Athlete's Foot is the most common skin ailment after acne. Up to 15% of people in the US suffer from it at some point in their life. The fungi normally infect the skin between the toe-fingers and gradually spread to the other parts of the feet. Athlete's foot is contagious and can be passed on through direct contact or through items such as shoes, socks, stockings, and shower or pool surfaces.

Causes of Athlete's Foot

The most common fungi causing Athlete's Foot are Trichophyton rubrum and T. Mentagrophytes. These organisms infect the superficial layers of the skin. In response to this, the skin produces more skin cells than usual. As these cells push to the surface, skin becomes thick and scaly. These fungi thrive in warm, moist areas. Predisposing factors for the spread of this infection include:

• Wearing closed plastic or plastic lined footwear
• Keeping feet wet for a long period of time
• Excessive perspiration
• Injury to skin on the foot or nail

Athlete's Foot is contagious and can be contracted through direct contact with an infected individual or contact with infected items such as shoes, socks, shower rooms and swimming pools.

Signs and Symptoms of Athlete's Foot

The most common clinical features of Athlete's foot are as follows:

Scaling, flaking and itching of the affected skin

• Burning or stinging sensation in the affected area
• Cracking and peeling of skin
• Oozing from the wound
• Dryness of skin
• Blister formation

If the infection spreads to the nails, they become discolored, thick and brittle. Secondary bacterial infection can accompany the fungal infection. The infection can spread to other areas of the body such as the armpits, knees, elbows and groin.

Diagnosis of Athlete's Foot

Diagnosis is based on visual examination of the lesion and history given by the patient.

Certain tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. These include:

• A microbiological culture of skin scrapings. Also known as KOH test, it includes microscopic examination of potassium hydroxide preparation on skin scrapings from affected areas.
• A skin culture test is done to determine whether the fungi grow in the laboratory.
• If the above tests are inconclusive, a tissue swab of the affected skin is taken and a histological examination including biopsy is done.

The key factor for Athlete’s foot treatment is maintaining good hygiene. There are many over-the-counter anti-fungal treatments that can help control the infection. However, they only treat the symptoms and cannot stop the infection from recurring. Anti-itch creams are contraindicated, as they increase the moisture content in the affected area and cause the fungus to thrive.

Topical agents recommended for mild to moderate infections include those that contain Terbinafine (Lamisil AT), Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) and Miconazole (Micatin). These can be used in the form of a spray, powder, cream or gel. It takes around 6 weeks for a complete cure. It is recommended that these products be used for another 4 weeks after that to ensure that the fungus has been completely eliminated.

Infections that do not respond after 4 weeks of the treatments mentioned above require stronger prescription anti fungal medications. These include topical medicines like ketoconazole and terbinafine and oral anti-fungal agents.

Antibiotics may be required to treat secondary bacterial infections caused due to itching.

The problem with Athlete's Foot infection is that it tends to recur. The natural medicinal system of Homeopathy has met with tremendous success in easing athlete's foot because it develops the body's immunity to the fungus that causes this infection.

Complementary Natural Care

Taking good self care helps to prevent recurrent infection. However, the problem with Athlete's Foot infection is that it tends to recur. The natural medicinal system of Homeopathy has met with tremendous success in easing athlete's foot because it develops the body's immunity to the fungus that causes this infection.

Natural therapies aim at not just offering you symptomatic relief, but also aim at developing your immunity. The natural Homeopathic, Bioenergetic, and Ayurvedic herbal remedies are traditionally believed to work by: **

• Administering sarcodes (Bioenergetic imprints of the specific fungi that cause Athlete's Foot) and nosodes that work on a vaccine like principle, and getting your body to produce antibodies
• Boosting immunity that help to eliminate the fungus at the site of your infection
• Relieving your Athlete's Foot symptoms like itching, burning, scaling, flaking, cracking, peeling and oozing of skin with the help of homeopathic ingredients.

Prevention tips

• Wear comfortable sandals or slippers. Wear shoes that are well ventilated and made up of comfortable material
• Wash feet regularly before going to bed and dry completely
• Change your socks everyday and keep you feet dry as much as possible
• Apply powder in between your toes if you get excessive sweating in your feet

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. We therefore prefer not to make any claims and 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 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 about and choose drugs or natural medicine!

Herbal research

• Cladosporium: Studies suggest that this herbal remedy may support the optimum functioning of blood vessels and enhance blood supply in the body. ¹

Resonance homeopathic

• Colchicum Autumnale: Studies suggest that this resonance homeopathic remedy may eliminate your Athlete's Foot symptoms like itching, flaking, burning and oozing. ²
• Rhizopus Nigricans: Studies suggest that this remedy may help alleviate itching, flaking, burning and oozing. ³

Nutraceutical research

• Peppermint oil: Studies suggest that this nutraceutical may stimulate and strengthen your immune system. ⁴
• Oregano: Studies suggest that this nutraceutical may strengthen your immunity to prevent future episodes. ⁵

Allopathic

• Side Effects of Terbinafine
• Fluconazole Side Effects

 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.

The reason that Athlete's Foot is notorious for spreading is that fungi are notorious for multiplying quickly. Biogetica's natural approach is believed to aim at not only offering you symptomatic relief, but also developing your immunity. The natural Homeopathic, Bioenergetic ,and Ayurvedic herbal remedies are believed to work by: **

• Administering Bioenergetic imprints of the specific fungi that cause Athlete's Foot, on a vaccine like principle, and getting your body to produce antibodies
• Boosting immunity, to eliminate the fungus at the site of your infection
• Relieving your Athlete's Foot symptoms like itching, burning, scaling, flaking, cracking, peeling and oozing of skin with the help of homeopathic ingredients.

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