Peptic Ulcers are very common and affect nearly 4 million americans, every year. They are more common in adults, although it is thought that many people are infected in childhood and carry the bacteria throughout their life. They occur in the stomach or duodenum (upper part of the small intestine). A peptic ulcer is an erosion in the mucous membrane of the gastro-intestinal tract. When we eat, our stomach produces hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin. This enables the food to get partly digested in the stomach itself. The acid and pepsin are generally stopped from corroding the intestinal walls by a protective mucous layer that lines the whole digestive tract. But sometimes, this delicate balance between gastric juices and the protective mucous layer gets disturbed and it results in an inflammation of the tissues. This is how an ulcer is formed.

Causes of Peptic Ulcers

The underlying pathophysiology of peptic ulcers is the destruction of the gastric or intestinal mucosal lining of the stomach by hydrochloric acid, an acid normally present in the digestive juices of the stomach.

There are many factors known to cause disruption between stomach acid and mucosal protection balance. The most common cause is a bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori, which is responsible for causing more than 75% of peptic ulcers.

'Helicobacter' is a genus of spiral bacteria that amazingly, is able to survive the severe acidity of the stomach. This bacterium secretes an enzyme called urease, which neutralizes HCl secreted by the stomach to digest food. Low levels of acids trigger the stomach to produce more acid, in turn leading to an imbalance.

H. pylori bacteria spread through infected stools and may be transmitted from person to person through contaminated food and water.

H. pylori attach to the epithelial cells of the stomach and duodenum, which stops it from being washed out. Once attached, the bacteria start to cause damage to the cells by secreting enzymes and toxins and initiating a self-destructive immune response.

Another causative factor is the regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g. aspirin and ibuprofen). These medications interfere with the normal digestive process and create an imbalance between the stomach acid and mucosal protection balance.

Medical research indicates that ulcers are not caused by lifestyle habits like stress. But at the same time, it does not rule out the fact that some factors may be responsible in supporting the ailment. These are:

• Regular consumption of alcohol
• Stress - Physical stress (severe injuries) or emotional stress
• High intake of caffeine
• Cigarette smoking
• Radiation therapy
• Rare condition called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome causes peptic ulcers as well as tumors in the pancreas and duodenum.

The most preferred treatment in conventional medicine, is prescribing antibiotics and antacids. The most common antibiotics used are: metronidazole, tetracycline, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin. Other medicines like H2-Receptor antagonists and Proton pump inhibitors are also given to control acid levels.  However, all these medications only provide temporary relief. Once they are stopped, the acid levels rise and the stomach lining becomes prone to irritation again.

How do Conventional Medicines Work?

Antibiotics are used to kill the H. Pylori bacteria. However,  the bacteria often mutate into antibiotic resistant strains that no longer respond to antibiotic treatment and antibiotics are known to evoke several unpleasant side effects.

Antacids neutralize gastric acid. However, they are known to cause side-effects. E.g. A major side effect of magnesium-containing antacids (Maalox, Mylanta) is diarrhea.

Other medicines like H2-Receptor antagonists and Proton pump inhibitors are also given to control acid levels. Both of these suppress gastric acid secretion. However, they have different modes of action. While Proton pump inhibitors shut down the proton pumps in the stomach, H2 receptor blockers or histamine-receptor blockers work by blocking the histamine receptors in acid producing cells in the stomach. The most common side-effects experienced from these medications are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, rash, and dizziness.

Complementary Natural Care
Natural therapies aim at not only relieving the symptoms of peptic ulcers like acute pain, but also working with your immune system to correct the physiological root causes of ulcers, thus giving you lasting relief. Natural therapies including resonance homeopathy, advanced bioenergetic, and ayurvedic herbal ingredients are believed to work by: **

• Supporting the structure and functions of the gastric and duodenal lining
• Boosting immunity
• Establishing balance in the secretion of digestive juices to prevent further damage of the lining

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 approach aims at boosting your immune system to correct the physiological root causes of ulcers. Biogetica's multidisciplinary kit is believed to work by: **

• Using homeopathic ingredients with natural pain-relieving properties to relieve your pain
• Soothing your gastric mucosal lining and promoting repair of damaged tissue
• Gently cleansing your body, so that toxins, acids and chemicals do not disrupt its delicate biochemistry
• Using modern bioenergetic techniques to get your stomach and duodenum to learn how to insulate themselves against harmful acids
• Aiding normal digestive processes and enzyme production, thus relieving symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux
• Removing excessive acid build-up and free radicals from your body

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