Case Report

Dejian mind-body intervention improves the functioning of a patient with chronic epilepsy: a case report

Agnes S Chan^1,2,5 , Sophia L Sze^1,2 , Mei-chun Cheung³ , Joseph MK Lam⁴ and Dejian Shi⁵

¹  Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China

²  Integrative Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China

³  Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Hong Kong SAR, China

⁴  Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China

⁵  Henan Songshan Research Institute for Chanwuyi, Henan, China

author email corresponding author email

Cases Journal 2009, 2:9080doi:10.1186/1757-1626-2-9080

Published:	24 November 2009

Abstract

Background

This is a case report that illustrates the effect of the Dejian Mind-Body Intervention (DMBI) on a 22-year-old chronic epileptic male (onset at age two) suffering from severe cognitive impairments as a result of a serious seizure two years ago. The DMBI is a healing program developed for modern lifestyle based on the traditional Chinese Shaolin Chanwuyi healing approach.

Case Presentation

Through a four-month treatment in which he adopted the DMBI specified vegetarian diet, applied an herbal remedy, and practiced Natural Dan Tian Breathing (a type of mind-body exercise), the patient showed significant improvements in language, memory, attention, behavioral initiation, emotional control, social functioning, and overall quality of life. In addition, the DMBI has a positive effect on his brain electrophysiological activities, as indicated by his suppressed delta power (slow wave) and enhanced alpha power (fast wave), and his elevated cordance value (an index associated with cerebral perfusion) in the left frontal and temporal regions. Such neural activity alteration was in line with his observed cognitive improvements.

Conclusion

These results provide evidence to support the therapeutic effect of the DMBI and its potential clinical application on treating chronic neurological patients.