Depression

An estimated 20 to 25% of women and 7 to 12% of men suffer from depression at least once during their lifetime, in the U.S. alone. Depression is a psychological disorder characterized by feelings of intense sadness, despair, helplessness, loneliness and apathy. The condition may be associated with recurring negative thoughts and sometimes, substance abuse.

In chronic or recurrent conditions, depression may impair day-to-day activities and social interactions. Depression can last for days, weeks, or even months.

Primary Affective Disorders

These are precipitated by a wide range of environmental factors, and are not secondary to any other psychiatric or physical illness. They are often recurrent. If recurrences of the condition always take a depressive form, the term unipolar disorder is used. If the recurrences are both manic and depressive, the term bipolar is used.

Bipolar Disorder with phases ranging from debilitating depression to extreme mania is termed as Bipolar I Disorder. Less chronic cases of the condition may be associated with milder episodes of mania (hypomania), alternating with states of depression, and are termed as Bipolar II Disorder. Bipolar disorder may impair normal day-to-day activities and social interactions.

Causes of Depression

Risk Factors

Common risk factors that may trigger depression include:

• Genetic: There is convincing evidence of a genetic contribution to the development of bipolar disorders, although the mode of inheritance is not clear
• Family history of depression
• Stressful events like the loss of a loved one or a job
• Prolonged use of medication like sleeping pills or anticonvulsant pills
• Chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer or Alzheimer’s disease
• Hormonal changes during menopause or pregnancy
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Endocrine disorders like Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease and hypothyroidism

Symptoms

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder depend on the phase of the condition. They are usually a combination of psychological and physical symptoms.

Symptoms during manic phase

• Increased energy, activity and restlessness
• Euphoric moods with excessive irrational spending sprees and grand plans
• Extreme irritability
• Racing thoughts and excessive talking
• Frequent flight of ideas
• Sleeplessness
• Loss of touch with reality
• Increased sex-drive
• Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol and sleeping medications
• Provocative, intrusive or aggressive behavior

Symptoms during depressive phase

• Extreme sadness or low energy levels
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
• Affected concentration, memory and decision-making
• Restlessness or irritability
• Disturbed sleep patterns
• Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
• Suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide

Other common symptoms of depression may include a combination of the following:

• Disturbed sleep
• Change in appetite
• Impaired cognition or poor concentration
• Fatigue and low energy
• Diminished interest in pleasurable and social activities
• Suicidal thoughts

Diagnosis of Depression

The diagnosis of a depressive illness is based on the presence of mood disturbance together with some of the associated symptoms. To justify the diagnosis of a major depressive episode it is necessary to establish that the symptoms are not associated with a bereavement reaction, organic lesion or some other psychotic disorder.

Tips for Dealing with Depression

• Do not isolate yourself. Engage in activities even if you are not motivated; try to participate in social activities.
• Distract your focus from the source of depression.
• Set realistic goals for yourself, and take on responsibilities.
• Avoid making major decisions when you are depressed.
• Have a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
• Maintain regular sleep habits.
• Avoid stress.
• Do not take drugs or alcohol to relieve depression.
• Stay connected with your family and friends, or join a support group

Modern medicine tends to focus on the chemical manifestations of depression and treatments for depression generally include antidepressants such as Prozac and SSRIs. However these Allopathic treatments do not cure Depression. They are merely a way of suppressing the symptoms. Medicinal systems like Ayurveda and Homeopathy on the other hand, believe in harmonizing subtler manifestations on a mental plane, which in turn leads to chemical balance.

Why do Antidepressants not Cure Depression?

Antidepressants are capable of causing a host of unpleasant side-effects. Sometimes, these side-effects last only for a few weeks, and at other times, they may linger on for a longer duration. Some of these side-effects include nausea, weight-gain, lethargy, drowsiness, sexual problems, dry mouth, insomnia, constipation, anxiety and restlessness.

Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (a type of psycho-therapy based on modifying thoughts and behavioral patterns) and counseling may be recommended in many cases of depressive disorders. In severe conditions, electro-convulsive therapy (a procedure in which electric current is passed through the brain to restore chemical balance) may be recommended.

Complementary Natural Care

Anti-depressants only relieve the outward manifestations of Depression. In order to relieve Depression permanently, its root causes must be tackled. Natural remedies focus on not only relieving Depression, but also balancing the physiological, endocrine, neurotransmitter and immunological factors that accompany depression.

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 supplements and complementary therapies. We, therefore, prefer not to make any claims, but instead, point all Patients and Doctors to independent research and clinical studies that support their effects 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 provide just as much or may be more, when compared to drugs that often have side effects.

In order to present this information in an unbiased and an up to date manner, we simply show you Google Scholar search results of all scientific articles available on a certain product or an ingredient. If you do so much as read the synopsis of the research, the choice becomes clear. You can read and compare the results of drug studies and the results of studies on which Biogetica relies. We support you in your right to know and choose drugs or natural alternatives! If you or your Doctor truly care about your health, we suggest you read the following research:

• Cimicifuga Racemosa
• Argentum nit
• Arsenic alb
• Clematis
• Acorus calamus
• Withania Somnifera
• Evolvulus alsinoides
• Aegle marmelos
• Valeriana wallichii
• Emblica officinalis

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.

Biogetica’s 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.

Our methods are believed to focus on not only relieving your depressive state of being, but also balancing your physiological, endocrine, neurotransmitter and immunological factors that go hand in hand with depression. Biogetica has different kits and individual natural remedies for you, depending on your specific symptoms. The homeopathic, advanced bioenergetic, nutraceutical, and ayurvedic herbal formulations in the kits are believed to work specifically by: **

• Activating relaxation mechanisms in your body, without depressing functions of your nervous system.
• Stabilizing your neurotransmitter imbalances.
• Maintaining a healthy endocrine axis.
• Using advanced bioenergetic techniques to stimulate repair of nerve tissue, thus correcting nerve related pathology.
• Improving your emotional, mental, physiological and immune responses to stressors.
• Providing relief from symptoms related to depression like insomnia, aggression, mood swings, etc

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.

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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

4. Serpent’s Breath (Sheetali)

It is an imitation of the respiration of a serpent.

Steps:

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana/Swastika-asana/ Siddhasana/Vajrasana.
2. Rest the hands on the knees.
3. Fold the edges of an outward-extended tongue to resemble a round hollow tube.
4. Draw in the air through the mouth with a hissing sound ‘Si’ and feel the air touching the tongue while inhaling.
5. Retain the breath as long as you can till there is any discomfort.
6. Slowly exhale through both the nostrils.

Time limit: 1 – 5 minutes. Practice regularly in the morning, 15 to 30 times.

Advantages:

• Purifies the blood
• Quenches thirst and appeases hunger

Indications:

• 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.

Time limit:

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:
   1. Fold the index and middle fingers of the right hand into its palm. The other fingers should be extended.
   2. Close the right nostril with your right thumb.
   3. Inhale through the left nostril for a definite period of time – say 5 seconds.
   4. Close the left nostril with the right ring-finger and little-finger.
   5. Concurrently remove your thumb from the right nostril, and exhale.
   6. This is to be done for twice the inhalation period, i.e. for 10 seconds.
   7. This completes the first half of one round. 3. Second half round
   8. Inhale through the right nostril for a definite period say 5 seconds.
   9. Close the right nostril with the right thumb.
   10. Exhale through the left nostril for a period that is twice that of inhalation i.e. 10 seconds.
   11. This completes the other half of one round.
3. Second half round:
   1. Inhale through the right nostril for a definite period – say 5 seconds.
   2. Close the right nostril with your right thumb.
   3. Exhale through the left nostril for a period that is twice that of inhalation i.e. 10 seconds.
   4. 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.

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So please, let it happen.

Guided Healing Meditation with our founder, Apurve Mehra

Advaita self discovering meditation with Apurve”I AM THAT I AM”meditation with Dr Stephen Wollinsky

Meditation 1

Meditation 2

Meditation 3

Meditation 4

Meditation 5

Heart Chakra Tone (Music composed by Satya Hinduja)

Guided meditation with our founder Apurve

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