Arthritis literally means joint inflammation ('arth' meaning joint; 'itis' meaning inflammation). It is a chronic condition that affects the movements of the body. The most commonly occurring types include: degenerative, inflammatory, infective, and crystal arthropathies. All types of arthritis affect various joints of the body and cause symptoms like pain, stiffness, and difficulty in moving the joints.

The various types of arthritis are:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Juvenile arthritis
• Gout
• Infective arthritis
• Spondylosis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Psoriatic arthropathy

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints that is characterized by the breakdown or wear-and-tear of the joint cartilage (the cartilage lubricates and cushions the joints) over a period of time. The cartilage deteriorates and loses it smoothness, and eventually, wears out completely, leaving the surfaces of the bones in friction with each other. It can involve any joint in the body, but commonly affects joints that are under constant pressure, like the neck, hips, knees, feet, hands and lower back. With osteoarthritis, the problem lies in the cartilage that cushions the ends of the joint's bones.

It is the most common type of arthritis and its incidence increases with age. In the US alone, about 21 million people suffer from osteoarthritis. Men are at a higher risk of developing it before the age of 45, and women are at a higher risk of developing it after the age of 45.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

Although the exact cause of osteoarthritis is not known, it is thought to be the result of an imbalance of enzymes that are released from the cartilage. This imbalance increases the breakdown rate of the cartilage as compared to the regeneration rate. The simultaneous regeneration causes the growth of the new bone in place of the damaged bone, which appears as prominent lumps in the affected joint.

Although osteoarthritis is more common in older people, some young people may also develop it due to the following reasons:

• Repeated joint injury
• Obesity
• Excessive stress on the joints
• Immobility of the joints
• Joint malformation
• Genetic defect in joint cartilage
• Family history of osteoarthritis

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

• Pain in the joint that worsens during movement or after a prolonged period of inactivity
• Difficulty in moving the joint and loss of flexibility
• Stiffness and swelling of the joint
• Discomfort in the joint before or during a weather change
• Bony lumps in the finger joints

Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis

Diagnosis of osteoarthritis is based on medical history, symptoms, a physical examination and a few tests of the affected joint, like:

• X-Ray of the affected joint
• Arthroscopy
• CT scan
• MRI scan

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an auto-immune disorder in which the immune system attacks its own body's tissues. It is characterized by inflammation of various joints. Though RA can affect any joint, it commonly affects joints of the hands and feet. Usually, at least 2 to 3 different joints are involved on either side of the body, often in a symmetrical (mirror image) pattern. It usually starts between the ages of 25 and 55, and is 2 to 3 times more common in women. About 2.1 million people suffer from RA, in the US alone. RA in young children is known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). The signs and symptoms of JRA vary from child to child. It may remain silent for many years, but, it can be very persistent and cause severe joint and tissue damage.

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Although, the cause of RA is not known, it is thought to be an auto-immune disorder in which the body produces antibodies that cause inflammation and damage of the synovial membrane (lubricating lining) of the joint. This inflammation results in the release of proteins over a period of time, causing thickening of the lining and damage to the cartilage, bone, tendons and ligaments of the joint. This damage causes difficulty in moving the joint. Some studies have also associated RA with triggers like a bacterial or viral infection and genetic predisposition.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA has phases of remissions with no symptoms and relapses with increased severity of symptoms. The common symptoms of RA during an acute phase include:

• Pain and swelling in the joints, especially the smaller joints of the hands and feet
• Stiffness in the joints that is worse early in the morning
• Muscular pain
• Difficulty in moving the joints
• Low-grade fever
• Malaise and fatigue
• Deformity of the joints over a period of time

In RA, over a period of time small lumps called rheumatoid nodules develop under the skin, in the joints and in organs like the lungs and heart.

Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Medical history, presentation of symptoms and a physical examination are usually sufficient to diagnose RA. In some cases, certain clinical tests may be required. These tests may include:

• Blood tests - for ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and Rheumatoid factor
• X-ray of the joint

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic type of inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis that affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. It can also cause inflammation of the eyes, lungs and heart valves. AS has phases of acute attacks alternating with remission. Arthritis causes symptoms like back pain and stiffness. About 0.21 % of Americans suffer from AS. It is more commonly seen in the age group of 20 to 40, and mostly affects men.

Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Although the cause of AS is not known, it is thought to be associated with a genetic predisposition. Frequent gastric infections also increase the risk of developing AS.

As the inflammation progresses, new bone growths start developing on the edges of the vertebrae and cause fusion of the vertebrae. This fusion results in the characteristic bamboo spine.

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Although, symptoms of AS vary with each individual, it usually begins with intermittent pain and stiffness of the hip or lower-back, which aggravates at night, in the morning or after inactivity. Over time, the pain and stiffness may progress up the spine and include other joints, such as the shoulders, hips, knees and feet. In advanced stages, the following signs and symptoms may develop:

• Stiff spine leading to stooping
• Restricted expansion of the chest
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Inflammation of eyes and intestines

Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondilitis

Medical history, symptoms and a physical examination are usually sufficient to diagnose the condition. In some cases, certain tests like an X-ray, CT scan or MRI scan of the spine might be required.

What is Gout?

Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. It is characterized by inflammation of the joints. As uric acid accumulates, it forms crystals in the joints, which cause inflammation and pain. Gout generally strikes without a warning. The first attack usually affects the big toe. This condition affects joints of knees, elbows, wrists, hands and feet. Although symptoms usually subside within a week, subsequent attacks are common.

An estimated five million people live with gout, in the US alone. Gout is more common among men. It generally begins between the ages of 40 and 50.

Causes of Gout

Certain risk factors increase the chances of developing this disorder. They are:

• Family history of Gout
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Excessive consumption of foods rich in purines such as red meat, organ meat (liver, kidney), oily fish or foods with high yeast content
• Conditions like hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia
• Long-term use of aspirin

Symptoms of Gout

Common symptoms include:

• Sudden and severe joint pain
• Swelling and redness around the affected joint
• Fever

Diagnosis of Gout

Medical history and a physical examination are usually sufficient to diagnose Gout. Your physician may also recommend additional tests like:

• Blood tests to measure uric acid levels
• Analysis of fluid from affected joint
• X-rays of affected joints

Conventional medicines prescribe analgesics, corticosteroids, NSAIDS, and Counterirritants for local application to counter the pain and reduce inflammation. None of these treatments are known to cure Arthritis. They merely look at the superficial symptoms and do nothing to address the root cause of Arthritis. Moreover, almost all of them are accompanied by a host of side-effects.

NSAIDs may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, Ulcers in the stomach, bleeding, myocardial infection and stroke, Erectile Dysfunction, Hypertension and fluid retention amongst others.

Corticosteroids may lead to anxiety, depression, hypertension, hyperglycemia, Insu resistance, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, amenorrhoea and candidasis amongst others.

Analgesics may lead to high blood pressure, slow down kidney functions and may also cause stomach ulcers and heart diseases.

Conventional Treatment for Osteoarthritis

There is no cure for osteoarthritis in the modern system of medicine. The drugs used in conventional therapy merely reduce pain and improve joint movement temporarily. The medicines do not completely cure the disease and are not effective in all cases of osteoarthritis. The drugs used are:

• Topical pain relievers like Icy Hot and Ben-Gay which temporarily relieve pain.
• Strong pain killers - acetaminophen (Tylenol) and tramadol (Ultram) which relieve pain but do not reduce inflammation. Prolonged use of these strong pain-killers can cause liver damage.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - These include mild over-the-counter dugs like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) and strong drugs like ketoprofen (Orudis), diclofenac (Cataflam) and nabumetone (Relafen). NSAIDs have severe side-effects that increase with dosage and strength. These include, ringing in the ears, gastric ulcers, cardiovascular problems, gastrointestinal bleeding and liver or kidney damage.
• COX-2 inhibitors - celecoxib (Celebrex) Side-effects may include fluid retention and high blood-pressure. This class of drugs has also been linked to an increased risk of heart-attack and stroke.
• Injections of corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid to relieve pain and wear-and-tear of the joint.

Most of the drugs mentioned above merely provide temporary relief from pain and stiffness. The last resort with modern medicine is surgical procedures, like joint replacement, arthroscopic lavage and debridement, to remove extra growths in the joints.

Complementary Natural Care

The Biogetica therapy combines natural herbs blended with age-old Chinese, ayurvedic and homeopathic therapies that increase lubrication of the affected joint and support the structure and functions of the joints.

Tips for Osteoarthritis Management

• Put a cold-pack or a heat-pack on the affected joint to relieve pain
• Massage the affected joint
• Wear joint supports or braces
• Avoid high impact sports, like football and basketball
• Walk with a cane or crutches to reduce stress on the joints
• Avoid excessive stress on the joints
• Avoid exposure to cold and wet climate
• Exercise and maintain mobility of the joints

Conventional Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Treatment offered by modern medicine is only based on symptomatic relief and not on prevention. However, since RA is a chronic condition, it is very essential to work against its tendency for relapses. The drugs included in the conventional system are:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - These include over-the-counter drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve); and prescription drugs like tolmetin (Tolectin), diclofenac (Voltaren) and indomethacin (Indocin). Another type of NSAIDs are the COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib (Celebrex). These drugs aim to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Prolonged use of NSAIDs can cause side-effects like indigestion and stomach bleeding. They can also cause damage to the liver and kidneys, hypertension, stroke and various heart diseases.
• Analgesics - These include over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and prescription drugs like codeine and acetaminophen (Tylenol #3), indomethacin (Indocin), oxycodone and acetaminophen (Percocet) and tramadol (Ultram) which relieve pain.
• Prolonged use of analgesics reduces their effect and causes damage to the kidneys and liver.
• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) - This group of drugs include sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), auranofin (Ridaura), methotrexate (Rheumatrex) and minocycline (Dynacin). Other forms of DMARDs include immunosuppressants and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. These drugs reduce joint damage.

These drugs have potential side-effects like heart-failure, and make the body susceptible to recurrent infections.

• Steroids - These include drugs such as prednisolone and methyl prednisolone. They reduce inflammation and pain during an acute attack. Steroids provide immediate and instantaneous relief. However, in the long run, their effect decreases drastically, and they can cause serious side-effects like diabetes, cataract, obesity and thinning of the bones.

If these medications fail to provide relief, other treatments like joint-replacement surgery and use of prosorba column (to remove the antibodies affecting the body) might be required.

Complementary Natural Care

The Natural Biogetica products are believed to support the structure and functions of the joints and help maintain healthy bones.

Tips for Rheumatoid Arthritis Management

• Put a cold-pack or a heat-pack on the affected joint to relieve the pain
• Massage the affected joint
• Wear joint supports or braces
• Avoid high-impact sports like football and basketball
• Exercise and maintain the mobility of the joints
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid stress

Conventional Treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis

The conventional treatment is based on symptomatic relief and not on prevention. However, since AS is a chronic condition, it is very essential to work against its tendency for relapses. Drugs included in the conventional system are:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - These include over-the-counter drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) and prescription drugs like tolmetin (Tolectin), diclofenac (Voltaren) and indomethacin (Indocin). Another type of NSAIDs is COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib (Celebrex). These drugs aim to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Prolonged use of NSAIDs can cause side-effects like indigestion and stomach bleeding. They can also cause damage of the liver and kidneys, hypertension, stroke and various heart diseases.

Analgesics - These include over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and prescription drugs like codeine and acetaminophen (Tylenol #3), indomethacin (Indocin), oxycodone and acetaminophen (Percocet) and tramadol (Ultram) which relieve pain.

Prolonged use of analgesics reduces their effect and causes damage to the kidneys and liver.

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) - This group of drugs include sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), auranofin (Ridaura), methotrexate (Rheumatrex) and minocycline (Dynacin). Other forms of DMARDs include immunosuppressants and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. These drugs reduce joint damage.

These drugs have potential side-effects like heart-failure, and make the body susceptible to recurrent infections.

Steroids - These include drugs such as prednisone and methylprednisolone. They reduce inflammation and pain during an acute attack. Steroids provide immediate and instantaneous relief. However, in the long run, their effect decreases drastically and can cause serious side-effects like diabetes, cataract, obesity and thinning of the bones. If these medications fail to provide relief, surgery may be required.

Complementary Natural Care

Biogetica’s therapy attempts to provide nourishment and keep the joints supple and healthy. The homeopathic components are traditionally believed to alleviate inflammation and protect the spine. Ancient and time-tested Chinese, ayurvedic and homeopathic remedies have been combined into the kits.

Tips for Management of Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Rest until the pain subsides
• Exercise after the acute attack to reduce stiffness and to strengthen the joint
• Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce stress on the joints
• join a support group

Conventional Treatment of Gout

Conventional medicine is used to try and lower uric acid levels and relieve pain in the acute phase of Gout. This does not provide any permanent relief to the patient. The drugs used are:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - These include over-the-counter drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) and prescription drugs like tolmetin (Tolectin), diclofenac (Voltaren) and indomethacin (Indocin). Another type of NSAIDs are COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib (Celebrex). These drugs aim to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Prolonged use of NSAIDs can cause side-effects, like indigestion and stomach bleeding. They can also cause damage to the liver and kidneys, hypertension, stroke and various heart diseases.

Analgesics - These include over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and prescription drugs like codeine and acetaminophen (Tylenol #3), indomethacin (Indocin), oxycodone and acetaminophen (Percocet) and tramadol (Ultram) to relieve pain.

Prolonged use of analgesics reduces their effect and causes damage to the kidneys and liver. Colchicine (Colchicine) is a common anti-inflammatory given in gout, to relieve inflammation.

Steroids - These include drugs such as prednisolone and methylprednisolone. They reduce inflammation and pain during an acute attack. Steroids provide immediate and instantaneous relief. However, in the long run, their effect decreases drastically. They may also cause serious side-effects like diabetes, cataract, obesity and thinning of bones. Uric acid controlling drugs - These include probenecid (Benemid), sulfinpyrazone (Anturane) and allopurinol (Zyloprim). These drugs help in maintaining uric acid levels in the body. 

Complementary Natural Care

Biogetica uses a blend of natural herbs believed to rejuvenate the joints and keep them healthy. The products in the kits strike a dynamic balance between vital forces and the body. The ingredients work on an energetic plane, and the minute doses are believed to stimulate body’s tissue structure to maintain healthy uric acid levels.

Tips for Gout Management

• Rest the affected joint until pain subsides
• Apply an ice-pack on the affected joint for 20 minutes, 4 to 8 times a day
• Exercise after the acute attack to reduce stiffness and strengthen the joint
• Drink plenty of fluids to remove excess uric acid from the body
• Avoid alcohol, especially beer, as it increases uric acid levels in the body
• Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce stress on the joints
• Avoid purine rich foods like red meat, organ meat (liver or kidney), oily fish and foods with high yeast content

Every single ingredient in every Biogetica kit has huge amounts of traditional use data from Ayurveda and Homeopathy and is supported by modern studies and trials. However, people and governments today tend to have varying opinions and laws regarding natural medicine which their FDA may not have studied yet. We therefore, prefer not to make any claims. To show the efficacy of our products we point all patients and doctors to independent research and clinical studies that proves their efficacy in a "scientific manner". In some cases, we compare the results of these studies to those of pharmaceutical medicines in order to show that natural products can be just as or even more effective than drugs, which tend to have side effects.

In order to present this information in an unbiased and up to date manner, we simply show you Google Scholar search results of all scientific articles available on a certain product. We support you in your right to know about and choose natural medicine!

Herbal research

• Arthrella: Studies suggest that this herbal remedy may support normal structure and function of joints. ¹
• Boswellia serrata: Studies suggest that this herbal remedy may support normal functioning of joints. ²
• Vitex negundo: Studies suggest that this herbal remedy may improve blood supply to your bones. ³
• Oroxylum indicum: Studies suggest that this herbal remedy may provide nutritional support to the joints. ⁴
• Tinospora cordifolia: Studies suggest that this herbal remedy may provide energy to the body cells. ⁵
• Withania somnifera: Studies suggest that this herbal remedy may support tendons and ligaments in your joints. ⁶

Resonance Homeopathic Research

• Bacterial Nosodes/Viral Nosodes: Studies suggest that this resonance homeopathic remedy may boost your immune system to combat infection. ⁷
• Ruta Graveolens: Studies suggest that this resonance homeopathic remedy may relieve your symptoms of pain, swelling and stiffness. ⁸
• Bryonia Alba: Studies suggest that this homeopathic remedy may relieve pain and inflammation. ⁹
• Arnica Montana: Studies suggest that this homeopathic remedy may offer pain relief. ¹⁰
• Rhus Toxicodendron: Studies suggest that this resonance homeopathic remedy may help ease inflammation. ¹¹

Nutraceutical research

• Calciferol: Studies suggest that this nutraceutical may strengthen muscles, ligaments and cartilages. ¹²

Allopathic

Conventional remedies for arthritis include Analgesics, Corticosteroids, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Counterirritants (for topical use) etc.

• Arthritis & Joint Conditions

If you have read the research above, you are now in a position to make an intelligent decision. We suggest you discuss this research with your doctor or one of our doctors available online.

CONSULT ONE OF BIOGETICA'S DOCTORS FOR FREE. You can also click directly on any one of the products to purchase it. Please don't delay, begin your healing journey today!

Biogetica is on the vanguard of healthcare innovation combining for the first time three separate and unique disciplines: traditional ayurvedic herbs, advanced resonance homeopathy, and ground-breaking nutraceuticals designed from the molecule up to provide health and freedom to you.

Our mission is to provide you with integrated natural solutions that target root issues across the physical, energetic and informational spectrum of your life. Our Doctors research all possible ingredients and combine them synergistically into kits to help bring your body into balance.

Our products reflect an understanding of both the molecular and vibrational nature of life and therefore bridge the gap between the current understandings of medicine, biology, and quantum physics.

Arthritis usually occurs due to wear-and-tear of your joints, maladaptive immune responses, or infective causes. The all natural Homeopathic, advanced bioenergetic, and ayurvedic herbal formulations in the kits are believed to work by: **

• Strengthening your muscles, ligaments and cartilages
• Supporting cartilage and bone health
• Supporting the structure and functions of the joints
• Boosting your body's immunity
• Using bioenergetic imprints of normal muscles, ligaments and joints, to teach your immune system how to protect your joints

The proof of our methods is evident from the ground-breaking results we have seen in independent clinical trials, and more importantly, in the lives we’ve helped uplift.

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.

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