Dysmenorrhea merely means painful periods. About 50 to 70% of women experience menstrual cramps in their reproductive years. These cramps may begin in the lower abdomen and spread to the thighs and back causing discomfort. However, about 10% of women have symptoms so severe, that they are unable to handle their normal activities.

In fact, a survey revealed painful menstruation as the leading cause of time lost from school and work among women of childbearing age.

Causes of Dysmenorrhea

Studies indicate that there is some co-relation between the cramps or pain and hormone 'prostaglandin', which causes contractions in the uterus. Its levels were found to be quite a bit higher in women who reported severe menstrual pain, as compared with those who had very mild discomfort.

Medically, there are two types of dysmenorrhea:

• Primary Dysmenorrhea: This type of pain is not related to any clinical pathology, i.e. any problems of the uterus or pelvic organs. Primary Dysmenorrhea usually begins 2 to 3 years following menarche (onset of menses). It occurs on account of the hormone Prostaglandin, which helps the uterus to contract and shed its lining during menstruation. This contraction causes mild cramps. It often improves after the age of 25 or after vaginal childbirth.
• Secondary Dysmenorrhea: Here, the menstrual pain is because of some underlying pathology or structural abnormality, e.g. endometriosis, fibroids, or infection of the uterus. Secondary Dysmenorrhea is commonly seen after the age of 30 years. It is associated with some disease, either inside the uterus or outside. Abnormal conditions associated with secondary dysmenorrhea include endometriosis, sexually transmitted disease (STD), pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts and fibroids. Sometimes IUD or intrauterine devices also cause severe cramps.

Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea

Whether it is primary or secondary dysmenorrhea, pain remains the common symptom. Some women experience very severe cramps and pain, while others merely complain of mild discomfort. The intensity and nature of pain varies from woman to woman. Women usually experience two types of pain:

• A constant dull lower-backache, which may spread to the thighs
• Cramping spasmodic pains, like contractions

Other symptoms that may accompany the pain are as follows:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea/constipation
• Fainting
• Light-headedness
• A dizzy feeling
• Headaches
• Exhaustion and lethargy
• Breast tenderness
• Shedding of meaty chunks of the uterine lining (endometrium), during menses

Diagnosis of Dysmenorrhea

Generally, it is the patient who reports to the gynecologist with pain. The physician first takes a complete case-history, focusing on menarche (onset of menses), menstrual history and obstetric history. He may then perform a physical examination, including an internal examination, to see if there are any abnormalities causing the pain. The tests which may be advised are:

• Pap smear
• Blood tests and cultures
• Ultrasound

If the menstrual pain is not relieved with medication or if a secondary cause of dysmenorrhea is suspected, a surgical procedure called laparoscopy may be performed.

Conventional treatments for dysmenorrhea include NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen and Naproxan; over-the-counter drugs like aspirin, acetaminophen, and pamprin amongst others. Surgery may also be resorted to in extreme cases. None of these conventional treatments are known to cure Dysmenorrhea. They only look at Dysmenorrhea from a superficial, symptomatic perspective.

Also, none of them are without their chunk of side-effects. NSAIDs may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, ulcers in the stomach or even promote bleeding. Oral contraceptives are also used as the second line of treatment, but obviously, cannot be used by females who wish to conceive. The most serious side-effect of aetaminophen could include liver damage due to large doses. Aspirin too has numerous dose-related side-effects which may include ulcerations, abdominal burning, pain, cramping, nausea, gastritis, serious gastrointestinal bleeding, and liver toxicity.

Complementary Natural Care

When you take external hormones or painkillers, your symptoms may temporarily disappear. But to treat dysmenorrhea effectively, it is essential to address the root cause of the pain. Advances in the natural system of therapies such as Homeopathy and Ayurveda have now made it possible to explore herbs and other natural ingredients for beneficial roles in supporting the structure and functions of the reproductive system.

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 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!

Research on Resonance Homeopathic Ingredients

• Caulophyllum: Studies suggest that this Advanced Resonance Homeopathic remedy may reduce congestion and relax the muscles in the uterine and the pelvic region. ¹
• Chamomilla: Studies suggest that this Advanced Resonance Homeopathic remedy may relieve pain and control excessive bleeding. ²
• Mag phos: Studies suggest that this Advanced Resonance Homeopathic remedy may be very useful in alleviating severe spasmodic lower abdominal or pelvic pain. ³
• Viburnum: Studies suggest that this Advanced Resonance Homeopathic remedy may relieve abdominal pain, nausea, lower-backache, drawing in the legs, pelvic congestion, and general feverishness. ⁴

Herbal research

• Andropogon muricatus: Studies suggest that this herbal remedy may support the normal functioning of the Endocrine system as a whole. ⁵
• Nelumbium speciosum: Studies suggest that this herbal remedy may balance the female hormones. ⁶
• Nardostachys jatamansi: Studies suggest that this herbal remedy may relieve weakness related to the Uterus that begins at puberty and ceases at menopause. ⁷
• Zingiber officinale: Studies suggest that this herbal remedy may remind the body of optimal endocrine functions and balance hormone levels. ⁸

Nutraceutical research

• Vitamin E: Studies suggest that this vitamin may support the functioning of the Reproductive organs. ⁹

Allopathic

Allopathic treatments for Dysmenorrhea include pain killers such as ibuprofen and naproxen.

• Side effects of ibuprofen in Dysmenorrhea

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!

Tips to Manage Dysmenorrhea

• Apply a hot-water bottle or electric heating-pad against the lower abdomen; it will provide some relief from menstrual pain.
• Drink warm beverages.
• Eat small and frequent meals to avoid constipation or bloating.
• Follow a diet rich in complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, but low in salt, sugar, alcohol and caffeine.
• Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga. They help to change the focus.

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.

When you suffer from painful periods, your natural instinct is to reach for painkillers. However, painkillers only offer you symptomatic relief, and their constant use could trigger side effects and cause dependency. Biogetica's methods aim to address the root causes of excessive uterine contractions and help support the structure and functions of the reproductive system by: **

• Using homeopathic ingredients with natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties to stop acute menstrual pain and other manifestations like backache, pain in the legs, and nausea
• Improving the muscular tone of your uterus
• Balancing your reproductive hormones, thus ending excessive uterine contraction

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.

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: 

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.