title: Yogic breathing and Ayurveda in aphasia: a case study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We present a case study of a woman who used yogic breathing as Ayurvedic medicine in her recovery from poststroke aphasia. Ayurvedic medicine is one of the most ancient medicines of the world, but it is not widely used for aphasia rehabilitation in many Western countries. The description of this case aims to further the understanding of the benefits that this type of medicine may provide to poststroke patients living with aphasia.
  
  
  METHODS
  After her stroke, the patient received brief conventional language therapy for her aphasia. At 5 weeks post stroke, she received no further conventional rehabilitation; instead, she consulted with a Vedic priest. She followed a regimen of different body manipulations, yogic breathing techniques, and ingestion of coconut oil. Cognitive and language testing was performed throughout a 3-month period while she was involved in this therapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, improvement was noted in language, visual attention, and some mood measures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although case studies lead to limited conclusions, changes were observed for this individual using Ayurvedic medicine. Given the changes in language and some aspects of cognition seen in this patient, further exploration of the effectiveness of yogic breathing and Ayurvedic medicine in the treatment of poststroke aphasia is warranted.
authors.affiliation: Communication Sciences and Special Education, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.
authors.forename: Bijoyaa
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mohapatra
authors.affiliation: Communication Sciences and Special Education, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.
authors.forename: Rebecca Shisler
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.affiliation: Communication Sciences & Disorders Program and Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Laures-Gore
mesh_terms: D001037:Aphasia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001945:Breathing Exercises / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008515:Medicine, Ayurvedic; D008875:Middle Aged; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015013:Yoga
keywords: Ayurveda; aphasia; attention; language; mood; yoga