LU7, PC6, SP6 (not both sides of the body for all points) Session2 Dec12 - Li4, LV3, ST36, Yintang, LU7, PC6, SP6 (both sides) Session3 Dec19 & Session4 Jan5 - Add DU24 Session5 Jan9 & Session6 Jan16 - Add Li10 (both sides) Session7 Jan23 - Add DU20 Session8 Jan30 to Session34 Aug07 - Li4, LV3, ST36, Yintang, LU7, PC6, SP6, DU24, Li10, & DU20 (both sides) *Acupuncturist agrees with me to try an "Acupressure Wrist Band" to stimulate PC6 whenever I want! Session35 August14 - Add Ear Shenmen (my suggestion) August 19 - DIY Acupressure with acupoint DU26positively awakened my nerves/muscles/circulation, can feel more Session36 Sept 05 to Session43 Oct 16 - Li4, LV3, ST36, Yintang, LU7, PC6, SP6, DU24, Li10, DU20, & Ear Shenmen (both sides) Session44 Oct 23 - Add Scalp Acupuncture, 2 Frontal Hairline Acupoints (I asked for more calming head points) Session45 Oct 30 - Add GB37 (I asked for points for the eyes, to be less affected by lights/fast movement/etc.) Session45 Oct 30 to Session47 Nov13 - Li4, LV3, ST36, Yintang, LU7, PC6, SP6, DU24, Li10, DU20, Ear Shenmen, 2 Frontal Hairline, & GB37 (both sides) Session48 Nov17 - For more vagus nerve stimulation, I asked to add Acupoint HT7. Session49 Nov30 to Session51 Dec19 - Li4, LV3, ST36, Yintang, LU7, PC6, SP6, DU24, Li10, DU20, Ear Shenmen, 2 Frontal Hairline, GB37, & HT7 (both sides) Session52 Dec20 - First "2 Days in a Row", thus Acupuncturist decided to apply the "Yin & Yang" of acupoints Session53 Dec27 - "Yin & Yang" of acupoints again Session54 Jan3 - Back to more points due to the return of twitches (prior to acupuncture), LV3, ST36, Yintang, LU7, SP6, DU24, Li10, DU20, 2 Frontal Hairline, & GB37 (both sides) and one side for PC6, HT7 & Li4 Session55 Jan8 - First Back Session ~30min: 6 Back Shu Points Both Sides (LU, H, LIV, GB, SP, & ST) Session56 Jan10 - Li4, LV3, ST36, LU7, PC6, SP6, DU24, Li10, DU20, 2 Frontal Hairline, Yintang, GB37, & HT7 (both sides) Session57 Jan17 - LV3, ST36, LU7, PC6, SP6, DU24, Li10, DU20, 2 Frontal Hairline, Yintang, GB37, & HT7 (both sides) Session58 Jan24 to Session63 Feb28 - Li4, LV3, ST36, LU7, PC6, SP6, DU24, Li10, DU20, 2 Frontal Hairline, Yintang, GB37, & HT7 (both sides) Session64 March4 - Second Back Session 40min: 7 Back Shu Points Both Sides (LU, H, Diaphragm, LIV, GB, SP, & ST), Right SI3-SP4-K6, & Left PC6-LU7-GB40-UB62 Session65 March6 - ST36, LU7, PC6, SP6, DU24, Li10, DU20, 2 Frontal Hairline, & GB37 (both sides) and one side for Li4, LV3, & HT7. Session66 March13 - LV3, ST36, LU7, SP6, DU24, Li10, DU20, 2 Frontal Hairline, Yintang, & GB37 (both sides) Session67 March27 - Right PC6-LU7-ST36-GB37, Left SJ5-SP6-LV3, DU20, DU24, 2 Frontal Hairline, & Yintang Session68 April1 - Third Back Session 35min: 7 Back Shu Points Both Sides (LU, H, Diaphragm, LIV, GB, SP, & ST), Right SI3-SP4-K6, & Left PC6-LU7-GB40-UB62 Session69 April3 - Right LU7-ST36-GB37, Left SJ5-SP6-LV3, DU20, DU24, 2 Frontal Hairline Session70 April10 - Right PC6-LU7-ST36-GB37, Left SJ5-SP6, DU20, DU24, & Yintang Session71 April17 - Right PC6-LU7-ST36-GB37, Left SJ5-SP6, DU20, & DU24 Session72 April24 - Right HT7-PC6-LU9-GB37, Left SJ5-SP6-LV3, DU20, & Yintang
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