Diarrhea is a common yet unpleasant condition that we all experience at some point or the other in our lives. It is characterized by increased frequency of bowel movements or passing of loose, watery stools. It can be quite distressing and debilitating, especially if it is accompanied with abdominal cramps and passing of mucus or blood. When there is blood or mucus in the stool it is known as dysentery.

A person with diarrhea typically passes stool more than 3 times in a day. Diarrhea may cause a loss of significant amount of water and salts. Acute diarrhea is a common problem that usually lasts for 1 or 2 days, and resolves itself without any treatment. Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, generally lasts longer than 2 weeks. It can be a sign of a serious disorder, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Chronic or recurrent diarrhea may cause poor absorption of nutrients (malabsorption).

Dysentery is a disease caused by parasites like amoeba or bacteria like shigella. It is characterized by diarrhea with mucus and blood. Although dysentery is a relatively easy disease to cure, death rates are high, particularly among children.

In today's fast world where junk-food seems to be an inevitable part of our everyday diet, the tendency to develop gastro-intestinal disorders such as diarrhea and dysentery is high. Chronic diarrhea and dysentery can lead to malnourishment and a gradual deterioration of the immune system.

Diarrhea is a condition characterized by loose and watery stools. Diarrhea often means more frequent trips to the toilet and a greater volume of stool. A person with diarrhea typically passes stool more than 3 times a day. Diarrhea may cause a loss of significant amount of water and salts. Acute diarrhea is a common problem that usually lasts for 1 or 2 days, and resolves itself without any treatment. Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, generally lasts longer than 2 weeks. It can be a sign of a serious disorder, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS). Chronic or recurrent diarrhea may cause poor absorption of nutrients (malabsorption).

Dysentery is a disease caused by parasites like amoeba or bacteria like shigella. It is characterized by diarrhea with mucus and blood. Although dysentery is a relatively easy disease to cure, death rates are high, particularly among children.

Causes of Diarrhea

There are many causative factors. Fortunately, in most instances, the change in bowel habits is short-lived and clears up on its own. The following are some of the many known causes:

• Food - Most people incur diarrhea due to the inability to digest certain foods. E.g. dairy products or foods high in fats, etc
• Chemical Laxatives - Many people become dependent on laxatives like magnesium (Epsom salt), cascara (Nature's Remedy) and phenolphthalein (Exlax, Correctol) early in life and use them on a daily basis. This chronic dependency could also cause diarrhea.
• Reaction to Medicines - In particular, antibiotics and cancer drugs are known to cause diarrhea.
• Infection - There are over 400 different bacteria that normally live in the large intestine. There are many viruses and other infectious agents that also find their way into our bodies. Some of these can infect the intestinal tract and cause diarrhea. Fortunately, most of the time, these infections clear up without any treatment.
• Traveler'sDiarrhea - The cause of traveler'sdiarrhea is a toxic bacterium called E. Coli. It most often occurs in developing countries where sanitation is poor. The physician should be contacted before traveling to these countries to obtain more information on prevention and treatment.
• Diseases - Certain intestinal disorders like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's Disease, diverticulosis, and even colon cancer can cause diarrhea.
• Stress and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - IBS is a condition that occurs when the intestines, especially the colon do not contract in a smooth, rhythmic manner. The contractions can be exaggerated in which case diarrhea occurs, or they may be sluggish and result in constipation. Sometimes there is alternating constipation and diarrhea. Emotional stress often aggravates these symptoms.

Symptoms of Diarrhea

• Frequent, loose, watery stools
• Abdominal cramps
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Blood in the stool
• Bloating

In addition, other signs and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting may precede diarrhea. Bacterial or parasitic infections sometimes cause bloody stools, possibly accompanied with fever.

Diagnosis of Diarrhea

Medical history, symptoms and physical examination are usually sufficient to diagnose diarrhea. Your physician may advise tests like:

• Stool culture - A sample of the stool is analyzed in a laboratory to check for bacteria, parasites, or other signs of disease and infection.
• Blood tests - Blood tests are helpful to rule out certain diseases.
• Fasting tests - To find out if a food intolerance or allergy is causing the diarrhea, the doctor may ask you to avoid lactose, carbohydrates, wheat, or other foods, to see whether the diarrhea responds to a change in diet.
• Sigmoidoscopy - For this test, the doctor uses a special instrument to look at the inside of the rectum and lower part of the colon.
• Colonoscopy - This test is similar to a sigmoidoscopy, but it allows the doctor to view the entire colon.
• Endoscopy – A nod with a video camera is allowed to pass through the length of the digestive tract to allow the physician to look for any internal abnormalities
• Imaging tests - These tests can rule out structural abnormalities as being the cause of diarrhea.

Conventional Treatment for Diarrhea

Diarrhea should be treated as early as possible or else it will result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Conventional System

Diarrhea caused by an infection can often be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics may benefit some adults with diarrhea. Diarrhea that is not caused by an infection is more difficult to diagnose and treat.

Long-term medication or surgery may be required in chronic cases of diarrhea. In cases of severe diarrhea, hospitalization may be required to receive IV fluids. Anti-diarrhea medications such as loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) may be used. They may help some people with diarrhea but should be by-and-large avoided due to their side-effects. Anti-diarrhea medications are not usually recommended for infants and children.

Complementary Natural Care

Biogetica's kits are designed and believed to balance energetic, physical and immune responses of the individual to ensure long-lasting relief. Biogetica therapies are a combination of advanced ayurvedic herbs, resonance homeopathic remedies, bio-energetics and nutraceuticals. These products are believed to increase the body's immune response to typical bowel pathogens. The products are believed to re-establish a favorable environment in the intestines so that conditions are not conducive for the growth and development of bowel pathogens. They also are believed to stimulate immunoglobulin activity at the mucosal level to protect the intestines. The remedies are believed to reduce the frequency of stools and restore their normal consistency. **

Tips for Diarrhea Care and Prevention

Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine.As much as possible, stick to a semisolid and low-fiber diet like crackers, toast, eggs, rice and chicken.Avoid certain foods, like dairy products, fatty foods, high-fiber foods or highly seasoned foods for a few days.Wash your hands frequently, especially while handling food and after using the toilet.

You may take the following precautions to prevent traveller’sdiarrhea when you travel outside country:

• Avoid drinking tap water or using it to brush your teeth.
• Do not drink unpasteurized milk or dairy products.
• Avoid all raw fruits and vegetables, including lettuce and fruit salads.
• Do not eat raw or rare meat and fish.
• Do not eat food from street-vendors.

When mild diarrhea persists over a long period, it is indicative of the inability of your immune system to cope adequately with typical bowel pathogens. Factors like stress also often contribute to intestinal hyper-motility and diarrhea.

Biogetica's natural products are believed to work by improving the functions of your GI tract. The Homeopathy and advanced Bio-energetic products in the kits are believed to work specifically by: **

• Enhancing your body's immune responses to typical bowel pathogens, so it combats them well when your body encounters them
• Making the environment in your intestines healthy Stimulating immunoglobulin activity at the mucosal level to protect your intestines from further damage
• Reducing the frequency of your stools, and restoring normal consistency

The mind is a tool developed for our survival. You are not the mind, nor the body but rather one that can perceive the mind and the body. However, one is now constantly wagged around by the mind and its fears and desires. Often we find ourselves trampled in a parade of thoughts and washed around in a flood of emotions. Meditation is simply the process of returning Home to our true nature as the witnessing consciousness in which arise all thoughts and emotions. It is merely the fragrance of Being Human.

Meditation cannot be done, it will happen once we stop doing everything and anything. Now is all that exists, all else is merely grasping at the wind hoping to change things that are generally way beyond our control.

Talking about meditation and whether you believe you can do it or not, is pointless. When we rise above our mind, emotions and body, meditation will happen. Simply listening and following is enough. Meditation is in our very nature, and it happens for us all. Behind all those thoughts is a Witness. You are that Witness.

So please, let it happen.

 

• Guided Healing Meditation with Patrick from Samarpan foundation-Goa,India

• Guided Qi Gong energy healing meditation with our founder Apoorv

Advaita self discovering meditation with Apoorv"I AM THAT I AM"meditation with Dr Stephen Wollinsky

• Meditation 1

• Meditation 2

• Meditation 3

• Meditation 4

• Meditation 5

Prana' stands for life force, and as the name suggests, it is instrumental in keeping us alive. 'Pranayama' is the process that helps us control 'Prana', and thus in a way, control our life. On careful observation, it is clear that there exists an intimate connection between the breath and energy-currents. Proper coordination of the breathing process leads to the control of vital inner-currents and energies. It ultimately results in the control of the body, mind and soul continuum. Over the millenia yogis have understood how each pranayama affects the energy meridians of the body and therefore these yogis recommend particular pranayamas for particular conditions and constitutions.

1.Tandem Breathing ('Sahita Kumbhaka') 

It has 2 types, based on whether or not there is any concomitant chanting of Mantras with the Pranayama exercise. 

Steps:

1. Comfortable aasana like Padma-asana or Swastika-asana.
2. Slow inhalation; with concomitant chants of the mantra 'OM AARAH', if possible.
3. Hold the breath for a short period of time. 
4. Slow Exhalation.

Significance:

It's a daily and constant process, which we seldom appreciate.

Benefits:

It encourages concentration with closed eyes while we inhale and exhale.

2. Awakening breath ('Surya Bheda')

Steps:

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana / Swastika asana / Siddhasana. Concentrate with eyes closed.

2. Rest the right thumb on the right nostril (Avoid applying any pressure or blocking the nostril). At the same time, rest the right index finger on the space between 2 eyebrows and close the left nostril with the right ring and little finger.

3. Slow inhalation through the right nostril is pursued, till comfortable.

4. With the thumb applied to the right nostril, retain the breath firmly pressing the chin against the chest. There is no specific limit to this and it can be pursued till there is discomfort.

5. Slow and silent exhalation through the left nostril. It is followed by a short gap wherein inhalation is avoided. This same procedure is to be repeated again. 

Time limit: 

Hold your breath till you perspire. This point cannot be reached at the very outset. The period of retention of breath needs to be gradually increased. 

Advantages:

• It cures the diseases caused by excess of Vata & Kapha
• Improves digestion
• Awakens 'Kundalini Shakti'

Indications:

• Intestinal worms
• Arthritis
• Sinusitis

3. Hissing breath ('Ujjayi')

Steps: 

1. Sit comfortably in Padma-asana / Swastika asana / Siddhasana. Close the mouth. 
2. Fold the tip of the tongue and rest it on the palate. The tongue will appear to be 'twisted'. 
3. Inhale air slowly through both the nostrils in a uniform manner till the breath fills the chest. This results in a peculiar sound uniform in pitch and continuous in nature.
4. Retain the breath as long as you can, till there is any discomfort.
5. Close the right nostril with the right thumb.
6. Exhale slowly through the left nostril.

Time limit:

3 min to hr

Advantages:

• Strengthens the nervous system
• Improves the tone of voice
• Relieves stress
• Increases lung capacity

Indications:

• Indigestion
• Koch's
• Bronchitis
• Pharyngitis
• Spleen disorders
• Tonsillitis
• Cough
• Ascites

• Purifies the blood
• Quenches thirst and appeases hunger

• Spleen disorders
• Chronic dyspepsia
• Indigestion
• Bilious disorders

5. Cooling Breath (Shitkari) 

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana. 
2. Fold the tongue so that its tip is brought to rest over the upper palate. Inhale air through the mouth accompanied by a hissing sound 'Si'/ 'C'. 
3. Retain the breath as long as you can, till there is any discomfort.
4. Slowly exhale through both the nostrils.

Time limit: 

Gradually increase by 1 minute every week, till 5 minutes.

Advantages:

• Helps to keep the body cool in summer
• Improves vigor & beauty
• Helps quench thirst when thirsty

Indications:

• Dental carries
• Bleeding and inflammation of gums
• Ulcers
• Colitis
• Throat infection
• Hypertension patients can practice this type of Pranayama to decrease blood pressure.

6. Bellow Breath (Bhastrika)

It draws similarity with the bellows of a blacksmith. It involves rapid expulsion of breath and is a powerful exercise. It can be termed as a combination of Kapalabhati and Ujjayi. 

Steps: 

1. Upright position (with a straight neck) in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana. 
2. Body, head and neck in erect posture. Close the mouth. 
3. Inhale air (chest expands and abdominal muscles are pulled in) and quickly exhale 10 times (1 set). While doing so a hissing sound is produced. 
4. When 1 set is on the verge of completion the final expulsion should be followed by a deepest possible inhalation. 
5. Retain breath as long as you can till there is some any discomfort. 
6. Follow it with a complete slow exhalation. This marks the end of one round. 
7. After a short rest (with normal breathing pattern) begin the next round. 

Time limit: 

Practice three rounds daily in the morning and evening. 

Advantages:

• Decreases anxiety and depression
• Stimulates appetite
• Improves resistance power
• Gives warmth to the body
• Purifies 'Nadi' and awakens the 'Kundalini' quickly

Indications:

• Abdominal disorders
• Throat and chest infection

Note:

• In case you encounter any giddiness, stop the practice and take a few normal breaths. Continue after the giddiness has subsided.
• In summer, practice it in the morning only during cool hours.
• Those wishing to practice it in the long-term and in an intense manner, should live on 'Khichdi', and take an Enema ('Bhasti') in the morning before starting the practice.
• People suffering from heart or lung disorders should do it slowly.

7. Humming Breath (Bhramari)

 Its name is derived from the fact that a sound like that of 'humming of bees' is produced when it is practiced.

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana or Swastika-asana. Keep the neck and back erect.
2. Place your thumbs on the ears, index fingers just above the eyebrows (near the sinuses) and the remaining three fingers on the eyes. The finger-tips should slightly press the ridge of the nose on each side.
3. Inhale and exhale air rapidly through both the nostrils, making a humming sound resembling that of a Bee ('Bhramara'). Concomitantly chant 'Om'.
4. The process can be continued till you perspire profusely. 
5. Next inhale through both the nostrils and retain the breath as long as you can, till there is some discomfort. 
6. Exhale slowly through both the nostrils. 

Time limit: 

Beginners may practice it 3 times, and advanced practitioners 11-21 times.

Advantages:

• Improves speech and voice-quality
• Helps in the achievement of ultimate peace ('Samadhi')

Indications:

• Sinusitis
• Hypertension
• Depression
• Stress

Contraindications

• Epilepsy
• Head injury
• Brain tumor
• Migraine
• Severe or persistent headaches

8. Supreme Breath ('Murcha Pranayama') 

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana. 
2. Close the eyes and concentrate on the space between the 2 eyebrows ('Trikuti'). 
3. Inhale slowly through the mouth and retain the breath till you feel faint. 
4. Sever off your connection with the surroundings and focus on the center-point between the 2 eyebrows.
5. Apply the chin on the chest and then exhale slowly. 

Advantages:

• Practice without distraction endows divine happiness
• Makes you feel pleasant and relaxed

Indications:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mental disorders

9. Unconditioned Breath ('Kevala Kumbhaka') 

Perfection in Tandem breathing (mentioned earlier) paves the way for Kevala Kumbhaka. Thus, an existence devoid of inhalation and exhalation and unconditioned by space, time and number is unconditioned breath.

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana.
2. It involves the sudden stopping of the breath without resorting to inhalation or exhalation.

Advantages:

• Attainment of Raja Yoga and perfection in Hath Yoga
• Arousal of Kundalini Shakti
• Cures diseases and promotes longevity

10. Alternate Breath

A simple, yet scientific exercise that can be practiced virtually anywhere. It is based on the fact that we alternate between the two nostrils when we breathe. 

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana. Tilt your head slightly forward.

2. First half round:

• Fold the index and middle fingers of the right hand into its palm. The other fingers should be extended.
• Close the right nostril with your right thumb.
• Inhale through the left nostril for a definite period of time – say 5 seconds.
• Close the left nostril with the right ring-finger and little-finger.
• Concurrently remove your thumb from the right nostril, and exhale.
• This is to be done for twice the inhalation period, i.e. for 10 seconds.
• This completes the first half of one round. 3. Second half round
• Inhale through the right nostril for a definite period say 5 seconds.
• Close the right nostril with the right thumb.
• Exhale through the left nostril for a period that is twice that of inhalation i.e. 10 seconds.
• This completes the other half of one round.

3. Second half round:

• Inhale through the right nostril for a definite period – say 5 seconds.
• Close the right nostril with your right thumb.
• Exhale through the left nostril for a period that is twice that of inhalation i.e. 10 seconds.
• This completes the other half of one round.

Time limit: 

If there is no discomfort of any kind after practicing as instructed above, increase the inhalation period gradually second-by-second. Correspondingly change the exhalation period.

Number of Rounds: 

Begin with 3 rounds. If there is no discomfort, 1 round can be added every week, until you are doing 7 rounds.

This exercise can be practiced as often as you wish, but do remember to do it at least once a day.

Advantages:

• Cleanses/detoxifies the Pranic channels
• Regulates Prana
• Imparts relaxation
• Improves mental functioning and alertness
• Imparts optimum creativity and optimum logical, verbal activity of the brain
• Improves sleep

Indications:

• Stress and related disorders
• Physical and mental fatigue
• Tension headaches

Contraindications

Cold/ Nasal block (Stuffed nose). Forced breathing is not advocated and can lead to complications.