Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of sexual life without contraception. It is also known as Sterility. There are many hormonal causes of infertility that could be in the male or female. These causes may be due to lifestyle, food and diet. In 10% of the cases of infertility, no obvious abnormality can be found to explain its occurrence. Infertility tends to be very traumatic on the couple in general, and the affected individual, in particular. He / she often experiences a deep sense of inadequacy and incompleteness.

Types of Infertility

Infertility may be classified as:

a) Primary Infertility where conception has never occurred. 
b) Secondary (acquired) Infertility where conception has failed to occur after a period of fertility.

The following factors may interfere in the process of fertility:

• Physiological

Infertility exists naturally before puberty, after menopause, during pregnancy and sometimes during lactation.

• Pathological

1) Faulty male factors in one fourth of the cases
2) Faulty female factors in half of the cases
3) Faulty male & female factors in the remaining one fourth of cases

In 10% of cases, no obvious abnormality can be found to explain infertility. This is unexplained infertility.

Causes of Infertility

Any number of the following male or female factors may be responsible for infertility:

• Male Factors

Age above 45yrs, obesity, fatigue, heavy smoking, alcoholism, nervous tension about sex and psychiatric illness can affect fertility.

Some diseases such as hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus and hypothalamic pituitary dysfunction lead to infertility.

Some males produce antibodies against their own sperm due to conditions such as orchitis and vas obstruction, leading to infertility.

Ignorance about sex - no consummation of marriage, poor frequency of sexual intercourse, severe phimosis and hydrocele also lead to infertility.

Defect in sperm production due to undescended testes, hypospadias, klinefelter syndrome, small pox, mumps, varicocele (enlarged testicular veins), and huge hydrocele also lead to infertility.

Impaired sperm function due to urethritis, vas ligation leads to infertility.

• Female Factors

Age above 35yrs, obesity, fear of sex, marital disharmony can lead to infertility.

Disorders such as thyroid disorders, hormonal amenorrhea, irregular menstrual bleeding, polycystic ovarian disease cause infertility through anovulation.

Narrow vaginal introitus (opening), spasms of the vagina, vaginitis, and escape of semen after coitus can also lead to infertility.

Intracervical obstruction, cervical scarring, cervicitis and cervical polyp lead to infertility.

Uterine tumors can lead to infertility. Tubal occlusions or peritubal adhesions caused by pyogenic tuberculosis, chlamydia and appendicitis can lead to infertility.

Hyperprolactinaemia, oophoritis, cysts, ovarian tumors, premature ovarian failure, and unruptured follicles can lead to infertility.

Diagnosis of Infertility

It is diagnosed by the gynecologist when:

• Women below 25 yrs (above 18yrs) are unable to conceive after two years of normal sexual life without contraception. 
• Women from 25 to 35 yrs are unable to conceive after one year of sexual life without contraception. 
• Women above 35 yrs are unable to conceive after one year of sexual life without contraception.

Normally, about 90% of women conceive within 18 months of regular sexual activity, without contraception.

A patient is investigated for infertility the following ways:

• For women, the history of menstrual cycles, previous pregnancies and systemic diseases is noted. A total health check-up and genital tract check-up is carried out to evaluate any abnormalities.
• In men, the history of sexual function, coital frequency, smoking, addiction and systemic disease is noted. A total health check-up is done to identify any abnormalities.
• If both are found to be normal, a semen analysis is advised.
• If the semen analysis report is normal, the couple's hemoglobin, blood group, VDRL, post-lunch blood glucose and urine analyses are conducted.
• If the above laboratory investigations are normal, cervical dilatation & curettage (D&C) may be performed between the 18th and 21st day of the menstrual cycle and the endometrial tissue (inner layer of uterus) is sent to the laboratory for histology.
• If the D&C report is normal, hysterosalpingography (HSG) (a radiological procedure) is done to test the patency of the fallopian tubes.
• If the tubes are patent, an ovulation test is done, by checking the basal body temperature. If ovulation takes place, the fern test, thread test and post-coital test (PCT) are done to rule out cervical factors as causes of infertility.
• If HSG findings are abnormal, laparoscopy dye test is done.
• If there are menstrual abnormalities, then, thyroid profile, prolactin, and testosterone levels in the blood are checked.
• For low sperm count, testicular biopsy is done. The man is carefully evaluated for varicocele in cases of low sperm count.
• Plasma hormones like FSH, LH, prolactin, TSH and testosterone are tested in male endocrine studies to rule out Klinefelter syndrome, Sertoli cell only syndrome, hypothyroidism, and acromegaly.
• Sperm mucus slide test is done on normal sperm-count samples, where immunological cervical factors are suspected.

Treatment for CoronaVirus

There is no specific treatment yet for Corona Virus. Conventional treatment may include taking a pain or fever medication which may give temporary relief from the symptoms.  Many hospitals in Asia are using a combination of HIV, Dengue and Malaria Drugs to treat Corona Virus and reporting back that they have cured Corona Virus in patients using these drugs.

Complementary Natural care

Viruses are different from Bacteria as they do not have their own cell like Bacteria do. They are parasitic to the host patient’s cell. Hence western medical approaches of killing bacteria donot work with Viruses as they kill the host cell along with the viral cell.

Ayurveda and TCM have long prescribed certain plants for their Antiviral properties. These plants have not been thoroughly studied in clinical trials against coronavirus as the latest strain of corona virus is very new.

All Doctors generally agree that a healthy boosted immune system is our best defense mechanism against all advanced viruses such as the Corona Virus. There are numerous things one can do to boost their immune systems.  Some of the herbs, homeopathies and supplements recommended for Immune Boost have studied for herpes and HPV and have shown tremendous unparalleled results for these RNA viruses.  Central and unique to these herbs and supplements is the herb HypericumMysorense. It is prescribed in ancient ayurvedic texts for advanced viral like conditions. It has also shown 100% suppression of herpes in vitro and unprecedented results for herpes in clinical trials.

Core Immunity Kit with Immune Boost and Lung Health Formulas

Biogetica's ground breaking therapeutic kits are a combination of advanced nutraceuticals, standardized herbal extracts and bio-energetic resonance homeopathies that are traditionally believed to work by relieving your symptoms and boosting your immune system.

Our natural approach is traditionally believed to restore your health by:

• Boosting immunity
• Supporting the respiratory system to function ideally
• Rejuvenating the lungs

Get moving on the road to healing today! ***

Biogetica'sFreedom kit with Immunity formula is a synergistic combination of evidence based natural solutions that will potentially lead you back to health and freedom.

Each kit contains:

• Advanced, naturally derived, state of the art supplements that are the specific building blocks of life, known to boost our immune function.
• State of the art resonance homeopathy that reminds the body of specific ideal functions and coaxes it into action. Generally considered medicine in most countries today and believed to work on the subtler layers of vibration by passing specific information to the human microcosm.

There are several conventional medicines prescribed for treating infertility depending on whether the condition is related to the male or female gender. However, these Allopathic treatments do not cure Infertility as they do not address the root causes. They are merely a way of suppressing symptoms.

Treatment for Female Infertility

Ovulation inducing drugs are used for women with anovulation or oligoovulation.

The drugs used are: Clomiphine citrate, Human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG), Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH), Bromocryptine and Corticosteroids. 

Clomiphine Citrate may cause side-effects such as, hot-flushes, visual blurring, abdominal pain or bloating, urticaria and some amount of hair loss. 

Human menopause gonadotrophin may cause side-effects like ovarian hyper stimulation, ovarian enlargement, and very rarely a large ovarian cyst with ascites and pleural effusion.

Bromocryptine may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, headaches, dizziness and even hypotension. In cases of tuberculosis, a full course of anti-tubercular treatment is given.

In case of endometriosis, (where fragments of the endometrial lining are found outside the uterus) danazol treatment is given.

Surgical Rx for Female Infertility

• Cervical dilatation and uterine curettage (D&C) is found useful, as in some cases there is intracervical fibrous ring obstruction.
• Fenton's operation is done for tight hymeneal ring with vaginismus in newly married women, where penile entry into the vagina is incomplete or impossible.
• Myomectomy is indicated in young women where sub mucus fibromyoma is found to be the only reason.
• Metroplasty is performed in double or septate uterus with tendency to repeated abortions.
• Tuboplasty is done to remove tubal blocks.
• Cervical suture operation is indicated in repeated mid pregnancy abortions due to cervical incompetence.
• Micro surgical wedge resection on ovaries in polycystic ovarian disease and ovarian cystectomy in the case of chocolate cysts are done.

Treatment for Male Infertility

For low sperm count, tablet clomiphene is given to stimulate spermatogenesis. Testosterone is given, but has not been documented to be effective.

Impotence due to psychoses or the use of antidepressants, hypotensives and tranquilizers can be corrected on controlled use of these drugs.

Smoking and excess alcohol consumption should be stopped. 

Plastic splints when used with the penis help in penetration and emission even if there is no erection. 

In the case of premature ejaculation, all the causes of impotence are treated. The patient is advised pelvic floor exercise and the squeeze technique.

In immunological infertility, corticosteroid therapy is given.

Obstruction of epididymus or vas is corrected surgically in case of obstructive azoospermia. In case of oligozoospermia, artificial insemination of husband (AIH) can be done.

Artificial insemination of donors (AID) is indicated in azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia. But this procedure may have medico legal implications.

Special Treatment 

In vitro fertilization and embryo transfer is now widely used to treat infertile couples with irreparable tubal damage, severe endometriosis, oligozoospermia and unexplained infertility. 

Adoption is advised if treatment of an infertile couple fails to result in conception in 2 years or in couples with unexplained infertility who fails to conceive within 3 years.

• Couples are given proper education on healthcare, lifestyle, sex life and conception.
• Women weighing less than 45kgs are put on adequate home resource food; clean drinking water and afternoon rest so that they may put on weight.
• Obese women weighing more than 75 kgs are put on carbohydrate and fat restricted diet programs and daily exercises.
• Anemic women are given oral iron therapy to improve anemia.
• Smoking and alcohol consumption are stopped by both partners.
• The couple is educated to have proper sex daily or on alternate days from the 11th to the 18th day of the menstrual cycle (if cycles are regular).
• If semen flows out of the woman's vagina, she should lie on one side for 5 minutes pressing the thighs together, keeping the vaginal mouth closed.

Complementary Natural Care

Natural therapies like Ayurveda and Homeopathy have a holistic and comprehensive approach. They are traditionally believed to not only address the symptomatic manifestation of a disorder but also balance the energetic, emotional, mental, physiological and immunological responses of the individual. **

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 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!

• Glycyrrhiza glabra
• Sepia
• Damiana

The above remedies support the normal functioning of the reproductive organs and also help balance the hormones.

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.

Biogetica has a holistic and comprehensive approach of dealing with infertility in men and women. Our kits are believed to restore the balance in the endocrine axis and regulate spermatogenesis and ovulation. ** Sarcodes present in our kits contain energetic imprints of healthy organ tissue that are believed to coax the respective organs into optimal functioning. **

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

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: 

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