eng Oriental Scientific Publishing Company Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal 0974-6242 2025-09-30 18 3 2336 2345 10.13005/bpj/3260 67548 article Siti Nor Aqilah Mohd Noor 1 Shazia Jamshed 2 Chiau Ming Long 3 Umar Idris Ibrahim 1 Ahmad Kamal Ariffin Abdul Jamil 1 Nurulumi Ahmad 1 Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu, Malaysia School of Pharmacy, International Medical University (IMU), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Selangor, Malaysia Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia This study aimed to explore the perceptions and clinical experiences of Indian traditional medicine, Ayurveda practitioners in Malaysia regarding the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the treatment of epilepsy. An exploratory qualitative design was employed. In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with purposively sampled Ayurveda practitioners (n=8; 5 males and 3 females; mean age = 45.1 ± 8.3 years) with a minimum of 5 years of clinical experience specifically in managing patients with epilepsy using CAM approaches. A semi-structured topic guide explored their diagnostic approaches, treatment practices, perceived effectiveness, and professional interactions. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically using an inductive approach. Five major themes were identified: (1) perceived value and limitations of CAM, (2) therapeutic relationship and communication, (3) individualized treatment and clinical decision-making, (4) integration with other health systems, and (5) impact on patient outcomes. Practitioners highlighted Ayurvedic medicines' holistic character, relaxing and purifying properties, and few side effects. Treatments were tailored to pulse diagnosis, patient behaviour, and physical and psychological features. Patient care was said to require trust and emotional rapport, participants said. Some reported growing acceptance from biomedical experts'. Reduced seizure frequency, emotional stability, and quality of life, especially in youngsters, were frequently mentioned as positive outcomes. Ayurveda practitioners view CAM as a flexible, patient-centered supplement to traditional therapy. Epilepsy care requires personalisation, therapeutic alliance, and cultural relevance, according to their findings. These findings suggest exploring integrative care approaches that incorporate traditional healing practices in culturally varied environments. https://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol18no3/perceptions-and-experiences-of-indian-traditional-medicine-practitioners-in-managing-epilepsy-a-qualitative-study-in-malaysia/ Apasmara Ayurveda Alternative medicine Complementary   Epilepsy Perceptions Practitioner