Fibromyalgia is a considered a chronic autoimmune syndrome characterized by debility of muscles, bones, joint pain and fatigue. It is known to affect approximately 5% of the population, and is commonly seen between the ages of 20 and 50 years. Although, the exact cause of the disorder is not known, genetic predisposition is considered a probable reason.

Women are known to be much more prone to Fibromyalgia than men, and the incidence increases with age.

Causes of Fibromyalgia

The exact cause of Fibromyalgia is not yet known. Studies indicate that the central nervous system (brain) becomes supersensitive in this condition. The pain-receptor cells (neuron) in the brain, which receive signals from the neurotransmitters, seem to become more sensitive to pain signals.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome rather than a disease. It is a chronic condition associated with non-inflammatory pain and tenderness in muscles, ligaments and joints. There are some symptoms which are directly associated with muscular pain and some symptoms which are indirectly related.

Following are the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia:

• Pain - Patients suffering from Fibromyalgia constantly complain of muscle-aches and stiffness. They feel as if their body is bruised, strained and fatigued. They sometimes feel intense burning sensation and cramps. Most of them find their pain getting aggravated in the morning hours. Pain may be present in the back of the head, elbows, hips, knees, neck, upper back and chest.
• Fatigue - There can be both physical and mental fatigue. Prolonged fatigue leads to a significant reduction in the ability to carry out normal tasks and lead a normal life. The fatigue seems to be persistently present, at least to a certain degree, and is not relieved by sleep.
• Numbness - Some individuals report numbness of certain body parts. This symptom can be mild in some and incapacitating in others. 
• Sleep Disorders - Most patients have an associated sleep disorder. They have trouble falling asleep as well as getting sound sleep. Some of them also experience leg-twitching during sleep.
• Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome - This is commonly referred to as TMJ or TMD and is experienced by approximately 25% of Fibromyalgia patients. This syndrome causes pain and discomfort in the muscles and ligaments surrounding the jaw joint.
• Digestive Problems - In about 40 to 70% of Fibromyalgia patients, there may be accompanying gastro-intestinal problems like constipation, diarrhea, frequent abdominal pain, gas, acid reflux and nausea.
• Chronic Headache - Headaches are a common complaint in Fibromyalgia. They are different from headaches experienced before the onset of illness and their severity usually varies along with other aches and symptoms.
• Skin Sensitivity - This is an unusual symptom. Patches of skin become very sensitive to touch and the person may experience a burning sensation. Some people describe this as a 'crawling sensation'.
• Other common symptoms - Cognitive or memory impairment, dry eyes and mouth, migraine, depression, anxiety and tension.

Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia

Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia is made purely on clinical grounds i.e. from case history evaluation and physical examination. The physician generally inspects all the reported tender areas of the body. The typical fibromyalgia patient will have at least 11 of 18 classic tender points. On examining these joints, there is no tissue or joint inflammation found and yet these points are tender. This generally indicates Fibromyalgia.

The tender-point sites include fibrous tissue or muscles of the neck, shoulders, chest, rib cage, lower back, thighs, knees, arms (elbows) and buttocks.

There are many medical conditions that may mimic fibromyalgia. So, it is very important to rule these out. These conditions include hypothyroidism, parathyroidism, elevated blood calcium levels, bone diseases like Paget's disease, hypercalcemia, infectious diseases like AIDS, hepatitis, etc.

Even though there is no blood test for fibromyalgia, blood tests are advised to exclude these medical conditions.

Analgesics, NSAIDS (Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and anti-depressants are commonly prescribed for pain, inflammation and depression respectively. The drug Pregabalin is most commonly prescribed for Fibromyalgia. These medications only provide symptomatic relief and fail to address the root causes of Fibromyalgia. Moreover, most of these medications are associated with a fleet of undesirable side effects.

General Precautionary measures

Moderate exercise, massages, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and regular sleep patterns are also recommended for management of the symptoms.

Complementary Natural Care

Fibromyalgia cannot be treated with over the counter homeopathy, Ayurveda or Supplements in most countries. No Natural products are approved by the FDA for Fibromyalgia treatment. Natural products at best can be used for regulating the immune system of the body.

Biogetica's approach institutes a unique mixture of traditional Ayurvedic herbs, advanced resonance Homeopathies along with Natural dietary Supplements.

This combination is believed to focus on: **

• Providing bio-energetic information on healthy tissues to stabilize the nervous system and control the hyper-sensitive responses
• Balancing the functions of pain-receptor cells to avoid the over-stimulation of Nervous system
• Increasing circulation and relaxing the Musculoskeletal system
• Strengthening the muscles, ligaments and cartilages
• Restoring normalcy of the immune system by administering herbal extracts

Biogetica’s 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 potentially lead you back to health and freedom.

Biogetica's approach to healing is based on the following aspects:
1. Heal the Entire Being
2. Look for Natural Solutions
3. Balance Mind, Body and Soul
4. From Medication to Meditation

1. Heal the Entire Being:
Biogetica has a unique and comprehensive Holographic model of healing which synthesizes all the traditional natural health systems to simultaneously ease physical, mental, emotional layers of your being.

You, as a living, thinking, feeling, vibrating being, are much more than a collection of inter-related chemical processes. You are life itself. Life can never be reduced to a series of chemical reactions as chemical reactions cannot create life. Every thought, emotion, vibration or action leads to a series of chemical changes in the body. Biogetica recognizes this and balances the ENTIRE BEING, bringing mind, body, and soul into harmony. Treating an ailment on a molecular level alone, seldom has a lasting effect as the untreated social, emotional, mental, spiritual and energetic patterns cause the ailment to manifest once again on a physical plane. Holistic healing is necessary for lasting relief. Biogetica, therefore, uses Resonance Homeopathic to harmonize the entire being; flower essences to attune the mind; Ayurvedic, Tibetan, and Chinese herbs to balance the energetic and the physiological manifestation of the five elements; and nutraceuticals to coordinate cellular nutrition.

2. Look for Natural Solutions:
Our bodies are made of and supported by nature and therefore can only be healed by nature in the long term. Chemicals are often necessary for immediate change in an acute situation but tend to do the body more harm than good in the long run. Hence, Biogetica's Doctors are dedicated to providing natural solutions that are supported by evidence and prior use. To us, the argument is fairly obvious: One would use wood to fix a desk made of wood or metal to fix a car made of metal, so why use chemicals to fix a body made of nature?

Nature has blessed the Earth with natural remedies and healing mechanisms. It would be wise not to ignore them. The intelligence of nature is much greater than that of man. Unfortunately, man still focuses on chemical medicines, as they can be patented and sold for huge profits. Allopathic attempts to treat chronic ailments by interfering directly with the chemical processes using man-made substances have essentially been a failure. We claim to be cracking the gene code, but we still can't cure a cold with man-made substances!!! Homeopathic and Naturopathic methods are never studied and verified by governing bodies, as there is no one who will spend millions obtaining an approval on herbs, knowing that they cannot be patented and sold exclusively by them.

3. Balance Mind, Body and Soul:
Life cannot be recreated with chemical interactions and there is much more to life than molecular interactions. Our bodies are the most advanced pharmacies on the planet and millions of functions happen each minute with astounding precision. Biogetica therapies are designed to appeal to the balancing forces apparent in all nature by reminding and stimulating the body towards a certain function. The nutraceuticals in our kits provide specific nutrition for a function, the herbs in our kits balance the terrain of the body so that it is able to perform that function and the resonance homeopathies are designed to remind the body to be in resonance with that very function.

4. From Medication to Meditation:
Good health and freedom involve every aspect of our being including diet, lifestyle, exercise, emotional states, thoughts and energetic patterns. Biogetica Drs have therefore designed diet, nutrition, exercise, and meditation protocols specific to various life situations. We encourage you to actively partake in these for best results.

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