Edema or Oedema means swelling due to fluid retention within your body. It can be physiological in a few cases, but in most cases it is due to some underlying pathology or drug-induced. Edema may be present in any part of your body, but is visible in dependent parts of your body, like the hands, ankles and legs. Edema can be caused due to a disturbance in interstitial pressure, lymphatic obstruction, sodium retention or underlying inflammation. Treating the underlying cause helps control edema.

Causes Of Edema

Arteries and veins form the main blood vessels of your body. They further divide into fine vessels called capillaries. When there is a disturbance in pressure within or outside these capillaries, there is a leakage of fluid into the surrounding tissues. To make up for this loss in fluid, the excretory system tries to retain more fluid, which in turn leads to more leakage from the capillaries. The result is an excess of fluid collection in the body, leading to edema. The various causes leading to this condition are as follows:

• Physiological, as seen before menses or during pregnancy.
• Sitting for long hours.
• Excess intake of sodium.
• Drug induced e.g. drugs like calcium channel blockers.
• Hormonal preparations and NSAIDs.
• Congestive heart failure.
• Diseases of the kidney like nephrotic syndrome.
• Poor lymphatic drainage.
• Liver affections like cirrhosis.
• Deep vein thrombosis.
• Extremes of temperature.

Signs & Symptoms Of Edema

• Swelling of subcutaneous tissue is the primary sign of edema.
• Depending upon the underlying. pathology, swelling is seen in different parts of the body.
• The most common location where edema is observed is the ankles and legs. This happens in congestive heart failure, deep vein thrombosis and pregnancy.
• Ascites or edema of the abdominal cavity is seen in cases of affections of the liver.
• In case of kidney disease, edema is seen in the legs and around the eyes.
• In case of poor lymphatic drainage, edema is seen around the part of the body where the deficient lymph nodes and vessels are present.
• In addition to swelling, there is also pain in the affected part, due to stretching. The skin over the affected area appears distended and shiny. In case of abdominal edema, the abdomen is distended and looks bloated.
• Pitting (development of a dimple) is seen when pressure is applied to the affected part with a thumb, especially on the ankle.
• In addition to these external manifestations, edema may also be present within the internal organs like the lungs and heart.

Diagnosis Of Edema

• Diagnosis is made on the basis of a detailed medical history and specific investigations, depending upon the cause.
• The onset, duration and pattern of appearance of edema are vital in the diagnosis. Drug-induced edema is ruled out by taking a history of prescription drugs consumed.
• Kidney function tests including serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and serum electrolytes are done to assess the amount of kidney damage, if any.
• Liver function tests are done if any liver pathology is suspected.
• An ultrasound or CT scan of the abdomen may be done to rule out any structural abnormalities of the liver or kidney.
• A 2D echocardiogram may be done to assess the heart function.
• If DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is suspected as a cause, a doppler study is done of the lower limbs.
• A chest x-ray is done if pulmonary edema is suspected.

Your edema could be a result of anything ranging from eating too much salt to other health problems such as congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease. So, the only way to treat edema is to treat the condition that is causing it. Your doctor might suggest a diuretic, which is also called a water pill. These pills help flush salt and extra fluid out of your body through your urine.

The most common diuretics prescribed in this condition are Frusamide and Thiazide derivatives. However, these allopathic treatments do not cure Edema. They are merely a way of suppressing symptoms.

Conventional Measures For Treating Edema

• Diuretics like Frusamide and Thiazide derivatives are used in the majority of cases.

General Precautionary Measures

• Low sodium diet is usually recommended.
• Elevation of the affected part above the level of the heart for a few minutes is advised.
• It is recommended that the foot-end of the bed be slightly elevated.
• Using support stockings. This helps in avoiding the fluid from collecting in the lower limbs.

Complementary Natural Care
Edema occurs due to fluid retention in the body. Diuretics only offer you temporary relief. Biogetica’s methods aim at not only relieving fluid retention, but also teaching the kidneys, bladder and the lymphatic system to function optimally. The Homeopathic, advanced nutraceutical, and Ayurvedic herbal preparations are traditionally believed to work by: **

• Safely eliminating extra fluid from your body.
• Relieving symptoms of swelling, pitting and bloating with the help of homeopathic ingredients.
• Providing the body with bio-energetic imprints of healthy kidney and bladder functions, thereby bringing it back in resonance with its optimal functions.
• Conveying to the lymphatic system ways to drain the fluid adequately, thereby preventing fluid accumulation.

Biogetica represents the coming together of Doctors, Healers and Scientists from numerous traditions including Ayurveda, Bio-Energetics, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Siddha Medicine, Sintergetica, Nutrition and Chinese medicine.

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.

Edema occurs because of fluid retention within your body. Diuretics only offer you temporary relief. Biogetica aims to not only relieve fluid retention, but also teach your kidneys, bladder and lymph system optimal functions. The Homeopathic, advanced Bioenergetic and Ayurvedic herbal preparations are believed to work specifically by: **

• Safely eliminating extra fluid from your body.
• Quickly relieving your symptoms of swelling, pitting, bloating, etc with the help of homeopathic ingredients
• Providing your body with bioenergetic imprints of healthy kidney and bladder tissue, thus teaching your kidneys and bladder optimal functioning.
• Teaching your lymphatic system how to drain fluid adequately, to prevent fluid accumulation.
• Helping in maintaining the pressure within your interstitial tissues, and balancing fluid levels within them.

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

Edema is a condition caused due to accumulation of fluids in the spaces between the body cells or the circulatory system. As a result, there are symptoms like puffiness and swelling in many areas of the body, including legs, arms, feet, hands, lungs, heart, or stomach.

It may be caused due to several medical conditions like heart, kidney or liver failure; however, another risk factor is malnutrition or poor nutrition. Excess sodium in the body tissues will hold on the water to balance the fluid-sodium ratio, the more sodium you consume, greater the fluid retention. Thus reduction of sodium intake is a must. You can even try increasing potassium levels to balance sodium levels. Even Vitamin B5, B6 and Omega-3 fatty acids can help alleviate your symptoms. Nutritional experts recommend maintaining sodium intake under 2300 mg per day.

Recommended Foods

• Increased intake of potassium helps the kidneys remove excess sodium and fluid, therefore we recommend edema sufferers to eat plenty of raw vegetables and fruits rich in potassium, especially spinach, lettuce, broccoli, bananas, oranges, apricots and tomatoes.
• Vitamin B6 is recommended in edema. It has a diuretic (excretion of fluid) effect and is particularly useful for pre-menstrual fluid retention. Vitamin B6 (pyrioxine) is known to help in clearing water retention. Brown rice and red meat are good sources of vitamin B6
• Eat plenty of cereal products, yeast, fish, chicken and nuts.
• Drink adequate amounts of barley water.
• Increase physical activity and eat a balanced diet.
• Increasing dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish and fish oils – eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) — generally decrease several markers of inflammation.
• Turmeric and Ginger may inhibit the pro-inflammatory lipo-oxygenase or cyclo-oxygenase pathways
• VitaminB5, calcium, magnesium and vitamin D help the body remove water by increasing kidney function.

Foods For Moderate Consumption

• Moderate or limit consumption of animal proteins, fried foods, and chocolate.
• High-fat foods can limit or adversely affect kidney function.
• Dairy products, canned/preserved vegetables, legumes, and processed meats may contain significant amounts of sodium.

Foods To Avoid

• Sodium is bad For edema – avoid adding salt at the table and use a little or none in cooking;
• Avoid highly salted foods, such as chips, nuts, pretzels, corned meat, processed meats, sausages and takeaway food.
• Avoid salty condiments such as packet sauces, soy sauce.
• Restrict the intake of processed and canned foods, as they provide a good supply of sodium.
• Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
• Studies suggest that diets rich in saturated fats, trans fats and high glycemic index foods stimulate inflammation.

Home Remedies

Massaging the affected area with warm mustard oil will act as a lubricant, which forces the fluid back to the heart.

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.

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

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Heart Chakra Tone (Music composed by Satya Hinduja)

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