Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Blog

Comment by linton

January 24, 2008 @ 7:31 am

I am using the Amygdala Retraining, which does offer a 100% money back if you don´t feel any better after six months or don´t think it is for you & thats why I´m trying it.
I have used it for around three weeks and I think so far it is really excellent already i have much more energy and my pain levels have dropped 50%. With the Amygdala Retraining you have to use it for six months and be committed to doing the techniques everyday if possible.

Comment by Pilgrim

January 24, 2008 @ 3:27 pm

Me too! I’ve been following Mr Gupta’s programme for 2 months, and am feeling much better. I feel lively and can go for walks, whereas before I started, I sat in a chair all day, and couldn’t even walk upstairs.

Comment by Linda

February 8, 2008 @ 5:29 pm

I began the Gupta Programme in October. I have had ME and Fibromyalgia for 5 years. Within days of beginning the Amygdala retraining my life was transformed. I have got my life back. I recommend the programme.

Comment by Courtney

February 21, 2008 @ 11:17 pm

how do you access the program?

Comment by Ashok

February 26, 2008 @ 10:13 am

Dear Courtney, In answer to your question, the programme can be accessed by visiting http://www.guptaprogramme.com

Comment by Brian

March 3, 2008 @ 8:54 pm

I am 4 months into the program. Ashok comes across as genuine, and a true believer of that which he says. Additionally he has even spoken at length on the phone to me which is most generous and impressive. Unfortunately at this point I have yet to see a significant improvement in my symptoms. His techniques require a good deal of time, commitment, and patience, all of which I have given. Yet I don’t feel the improvements I would have hoped at this point. The condition seems to come and go just as it did before the program. I can’t say I am any better now than when I started. However, to be fair, there have been times when I have felt that the program was working, but it just hasn’t sustained any point for me to honestly suggest it to others. I am still hoping.

Comment by Admin

March 3, 2008 @ 9:54 pm

I would love to hear more personal experiences with the program. Keep them coming.

Comment by Pilgrim

March 23, 2008 @ 4:06 pm

I commented here in January. I’ve been following the programme now for 4 months. It hasn’t been easy, that’s for sure! My progress was up and down for a long time, but over the last month, it all sort of clicked into place and I really feel as though I don’t have ME anymore. It will probably take a while for the physical side of things to catch up, my muscles are still weak etc. but altogether I feel like a new person. I feel as though I’ve shed the horror of ME and it’s just a matter of going forwards now to full health.

I can recommend this to all ME sufferers. It’s relatively inexpensive although it means a great deal of commitment and ‘work’. (I decided to make it my job of work for the time being and disciplined myself to do it everyday), but the payoff is tremendous.

Comment by Brian

March 27, 2008 @ 9:48 pm

Pligrim,

Glad to hear you are doing so well. I wanted to add from my prior post, that although I haven’t notice significant physical relief, I have developed a much better attitude toward the condition by following Ashok’s suggestions.

I find that my health sustains at a functional level, so long as there are no disturbances to sleep, or any physical/mental exertions. The biggest frustration has been doing without exercise, which I have always loved for it’s wonderful emotional/physical benefits.

Do you find in your recovery that you can now exercise at the vigor of a Non-CFS patient, without the hallmark post-exertional malaise that arises 24 to 36 hours afterwards?

This has been one of my main criteria for recovery, as exercise leaves me devastated for weeks afterwards.

Just curious if you’ve reached a point where that is no longer an issue for you.

Thanks.
Brian

Comment by Pilgrim

April 8, 2008 @ 1:47 pm

Brian.

No, I haven’t reached the stage of being able to exercise yet, any more than I normally have been - short walks etc. I think it will be a while before I get there.

When I said that I don’t feel as if I have ME anymore, I meant that I’ve reached that stage of ‘calm within the storm’ which Mr Gupta talks about. I’m no longer racked by fear and anxiety about my condition and feel freed from all that horror. I think being in this state will allow the physical symptoms to heal in their own time. I was ill for many years, so maybe that won’t happen as quickly as it might for some.

I don’t have the fluey feelings of ME anymore and am generally brighter and ‘bubblier’ than I have been for years. I think it just takes patience to wait for the rest to happen.

The thing I find most helpful at the moment is the meditation sessions, which I do morning and evening, and which really help release a lot of tension, and keep everything calmed down.

Anyway, I’ll post again when there’s any further improvement and look forward to hearing the same from you!

Comment by Emerald

May 14, 2008 @ 8:53 am

The Amygdala Retraining Programme by Ashok Gupta

Session 1

It is not possible for me to dissect and cover all of the points in any one section of the Gupta Programme, due to the many points covered. I will begin my review of the Gupta Amygdala Retraining Programme by telling you what led me to this programme and why I have an interest in Ashok Gupta`s work.

I have been a sufferer of CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) since August 1996 after the birth of my second child. I have worked towards gaining a much more relaxed and positive view of the illness for over a year now, I have read many a book about general health and also books about CFS specifically.
A lot of mental and emotional ground has been covered during this time of personal enlightenment but still, the burning questions I most yearned to have answers for regarding my health remained to be the ones I was least likely to find satisfactory answers for.
The main question I asked was simply `Why did I become ill?`
No one in the medical profession has been able to answer my question, nor any other CFS related question I cared to ask. Not only did my questions go unanswered, I found a definite lack of information and support from every aspect of life. I came across brick walls where I felt there should have been `open doors` . The more the medical profession indicated that CFS was in the mind, the less my own family believed in me - I was eventually advised to pull myself together and get over it !!

But what is it I`m to get over ?

Many years ago after a considerable amount of years in being housebound - I applied for Disability Living Allowance to relieve the financial hardship I was under. I was refused financial aid and told by the medical examiner that my symptoms were `fabricated`. I cant tell you how devastated I was that anyone could think I was lying about being ill. Couldn’t they see for themselves that I was struggling to cope with what had happened to our family, let alone the struggle in trying to keep our heads above water. As a result of this episode, I stopped attending the GP and decided it was easier to put up with the illness and all it brought my way, than to listen to someone telling me I wasn’t ill.

In 2001 I discovered my year old son had a life threatening disease and in the following 5 years, the struggle between his health and mine became the only focus in life. We lived each day as it came, made no plans because we didn’t know if we should dare to - Thankfully medication keeps my son relatively well so now is the time to think of getting me well too.
As I now approach my 40th Birthday I am reminded of the age old saying `life begins at 40` - and so here I am about to embark on my New (healthy) life.

And now to the main reason for my review:

My friend (also a CFS sufferer) emailed me a link for Ashok Gupta`s website and asked my opinion about it. After reading the information on the site I got in touch with the Amygdala Retraining Programme Team and stated my interest in the programme. The initial information on the website fits in with my own belief that `something is not working correctly in the brain`. My knowledge is limited, the names and locations of anything inside a head are way above my level of understanding. Until that is, I received the Gupta Programme. Am I allowed to feel proud of my new found medical knowledge? I certainly cant stop smiling …

The pack contains a set of DVDs, a cd, a large wall poster and an accompanying book. For the days where your energy levels or eye sight cannot manage reading, don’t worry, the DVD works alongside the book and so either (or both) can be used during a session. Use whichever one you feel able to depending on the extent of your symptoms. Amygdala Retraining is a relaxed programme, it allows for you to work the sessions into your life - not for you to work your life around the programme thus causing added pressure. There is no pressure whatsoever with this programme.

Session 1 is an introduction to the Amygdala Retraining Programme. It takes you through an easy explanation of How to Use the Programme and also tells of Ashok Gupta `s own experiences with CFS
as He too is a sufferer of CFS. For this reason alone I feel a great kinship already to this programme. Ashok Knows how I feel, He knows how you feel. He is now back to full health and I genuinely believe He can point You and I in the same direction. Bearing in mind that most people who become interested in Amygdala Retraining will already have been diagnosed with CFS (also known as M.E / Post Viral Syndrome / Fibromyalgia) and the symptoms will already be hugely apparent to you. Yet if you think that there will be nothing to learn in Session 1, the introduction to the programme, You are very much mistaken. Right from the first sentence there is a valuable education on offer for those wishing to learn.
I cant stress enough how important it is to watch (or read) all of each session. Please do not skip through the sessions, as you will miss so much information that the programme will be of virtually no use to you whatsoever.
If you are too ill to watch the dvd then simply switch it off or pause the dvd until you are ready to resume the session. Disappointment in yourself for not having the energy to complete each session is not part of the programme - It really isn’t a question of `I cant do this now - I`m too ill` - its much more a question of ` I can do this later`

( I am already learning and its only day one of my retraining ) : )

I was quite low on energy this morning and had planned to go back to bed after the school run and sleep the morning away - however I thought it better to give the programme 100% from the start despite this being a low day. I have to confess that the breathing exercise had me nodding off for few moments, I was so relaxed - this was no surprise to me as I do use breathing exercises to control my sleep patterns. It is as simple as pressing a button to back track the dvd to the part where I fell asleep so nothing was lost. The key is to chuckle about it and not to feel annoyed that I drifted off - the exercise involved visualising what I would be doing in 6 months time. I was visualising myself washing my car, riding a bicycle, going for a long country walk and of laughing and smiling a lot - who can blame me for falling asleep ? Who wouldn’t fall asleep after a day as active as that. It was wonderful.
The strange thing being that I woke from the snooze feeling more energetic and so obviously my `future good health` and happiness are already working a treat.

Session 1 ends with the key points of the session. We havent even begun the programme yet - remember my saying this was the introduction?
Im quite excited about what I will learn in Session 2 as I already feel I have learnt so much.

I believe this programme should be made available to All sufferers of CFS via their GP or Consultant - if it were then the initial fears and anxiety surrounding this illness would be alleviated from the point of diagnosis.

Id like to end my review on Session 1 by saying a Thank You to Ashok Gupta for His hard work and determination, and also for the time he has put into researching CFS.

Comment by Brian

May 17, 2008 @ 9:53 pm

I would just like to respectfully comment on the above posting. Perhaps this is my own particular issue, but I don’t feel it ads much to the serious discussion of treatment effectiveness when people post on sites such as these with great enthusiasm at the very beginning of their treatment program, without the clarity of time to see whether there are tangible benefits worthy of sharing.

I certainly can appreciate the excitement of hearing of something that rings true, and validates one’s own hopes, especially when there is such a lack of optimistic treatment news in the world of CFS. But I also feel that enthusiastic first impressions unintentionally subvert the purpose of the blog, which is to gather valuable information from those who have used a treatment for a duration, and can speak with first-hand knowledge about it’s effectiveness. Part of the problem with CFS is that there is so much anecdotal evidence flying about online, that people are spending money on many different treatments based on postings which are not rooted in time-tested evaluations.

Again, this is not to invalidate anyone’s good feelings and hope, those are all good things. But I would prefer to see postings from people who can speak more from significant experience with a treatment than day one enthusiasm, which really doesn’t help anyone understand whether the treatment works or not.

That said, as a user of the program, I do feel it has helped level out the symptoms to a degree, yet it has not gotten me to what I would call a “recovery”, at least not yet. I would classify my 7 month experience as “relief.”

When I can return to normal exercise without post ramifications, and sleep without medication, I will consider myselfl recovered, and will surely share that experience with as many people as I can.

Comment by Julie

May 24, 2008 @ 6:19 am

As an ME/CFS sufferer of 19 years I would just like to wish Emerald with all my heart a return to health and wellness and like many reading these pages would really appreciate further comments from her with regards her progress. I myself have done much research into our shared ‘condition’ and believe that many of us become ill after an initial shock or trauma which somehow puts a normally functioning system out of sync which gives us the up and downs of energy, however little this may be which is sometimes referred to as ‘peaking and troughing’. I spent some time of a specialised NHS ME/CFS Unit here in the UK some 7 years ago where part of the plan to regain our health was a pacing programme along with a certain amount of ‘relaxation periods’ each day. I can confirm that this has definitely helped me but I am still searching for the next level of health as am to date relatively housebound, however I must add that to me just being able to walk again each day is a gift after having been totally bedridden for the fist few years of contracting ME. Given all this I think that Ashok is onto something extremely positive here and am definitely thinking about embarking on his programme although like many ME sufferers am always slightly cynical/sceptical before parting with any hard saved money which seems such a shame should this programme really be of benefit and help me to reclaim my life in full back again.

Comment by Brian

May 28, 2008 @ 9:53 pm

Critical analysis of recovery vs. relief aside, I believe the program is certainly worth $190, as it provides a foundation for meditation practice, which is helpful for any medical condition (and healthy people alike). The program is very positive, and provides a lot of encouragement to CFS sufferers, which is hard to find.

Comment by JR

May 29, 2008 @ 8:53 pm

I’ve been doing this program for just over 4 months. When I started, I had been totally bed bound with a severe CFS “relapse” for 6 months. I was too weak to lift utensils to feed myself, or get to the bathroom, and had to use a bedside commode. Talking was exhausting. I had aching glands for months, but my doctors couldn’t find any “active” viruses. Whenever I tried to increase my activity level I seemed to feel even weaker, with standard post-exertional malaise, totally out of proportion to the movement.

I think this program is phenomenal, and I wish I had found it before my muscles became so severely de-conditioned from inactivity. But even with starting where I did, and only able to implement parts of the program, I am doing much better. Within a week of starting it, I could feed myself. I still need wheelchair help to get around, and frankly need help with a lot of things still…BUT… I can sit up at the table for meals, get wheeled to the bathroom, change myself, walk short distances, go for almost daily car rides, and I can actually type this post, which several months ago, was impossible. Plus, I now feel that CFS–as I had understood it– really isn’t the issue anymore. I see now that subconscious/amygdalar fear and anxiety has played a huge role in keeping me ill for many years, now compounded by a de-conditioned body. But, I feel very optimistic at this point. Since I’ve improved so much already, I see no reason that this won’t continue until I’m stronger than before. So, I highly recommend the Gupta Programme. Out of all of the many, many treatments I’ve tried, it’s the only thing that has had any significant impact.

Comment by Ken Vernon

May 31, 2008 @ 5:45 pm

I have had CFS for over 20 years, the last 5 years have been very severe not being able to walk more than a hundred yards most of that time. I’ve tried all kinds of things without success.
I’ve been doing the Ashok Gupta progam for 6 weeks and I have improved considerably both mentally and physically. I have considerably more energy and can push myself even when tired without relapsing, thats really something because prior to starting this course I would automatiacally relapse if I pushed myself physically.
I believe Ashok has got it right - I would recommend it all those who have CFS.
Ken

Comment by Brian

June 18, 2008 @ 5:56 pm

More! More! Are people getting better for the long haul?

Comment by Scott

June 23, 2008 @ 9:58 pm

I’ve only been following the Gupta program for 10 days, but can already see a tremendous rise in energy levels. I was already working, but not able to do much else in the evenings or weekends. Tonight, after dinner, I actually went out voluntarily for about an hour to wash the car and stop by the store. One step at a time. My goal is to be running by December.

As I was getting started last week, I e-mailed Ashok and he replied with some helpful information to help me with evening fatigue. I look forward to updating this as the weeks go by and I continue to improve. I’m not normally this optimistic, but I really feel that Ashok has unlocked the key to CFS.

Comment by JR

July 9, 2008 @ 4:52 pm

I’d like to hear from others using this program for CFS who also have had chemical sensitivity issues. Based on my own experience, I believe that there’s a conditioned/amygdala element to chemical sensitivity, and I’ve cleared a lot of it over the years by using my own “retraining” methods. However I’m finding that there are still certain chemical fumes that cause symptoms, whether or not I use the Ashok’s or my own retraining techniques. Would love to hear if others have thoughts on this.

I started the program 6 months ago, though am not terribly consistent at practicing the techniques at this point. However, I continue to get stronger physically, and assume this will continue. I’ve got a ways to go yet, but I’ve come a long way from being totally bedbound, and I’m so grateful.

Comment by Brian

July 11, 2008 @ 11:34 pm

These stories are very encouraging. Is anyone 100% cured?

Comment by Tom

July 15, 2008 @ 8:31 am

Hi,

I started this programme about seven months ago and I can report that I have improved significantly since. I’m not 100% better (I still have some minor symptoms sometimes), but I feel like I’m *almost* 100% cured. By this, I mean that I feel that within perhaps another six months I’ll be 100% better, based on how things are progressing right now. I would recommend this programme to anyone with ME. I am so happy that I found it!

Basically, here is my experience of ME. I’ll try to make this as short as possible.

About seven years ago, I went to a nightclub one evening, and the next morning I woke up with the world’s worst hangover. It felt like I’d woken up on another planet! And this hangover just never went away. In fact, it gradually got worse over time. To cut a long story short, several months later I had to quit college and basically stop going out full stop, and I went to the doctor in desperation. I was told I had ME, and that there was no cure.

My symptoms were:

* Overwhelming fatigue, at all times.
* A feeling of being “distant” from everything in the world, as if I was in a dream and nothing was real.
* A very significant inability to think clearly, especially with regard to reading (i.e., “mental fog”).
* Strong depression and anxiety, and a feeling of just not caring about anything anymore (friends, obligations, etc.).
* Insomnia — so bad that at one point I had no sleeping routine, and I would be waking up and going to sleep at pretty much any time of the day.
* All symptoms worsening after eating (especially with particular foods).
* Occasionally, vomiting and diarrhoea after eating a particular food.

(There must have been more, but I can’t remember.)

I continued to get worse and worse, until I got to a point where I was housebound most days (for about a year). At that time I just kind of accepted that I was unwell and there was nothing I could do about it (previously I’d been desperately looking for a cure, trying everything, to no avail), and after that I seemed to get a little bit better (but not a huge amount), and was able to get out a little bit more.

Then at one point years later I got into reading again (although this was tough with the mental fog), and one day I stumbled upon a book called “Fear: The Friend of Exceptional People” by Geoff Thompson, and it piqued my interest since it was a book about overcoming fear, written by a guy who had been a nightclub doorman for several years. After following the advice of this book about overcoming particular fears (such as, in my case, the fear that “if I go out today, my symptoms might worsen”, among many others), I found that actually I started to feel a lot better on the whole, to my surprise.

Then several months later I found the Gupta Programme (from an advert in an ME charity magazine) and it all clicked into place. At that point I realised that the advice of the book and the Gupta Programme were fundamentally quite similar, except that the Gupta Programme of course was ME-specific. So, basically, I’d already been doing some amygdala retraining, but in a slightly different way. But now that I had started the Gupta Programme, I went on to improve a lot more, and eventually I got to where I am today, which is where I feel that I’m almost cured of ME.

I go out every single day now, and I actually have a life again. I’m still not back to work (mainly because I’m worried that it might cause symptoms to worsen, but I’m not sure), but I’m looking to try it at some point soon. I still seem to have minor reactions to some foods, but they are also lessening, and for the first time since coming down with ME, I’m not really very bothered about them. I suppose what I’m doing now is just gradually expanding myself one step at a time.

Just writing this now, I’m surprised how far I’ve come actually, because the improvement has been so gradual that it’s been quite hard to notice it, as weird as that sounds! I guess it’s kind of like how I gradually got worse over time with ME, and before I knew it I was housebound — only, in reverse! It’s odd writing this really, thinking about how bad my symptoms used to be, because now I’ve just kind of got used to feeling better in general, and I expect *not* to feel awful if I go out, or do whatever. Anyway, I’m rambling on now!

In conclusion, I cannot recommend the Gupta Programme highly enough. I shudder when I remember how bad I used to be, and to be honest it was hard for me to write this. Just thinking back over the past seven years makes me want to cry it was so bad, and so I really feel for the others. It’s almost something you never want to think about again. If anyone reading this is in that awful situation right now, I hope I’m able to convey to you that ME is not necessarily permanent.

Thanks for reading,
Tom

Comment by admin

July 15, 2008 @ 1:19 pm

i can really relate to these symptoms. this is exactly like me. I think the hardest part is the brain fog. I make it impossible to do anything.

* Overwhelming fatigue, at all times.
* A feeling of being “distant” from everything in the world, as if I was in a dream and nothing was real.
* A very significant inability to think clearly, especially with regard to reading (i.e., “mental fog”).
* Insomnia — so bad that at one point I had no sleeping routine, and I would be waking up and going to sleep at pretty much any time of the day.

- Also tom your comment just went to moderation, i would be worried too if i a had just written something that long and it disappeared;)

Comment by JSS

July 16, 2008 @ 10:17 am

Has anyone doing this had any adverse symptoms?

I started the Amygdala Retraining Program a week ago. Three days ago I started having heart beat irregularities. These are not a new symptom but I haven’t had them at this level of severity for 3 or 4 years. Since usually they occur at times of stress, I’m wondering whether trying to reset the sympathetic/parasympathetic response may have set them off. I note Ashok says there may be additional anxiety at the beginning of the program and I’m wondering whether what I’m experiencing is related.

Any ideas?

Comment by Brian

July 16, 2008 @ 10:28 am

WOW!

Comment by Pilgrim

July 17, 2008 @ 3:55 am

JSS: I also experienced an increase in anxiety symptoms when I first started the programme. Also I began to have strange goings on in my brain and numbness in my right arm.

I think doing the programme does stir things up a bit. Partly the anxiety was due to starting something new - and partly that I hadn’t yet got the hang of not being too eager to get better. I was too impatient and wanting to recover now if not sooner.

My anxiety symptoms soon went away, though and now I’m much stronger emotionally and mentally and don’t experience much anxiety at all.

If you’re worried about it, though, I’m sure Ashok could advise you, if you write to him.

All the best!

Pilgrim

Comment by JSS

July 17, 2008 @ 1:19 pm

Pilgrim
- Thanks for the comment - the reassurance it implies is welcome. I’ve emailed Ashok but fortunately today’s been much better - things seem to be easing back into normality.

Comment by Sirshocking

July 27, 2008 @ 6:18 am

I have been on Ashok’s programme for about 4 weeks now, I bought it because at £100 it was reasonable against a similar course called ‘Lightening Process’ by Phil Parker which at £500 would be too restrictive for many unemployed patients, but again most of it is done over three days instead of 6 months as in Gupta’s programme. The lightning Process cured TV Personality’s Ester Rantzen daughter, who for most of her life has been a consumer campaigner and set up Childline for abused kids…. so would she lie about this?

I myself feel I have a bit more control with ME and am feeling more chilled lately. But I must admit you need to be fully committed to this and as Ashok says ‘Take six months out to change your life, to slow down’ I personally have been still working all through my illness of 11 years and have started a business so I have been rather naughty in not slowing down sometimes and breaking those negative thoughts. But as I am determined, I am sure it’ll come eventually. I thoroughly recommend this course to anyone, and with a money back guarantee it’s got to be worth it!

Comment by Lois

August 1, 2008 @ 7:38 am

Hi.

Thanks to everyone for writing about their experiences with the Gupta programme.
I guess I am waiting to hear if anyone has been able to go back to exercising and sleeping without medication.
I have found that over the course of my illness, there have been weeks at a time when I thought “It’s over!” only to have it creep back or come back suddenly.
Perhaps those on the Gupta programme are seeing the benefits of meditation (of which there are countless techniques) and relaxation (many means for this.)
Can anyone say that they can now exercise without payback or get refreshing sleep without medication?
Thanks.

Comment by Brian

August 3, 2008 @ 9:29 am

Lois,

I’ve been doing the program for months and haven’t gotten to that point yet. I think there’s more to the program than just relaxation, but I am as curious as you whether people have actually achieved that. Most of the stories are people a few months in who expanded their capabilities and feel optimistic, which is great. But not many I’ve seen where people are completely back to normal.

There are definitely times with this program that I feel I am reversing the process of CFS. Times when I can feel the mechanism of CFS kick-in and am able to stop it in it’s tracks using the techniques in the program. But there are also other times when I question, like you, if full recovery is really under way, or if I’m just experiencing the normal ebb and flow of CFS. Like you said, even when I did nothing there were times when I felt I was recovering. It’s tough to say.

Ashok says to give the program a full six months, and I’ve had to let go of even that timeframe because it wasn’t helping the process. I was creating pressure to fully heal in that timeframe, which wasn’t happening. I’ve since decided to faithfully do the program for the long haul, and will be grateful if recovery happens sooner. I still am confident I will recover.

To your question, I would also very much like to hear from people who no longer need sleep medication to receive a refreshing night of sleep, and who can exercise vigorously with no consequences afterwards (like a normal person) as a result of this program.

ANYBODY OUT THERE???

Comment by Pilgrim

August 4, 2008 @ 3:34 am

Like Brian, I’m in for the long haul! I’ve been doing the programme for eight months now - and though I’m loads better, I still need lots of rest periods after activities.

As far as sleep; mine has definitely improved. I can almost expect to go to sleep fairly quickly at night and sleep through til morning. For me that’s a huge change.

I guess it just takes time to recondition the overwraught nervous system. The approach I find helpful is not even to think about getting better, but just focus on breaking the fear response. I do feel confident with my experiences so far, that I’m on an upward spiral now, rather than the downward one I was on before.

Sorry I don’t have anything more miraculous to report!

Comment by craig

August 4, 2008 @ 11:23 am

Hi Guys,

I am based in South Africa and I have had ME/CFS for 10 years now.

I had to take 2 years off…but I have been able to cope on and off since.

Recently I had another massive relapse and I ordered the Gupta Programme.

My MAJOR problem is this perstant Brain-fog (i.e. detached…unreal-like feeling)…at the moment I cannot even face watching TV because of it.

Has anyone had success using the Gupta programme with getting rid of the Brain-Fog?

Thanks,

Craif

Comment by Brian

August 5, 2008 @ 5:50 pm

Pilgrim,

Is your sleep refreshing, like a person without CFS?

Comment by Hannah

August 7, 2008 @ 12:10 pm

Hi there!

I’ve had CFS for 3 and a half years following Epstein Barr virus. I haven’t been able to work since 2005. I found that Ashoks programme has really kicked me into gear and my testimonial should be on his website. Give it a go! Ashok had CFS himself and used the techniques for his own recovery. Since doing the programme I’ve started a bit of guitar teaching again, have started going out to the pub and the cinema and I feel I have much more control now over my symptoms and how I react to them. Please give it a go! Its refundable if you’re not happy and you’d easily spend that much money just going for a few sessions to a nutritionist. The amygdala retraining, plus a very modified diet and yoga, have in my experience been the most effective treatments.

Hannah

Comment by Pilgrim

August 8, 2008 @ 3:35 am

Brian: Yes I get refreshing sleep nowadays. I can’t say it’s the same as a normal persons, because my amygdala still hasn’t gone back to normal levels. But certainly I awake feeling refreshed and with enthusiasm for the day ahead.

And for Craig - my brain fog is gradually lifting. I can think a lot more clearly now and feel more like myself. I used to feel like a ghost!

Comment by Brian

August 8, 2008 @ 9:44 am

The question I have, and Lois sort of posed, is are people actually getting CURED with this program???

Many people are experience varying degrees of relief from their symptoms, which is wonderful, and more than worth the purchase price. But are people fully recovering as advertised, in such high numbers?

I can say if I heard more stories from people like that I’d have a lot more confidence with the program. It may be greedy, but I want evidence this thing can leave for good. I was in peak athletic condition, and very successful before this nightmare struck 2 years ago.

I really want to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel…meaning an END to ALL symptoms.

As opposed to a modified lifestyle where I feel much better than I did, but still limited in major areas of life (sleep, exercise, work, etc).

Part of the program is letting go of the desperation to get better, which I am doing a good job of. But I want some reinforcement from those FULLY back to normal. Not 60%…100%.

So far, I haven’t heard from many in that category, but I’m hoping they really are out there.

I promise you, if I get there, I’ll be shouting off the rooftops.

Comment by Ken

August 9, 2008 @ 5:38 pm

Brian - I’m letting the future look after itself, for the moment I am getting better, vastly better than I was 3 months ago. I’ve grown old with CFS, I’m 74 now and so getting into aerobics is probably not on anyway. However I have much more physical energy than I had, where I had difficulty walking a 100 yards I can now walk maybe a thousand yards. Where I couldn’t do any odd jobs at all I now swing the ax and chop the wood (its winter here) for the wood burner. There have been times when I became physically tired AND I’VE PUSHED ON REGARDLESS without having a relapse the next day and there’s no way that would ever have happened before.
If you are not getting better yet then please give it at the least the 6 months that Ashok asked of you before deciding if you are having any improvement. However maybe you are one of those people who don’t get helped with this program and you would have to accept that I’m afraid.
Ken

Comment by Brian

August 9, 2008 @ 10:22 pm

Thanks Ken.

Off and On I’ve used the program for over 10 months. For the most part I am moving forward with the program without looking for results, so not to sabotage the good effects.

I am very disciplined and diligent with it, especially over the past 3 months.

But, at some point it is reasonable to want to hear from people who are actually cured. Your progress is great, and I’m happy for you. But at 36 years old, the thought of walking a thousand yards is not encouraging to me. I want CFS done with.

There are times when I think the program is working, and other times when I think there’s a natural up swing down swing cycle, same as before I used the program.

But I sure would have more confidence in the possibility of full recovery if I heard from people who have gotten there.

So far, it’s mainly people like yourself who are less debilitated than they were.

Again, not down on the program. I think Ashok is great…I’ve met him in person and spoke on the phone with him. I just want to meet the folks who are getting CURED in such large numbers.

Comment by Roxie

August 10, 2008 @ 12:59 pm

Hi all,
I have not bought the program yet, though I am definitely considering it. I have been meditating daily for 40 years now, and have used visualizations of myself as healthy for many years. I suspect I could use the help with negative thought patterns, since I have a lot of feelings of hopelessness after being sick for so long.

I am watching what happens with others first befoer buying. I just got taken for $900 from another “sure thing” that did nothing, and though I have long agreed with Ashok’s theory about sympathetic dominance, I am once burned, twice shy right now.

So, why am I taking up space on your forum? I am posting because several of you have asked each other about getting rid of the post-exertional pain and fatigue. I have had 95% relief from that in only 3 weeks just by adding 2,500 grams of creatine powder to my morning whey protein shake. I’ve been taking creatine for about three months now. Here is just one example: Before starting creatine, I had been lifting weights for a dozen years, but could only do 16 bicep curls using a 4 lb. weight, and would have tight muscle pain later in the day from my work out. After only 2 weeks of taking creatine, I could easily do 60 bicep curls with no after effects. It is cheap, and safe at such low doses, so you may as well give it a try.

Roxie

Comment by John

August 12, 2008 @ 8:34 pm

Craig,

I’m on a similar page in regards to your brain dysfunction. One day I woke up and felt the brain fog (very detached perception of surroundings, mental focus on the elements is limited by a a seemingly abstract wall, short-term memory problems, spaciness) and it is the worst of symptoms. I experience fibromyalgia aches as well on various days, utter insomnia, and as if my bodily emotions are fried (almost blunt, apathetic, the mind still worries, but the body has seemed to give up in responding; also a lack of fight or flight, it may be there, and it almost sounds like science fiction, but I’m not feeling it anymore) But most importantly, concerning the brain fog, have any others had the brain fog as bad and found success with this program? Gupta seems to have a sound, as well as candid, approach and so I think I’m headed in this direction with a positive attitude either way, but I’d like to hear if anyone has had that version of brain fog.

Comment by Emerald

August 14, 2008 @ 9:06 am

Hi
It seems unbelievable that 3 months have passed since my first review here. You may remember one of my future life dreams was to walk in the country - well from having to sleep the day away from 9am until 3pm between school runs, this is now the time i take my country walk. I began to walk just short distances for maybe five to ten minutes and i soon found the leg pain and exhaustion i had suffered from while walking just wasnt happening. At present i am walking up to 3 hours a day - this doesnt include things like chores, dressing etc, this is leisure activity i am talking about. what i find quite amusing is the fact my kids are complaining before i do about getting tired…
I have a routine where first thing in the morning i wake, put my ear phones on and i listen to the Gupta Prog cd thru a walkman. I find dong this starts the day on a positive note and keeps my mind focused.
Last thing at night when the house is quiet, the walkman is put into use again - i cant tell you how much this has affected my sleep patterns. For the first time in many years im actually sleeping all night, no waking in pain, no sleep disturbance. I wake in the morning feeling rested and ready for the day. The muscle pain has completely gone, thankfully. Leg pain was one of the daily problems for me that i found unbearable and to now be without it is just brilliant.
This past week has been a telling week as we had a couple of family emergencies. I have to confess this knocked me sideways and i started to feel tired again. I have had to look after my mother after a hospital emergency for the past 7 days, i have cooked her meals twice a day, stayed with her during the day to make sure she was well. I found this manageable whereas 4 months ago this would really have been out of the question. It hasnt been problem free tho, i found my heart racing a couple of times and had one panic attack - im not focussing too much on those incidents as i know they can be a normal reaction to finding out your mother has been rushed to hospital.

As i type this i just realised my eyes have been much better, i havent had as many problems with light intolerance, blurred vision or my right eye twitching(this is one thing id be really embarrassed about, it made me feel so low in public when my eye constantly twitched when i got exhausted)

I too suffered chemical intolerance as mentioned here, i cant recall reacting to anything much in this past couple of months. In fact, i bought a harpic toilet block this week which hasnt affected me at all. This would have had me clinging to my bed not so long ago. I used nail varnish remover recently which didnt affect me, carpet cleaning mousse also gave no reaction. These are all chemicals which would most definately have made me dizzy, foggy headed and generally ill.

Im also finding foods i had intolerances to are being introduced back into my diet with no bloating or bad reactions.

John, my brain fog isnt cured completely but i have been suffering less with it. i still have times where for the life of me i cannot get my words out but for the most part, it is much improved. I felt pretty spaced out for a couple of days last week but on the whole, the fog has continued to lift a little more each week.

All in all, i dont feel ill anymore. I do still have m.e but it isnt something i think about. It used to hit me in the face every waking moment with the long list of symptoms i suffered - now i often completely forget about it because there are only symptoms of tiredness at the end of the day - which to be fair is normal considering the amount of energy im using daily.

There are many other examples i could share to validate that the Gupta Prog is working for me but it would take me a week. I dont have any doubts about the Prog working for me - my life is amazing now compared to when i started this in may.

What is important to remember is the fact the Gupta Prog is relatively new and saying `find me someone who has been cured` is maybe a touch premature. I will come back here in a while and give an update as others will no doubt do and hopefully the updates in one year will be that we are all fit and well.

In my first review i said every sufferer should have access to the Gupta Prog and 3 months later i still stand by that. Its the best thing thats happened to me in a long long time and i am so thankful to my friend for sending me the Gupta website link.

Best Wishes,

Emerald

Comment by Brian

August 14, 2008 @ 7:36 pm

Very inspiring to hear Emerald.

Best wishes on your continued recovery.

Brian

Comment by Ken

August 15, 2008 @ 5:23 pm

Brian, you are looking for someone who has fully recovered. Here are a couple of people who are as near as makes no difference to full recovery.
phoenix-cfs. org/BlogAmygdalaReports.html

Comment by Carrigan

August 18, 2008 @ 4:20 pm

In all my travels on the web ive only ever come across ONE person PERSONALLY claiming to be cured. I think the reason is simple: when youre well youll hardly have time to think of Cfs, let alone read websites about it, let alone post on them. Meanwhile people are getting well. So i hear anyway!

Comment by Carrigan

August 18, 2008 @ 4:36 pm

On the subject of daily relaxation to change habitual stress response, a pithy saying from a Shanghai hospital: “small results in 100 days, big results in 1000″.

Comment by Brian

August 19, 2008 @ 8:21 pm

Ken,

Thanks a lot for that link. I have read through those testimonials, and indeed they are inspiring. I also have been in communication with Cort Johnson for a few months now who is also an excellent resource.

I still think the program is very good. And there are times I really think it’s helping a lot with my condition. But I also have trouble telling whether the ups and downs would be occurring regardless, as they seemed to before I began the program. Perhaps because I am not as debilitated as some other people it is harder for me to notice the changes…I am sorting of hoping for a resumption of the illness free lifestyle I had 2 years ago, when I could exercise without impunity and sleep without medication. I guess time will tell. I very much like the Shangai quote above from Carrigan (100 days…) which seems to put things in perspective.

In any case it is inspirational to hear from people like yourself who are so convinced of the program’s effectiveness. It makes me want to keep moving forward, and hope the subtle changes I think I am seeing will grow into significant changes I can easily verify, and share with others.

Thanks again,
Brian

Comment by Robert Neal

August 20, 2008 @ 2:09 pm

Hi,

I’ve just started the Gupta programme and it’s great for me, but I believe that the physical symptoms of ME are mostly the result of the blockage of the lymphatic system which the Perrin technique deals with. This blockage and other symptoms are caused by the constant stress response of a malfunctioning amygdala. So the Gupta prog removes the origin of the problem but it won’t alleviate the symptoms unless the lymphatic system is sorted out and the toxins in the muscles are removed. So I’m going to use both and I’ll post again when I’m 100% better :).

Robert Neal.

Comment by Admin

August 20, 2008 @ 4:34 pm

Hey Everyone,
I just made a section of the forum dedicated to the Gupta Programme. Ive gotten a ton of comments about it.
So if you want to discuss it or have any questions, ask them here:
http://www.chronicfatiguetreatments.com/forums/gupta-programme-vf11.html

Comment by Viv

August 21, 2008 @ 6:49 am

In response to JSS 57385

Hi

I started the gupta amygdala retraining programme a few weeks ago (I’ve had M.E. for 40yrs following various viruses and finally encelephalitis in 1979 when I ground to a halt).
I did the main retraining session and was exhausted but found it powerful, but from then all my anxiety levels went through the roof and I had to use Diazepam to calm my system down. I gave it a break for a few days, then came back to it, and again just doing the technique four times, my anxiety levels started to rocket.
I believe Ashok’s theory about the amygdala is right, as I found literally a bat and ball game going on in my mind when I started the stopping technique. The meditation part helped me a lot, then I picked up the actual technique yesterday and again, my anxiety levels rocketed. I live in the UK and havn’t been able to get a response from Ashok or his team.
He did say, like you JSS, that some people become more anxious to begin with, and I experienced this as being the amygdala being stimulated and “challenged”, because it’s used to being set in it’s ways, if you like, but the anxiety levels become too much to cope with. At the moment I am doing things really gently. Maybe it’s because I’ve been ill for such a long time, it’s proving to be more difficult.
Whilst I believe the programme works, personally, I need some advice on how to deal with what’s happening to me, to enable me to carry on with it.
This just raises a concern in that there is no-one to be accountable to or get advice from when someone like yourself and me, get these severe reactions, even though we believe in the technique.
That’s my experience so far anyway.

Comment by Brian

August 21, 2008 @ 9:25 am

Robert,

I’m not sure what the Perrin Technique is, but that does sound like a big part of my problem with CFS. As much as The Gupta Program helps with relaxation, and addressing the origin of symptoms, there is always a feeling of “toxicity” with I can’t get rid of.

That’s what I believe my constant “fluey” feeling is, toxic buidup. That could be why I have a frequent bad taste in my mouth, and why I feel unrefreshed when I wake up in the morning. I often compare it to waking up with a hangover…and a hangover is just that, toxins.

Perhaps you are on to something with combining both techniques. I live in the US and don’t have access to Perrin, so I don’t know exactly what to do. But the lympathatic system does make sense for my symptoms (especially the persistent, dull lower back pain).

It could also be why I am not getting better as quickly as I would like with Gupta…because the toxin buildup is still there, even though the CFS mechanism is being addressed.

I wonder if there are other ways to flush the lympathic system?

Brian

Comment by Admin

August 21, 2008 @ 1:23 pm

Hey everyone,

I talked to Ashok and he is taking questions
here:
http://www.chronicfatiguetreatments.com/forums/gupta-programme-vf11.html

so feel free to go there and ask him any question you have

Comment by JR

August 21, 2008 @ 3:23 pm

Hi all. I emailed Ashok a while back about my questions regarding the amygdala and chemical sensitivity, as well as the feeling that I still have trouble with detoxing properly (rashes, chemical taste in mouth, etc). Thought some of you might find his response helpful, so I’m including it here, without any changes:

“- yes, MCS I believe is essentially learned sensitivity via the amygdala. It is quite an accepted role of the amygdala in CFS.You have to be patient with these things, they will go in their own time once the body becomes stronger and stronger. So any reactions you are getting, you need to keep up the retraining techniques and be patient, they will go over time in my experience

- in terms of detox, there is a very simple explanation. Detox occurs when the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, However, in CFS it is hardly activated because of the amygdala’s stimulation, therefore this explains the physical observations”

This helped me to wrap my brain around the problem, because I feel like I can throw myself fully into the amygdala retraining, without feeling that I’m neglecting an important factor ie. toxicity. I don’t think this means that you can’t still do things to support your body’s detox system, but maybe others will take the opportunity to ask Ashok to explain this further.

Comment by Brian

August 21, 2008 @ 9:59 pm

Thanks for relaying that information, JR.

Great questions.

Brian

Comment by Viv

August 22, 2008 @ 7:03 am

I spoke to Ashok this morning about the over anxiety reaction and he was most helpful. Like others, I have spent loads of money on different things in order to get better, but I feel fully convinced that this is going to make a difference. Although I am having to modify the process I can see and feel changes happening. As I’ve had ME for over 40 years it is a bit of a shock to the system to experence “well” sensations. Ashok has thought carefully about providing after care and covering all aspects which may arise during the programme, which can’t be said of other avenues I’ve been down.
I’m going to carry on and hope tobe able to post encouraging and helpful info in the future.

Viv

Comment by Tricia

August 24, 2008 @ 4:54 am

I have never been on a blog before but as ever with CFS, there are a lot of firsts! The reason I’m here is to encourage anyone who is on the Gupta programme or those hesitating about starting it.

- I am nearly 62 started CFS Nov 2001 when working 4 days/week. Eventually stopped work.
- Went to nutritionist & like many of you tried various therapies – acupuncture, food allergy. A vega machine operator helped enormously & over time, I improved quite a lot to the point where I was gardening freely (i.e. not taking the timer out with me to stop me after 20 minutes because that was the limit I had built up to before resting for an hour or so)

In February 2003 I broke my leg quite badly and was on crutches for 3 months – my poor husband was back to doing everything for me again. Gradually I learnt to walk again and I felt fine – super Christmas and 2006 was great. In the autumn I resumed a distance learning course I had started, together with a local course to help the DL course and suddenly all those frightening symptoms returned … I was devastated and mentally completely depleted. The Vega machine didn’t do anything and I spent Nov, Dec, Jan in bed. Like many of you I had
- electro magnetic stress – hid the remote phones, limited computer use
- myriad of digestive disturbances – lots of pills
- usual head fog and appalling sleep patterns
- any outing followed by days in bed however well planned beforehand
- tried to prepare potatoes and other veg in snatches throughout the day so husband had less to cook at night on his return from work

As usual the garden helped and music, so I concentrated on those when I could and improved somewhat over the summer. I had heard of Ashok through the AfME mag and phoned him – and wondered whether to go to London. Still I hesitated. As autumn approached I almost feared November. Finally I took the plunge and bought the programme in November.

Because Ashok has had CFS he knows all the symptoms and feelings and it is all recognised in the programme. I felt improvement after 2 weeks – like a weight lifting. 2 weeks before Christmas my mother fell ill with that awful virus ……. I went (unthinkable before) plus the CD to listen to & tools to do. It was fine. I came back for the w/end and returned the following week (2 hour drive) and then it was Christmas which was wonderful. (I continuously used the tools)

- Jan 2008 – stopped all digestive pills – joined gym (2/3 x week)
- Feb – got lazy – symptoms more apparent – redoubled efforts on programme – fine again
- March – lots of gardening and walking
- April – walked 7 miles – felt fine
- May – husband retired.
- June – sailing in Turkey with friends!

Needless to say life throws up different/new situations and returning to normal life is a challenge in itself but with the tools and techniques it is all possible. Recovery is not linear but has dips to be recognised and not be frightened of. Whereas the challenge used to be to plan any outing with almost military precision – that has gone. I have just had the house full of friends and cooked for them all – unimaginable last year. Sorry this is so long

It is a remarkable programme full of helpful, constructive information. Try it!
Actually it’s 11.00 am Sunday!

Comment by GAYLE

September 1, 2008 @ 7:26 am

I started the Gupta programme 3 weeks ago. I have had CFS for 18 months. For the past year I have been visiting a naturopath. I have not worked since April ‘08. I have continued seeing my naturopath weekly for electro-magnetic therapy- to help heal the body. She also tests hair for food intolerances and how well the organs/glands in the body are functioning. I have been and still am taking a large number of natural supplements and also homeopathic remedies. Also, I have been having acupuncture weekly to strengthen my immune system and balance my hormones. Since May I attend a weekly session of spiritual healing because I feel it gives me a boost.
I have been fortunate to be a patient of a great naturopath and acupunture Chinese Doctor. My treatments and supplements have cost me a lot of money but I have continued because I saw improvements.
My Naturopath has told me for months that my body is getting everything it needs to heal but something is not ‘clicking in’! She suspected it may be something in my subconscious mind. I have tried all the positive thinking, affirmations and meditation for months but still they were not enough.
Then 3 weeks ago I started the Gupta programme. On day one I saw a an improvement. The chinese Doctor who I see weekly for acupuncture says that the energy is flowing better through my body and I have improved 50% in 3 weeks!
I will have my next hair test next week and on those results hope to reduce my supplements successfully and I am hoping to return to work in the next month or so.
On the subject of lymphatic drainage, my naturopath has prescrbed for me ‘LYM’ formula from specialist herbal supplies in the u.k which helps.
I have found the Gupta programme amazing but I still believe that my body required supplements and treatments to help the healing process.
My naturopath and chinese acupunture Doctor have both asked for the programmes details to pass on to other patients.
I have avoided conventional medicine and prescription drugs during my illness because I feel they are of no real benefit.
I think all CFS patients would benefit from food intolerance testing by a naturopath because you are likely to be reacting to foods which causes CFS-LIKE symptoms. I was amazed to discover how accurate hair testing is for such problems after working for the past 17 years in a pathology laboratory.
Please try the programme, I am amazed at my transformation so far. (perhaps my progress has been rapid because my body is supported with supplements/treatments).

good luck

Comment by Nora

September 10, 2008 @ 4:58 am

This blog is great! It so inspiring to read about other people’s experiences.
I’ve used the Gupta Programme with some success for the last 5 months, but unfortunately I was half-hearted about getting better because I sometimes got symptom-free and then I didn’t do the process enough. I KNOW that the programme works but one has to be committed.
My main problem now is to make the positive image vivid enough and really take the “well feeling” aboard when I’m experiencing heart racing,extreme dizziness and muscle contractions. It totally feels like my conscious mind is being arrested, just as Gupta says. And it is easy to get bogged down about it all thinking it doesn’t work so why bother. But I’ve noticed that if I get back on the horseback and just DO the process no matter what the symptoms fade somewhat. I believe that Gupta’s explanation to what is going on in the mind and body is the right one. Unfortunately the pacing-thing which I first tried is just feeding the fear, but it’s hard to stop being afraid of the symptoms. It’s a mental challenge to me more than anything else and I have to work really hard to take control of that automatic fear response. Sometimes I succeed and it lowers, sometimes I don’t. Still, with time I think I can get more in control of my own reactions.

Comment by Don Baken

September 14, 2008 @ 7:43 pm

Hi,

I just thought I would give an early update.

We looked at the initial DVDs over the web and so my wife ina way started the philosphy of the programme about 2-3 weeks ago. She then looked at the first ‘treatment’ dvd friday about 11 days ago. I could not believe that we had such a good weekend. Previous weekends it had been like my wife was not home at the weekend becasue she was in bed all the time. My wife has continued to improve and she said last night that she had felt about a 20% improvement. She would now put herself at 30-40%.

She has had ME for 10-12 years
It started after/during preganancy.
Weve tried lots of things. Some things have worked initially and then faded away. It will be interesting to see if this does the same. We are just enjoy8ng each good day we have.

I just thought it would be good to share. It is hard not to get excited.

Don

Comment by Ken

September 15, 2008 @ 5:05 pm

This great to hear Don - long may it continue.
I’ve just been through a worrying dip in my upward curve but I seem to be coming right again.
Ken

Comment by Don Baken

September 15, 2008 @ 9:30 pm

Hi Ken

We are very greatful for your contact and encouragement to give it a try. We have tried other things and they have helped initially but then we have gone backwards. At the moment we are greatful for every good day.

I am pleased you are moving upwards again.

Don

Comment by steven

September 19, 2008 @ 2:33 pm

hi there. thanks for all the comments. i’ve just ordered the program and will let you know the results. i just wanted to talk about the detox stuff and perrin questions that brian was talking about.

perrin has actually published a book called the perrin technique. in it he gives a comprehensive exploration of his theories around chronic fatigue. he also lists a massage procedure and self-help exercises he advises patients to do on his protocol. i rang his centre and they advised me that he wouldn’t advise doing them unsupervised but it might give you an idea about where he’s coming from. he runs a short training program for osteopaths to train in his technique so there is a possibilty it might make it over to the states yet. in fact on his website it says that a list of north america practitioners is coming soon so it might be worth contacting them to ask if you’re interested. it’s http://www.theperrinclinic.com

also interesting to read ashok’s comments on the parasympathetic nervous system detoxing the body. this fits in with things i learnt from cognitive behavioural therapy whilst dealing with ocd.

Comment by Ren

September 25, 2008 @ 12:03 pm

Hi,i’m Ren from italy.Doesn’t match with the discussion but is there anyone who tried EFT tecnique?

Comment by GAYLE

September 28, 2008 @ 5:17 am

Hi Ren, I tried the EFT technique for only a few weeks with no relief. I wonder if the best EFT results are seen with things like phobias?
The most impressive technique I have used is the Gupta programme. I have used it for 2 months and initially seen a huge improvement. I am just coming out of a dip where I seemed to catch every virus around but apparently that is to be expected until my immune system gets sronger.

Comment by steven

September 29, 2008 @ 12:18 pm

hi everyone. i’ve been working with the program now for a week. i just saw a question from connie to ashok that i thought might benefit from an outside party contributing to. this is to do with spirituality and yoga.

it is clear to me that some of the exercises in the program come from or are inspired by yoga. however, these do not require belief in a particular religious system. the techniques i’m thinking of are a breathing exercise, mindfulness and meditation. in all cases they are techniques that help to work with the mind and body. whilst yoga has connections from Hinduism it is also a repository of various techniques to work with the mind and body.

i do not follow a Hindu belief system and have not felt that i need to compromise any of my religious beliefs to follow the program.

what i do feel is that i have learnt some techniques that will support me in the main training exercises in the program to move towards health.

hope that helps. it was something i was a little concerned with before i ordered the program but those fears proved unfounded.

Comment by SJF

October 1, 2008 @ 1:34 pm

I just wanted to thank those of you who have continued to comment on this matter as it is so beneficial to the rest of us to hear of your experiences.

I have been doing Ashoks program for about two months now. My progress has been very up and down and quite frankly, I am often discouraged. It has helped me to read about those who are succeeding and also those who are struggling too. I want to say that I have not been as religious about catching every fearful thought(I admittedly have a lot of them) as I should be and that may be impeding my progress but I want to encourage those of you who are doing this to do your very best to incorporate the techniques as much as possible and don’t give up because truly the lives of others are being effected by your experiences and (not to add to the “stress” that we are trying to avoid)I think that almost adds responsibility to all of us who are doing the program to give it our best, to stick it out and to be completely honest about our journey.

And please keep posting. I really would like to know who some of you are doing now.

Comment by Ken

October 1, 2008 @ 4:28 pm

SJF - Don’t even consider not keeping up with the program. Some people don’t improve much for a considerable time and do use the Stop technique every time you get a negative thought not just a fearful one and that means just feeling tension in the body and well as straight out negative thoughts. I sometimes get fed up of doing the Stop but I keep it up because I know it works. I’ve had two or three set backs but so far I’ve always improved again. I use the S and F technique a lot and find it helps me.
Hope that helps you.
Ken

Comment by JSS

October 2, 2008 @ 1:26 pm

I’m in a dip at the moment - lots of anxiety, pounding heart, irregular heartbeats, poor sleep - and this after a time when things were going fairly smoothly. No significant physical improvement though, after ~3 months.

But something that has changed recently is my sensitivity to noise. I’ve always had it as part of my ME but over the past few weeks it’s become much worse. I’m now physically flinching at sudden sounds and I can feel my ear muscles twitch as if they’re trying to direct my ears towards a noise - like a dog’s ears do. Since this ear-muscle twitch is a non-conscious action, does anyone have any opinion as to whether it’s a good idea to use the retraining technique directly on it?

Comment by Brian

October 3, 2008 @ 9:11 pm

JSS

My opinion is to use the technique on it. It sounds like you have a lot of anxiety which the program should help with. Every time you have a this flinching reaction…or thoughts about it…I would use the STOP technique. And the meditation in general to calm down your nervous system, which is on overdrive.

Best of luck.
Brian

Comment by JL

October 4, 2008 @ 5:51 am

Hi JSS,

Not an answer to your question but I’m wondering:
1.if you have any improvements so far?
2.Not sure if you’re saying that since you’ve been using this technique that some symptoms have got worse? If so have you asked Ashok if he has anyone else 3 months in who has mainly negatives and if so what would he advise/what worked for them?
3. Or perhaps you are saying other factors have lead to an increase in symptoms?

A couple of points that are likely my special quirks but might trigger some thoughts for you. Firstly I should say I’ve been using most of the techniques in this course for many years, though obviously didn’t call them ’stop’ S&F etc.
- Historically the optimal time for me to do alternate nostril breathing has been 11am-midday. Per the protocol suggestions i tried after breakfast a few times and it definitely stresses my body/organs then, so for anyone who susbcribes to holistic health clearly non-ideal. Perhpas when I ‘m healthier earlier will be perfect but not now.
- I have Electromagnetic Sensitivity so listening to meditatations on DVDs, even when some distance away (proximity is key with EMS)has not been a relaxing experience, more a stressing one. Also some parts of the meditiation jar with me, so I’ve returned to meditations I previously used which give me a deeper, harmonious mediation and more quickly too.

Perhaps you’ll find things you can tweek? Perhaps Ashok can help? From his DVDs he recognises that whilst his technique has the broadest success, there variations that improve for others.

Good Luck
JL

Comment by JR

October 4, 2008 @ 5:39 pm

Hello everyone. Just wanted to give an update, for those of you who are following such things. I started the program over 9 months ago, at which point I had been completely bedbound with a severe CFS relapse for 6+ months, unable to feed myself, needing to use a bedside commode, since I was too weak to walk the 6 feet to the bathroom. I had lost a lot of muscle tone, being immobile for so long, so my progress is perhaps slower than many. But I’m so much better than I was and my life looks very different now. I attribute most of this to my understanding of how my amygdala has played a starring role in this drama of mine. I had used some “stopping techniques” of my own in the past, but the Gupta Program really clarified and brought things together for me. It’s really turned my life around, even though I haven’t been totally consistent in doing the meditations or stopping techniques all the time. I feel like I’ve sort of developed my own way of stopping and redirecting my thought patterns when I notice something that feels like fear or anxiety…basically anything a “normal” person wouldn’t think. When I notice a symptom or something that kicks in my anxiety, I like to shrug my shoulders and say nonchalantly “I’m not doing that”. It works for me, most of the time. I think the nonchalance is important though. You have to maintain this attitude of “oh, whatever!” in order for the amygdala to start to understand that these symptoms are not dangerous.

So…at this point… I can get around the house on my own, though still have to pace. I’m selling my walker and almost never use the wheelchair. I can bathe myself, eat by myself, and do a few small chores around the house. My sweetie and I have been able to go out to the theater a few times, and I go out to restaurants regularly, without a wheelchair. I do still get dropped near the door and try to get a table without too much walking. I see improvements on a daily basis in my muscle strength and stamina, and try to be satisfied with the pace of things…even though I sometimes get frustrated and wish it were faster. When that happens, I try to remind myself of the very great distance that I’ve come. I continue to feel like I have issues with feeling “toxic”. I don’t feel like I have a “trained amygdala reaction” to chemicals, however I do find that if I’m around certain chemicals, after a little while, I start to feel sick, have a chemical taste in my mouth, itching, etc. Ashok’s explanation makes sense to me…that when the amygdala is in high gear, we can’t detox as well…so for now, I’m doing things to support my body’s detox system until it can do it successfully on it’s own.

For those of you who are too weak to do all of the program, don’t worry about it. It was really effective for me, just doing the protocol in my head. Give it time, and try to stay calm when the dips come. I had them a lot in the first few months, but not very much any more. Don’t push yourself, as this just creates more anxiety…just let things unfold as they will.

Comment by Don Baken

October 5, 2008 @ 3:19 pm

Hi all,

Just an update on our situation.

My wife has been using the programme for about 5 weeks. The improvement continues to come although a little slower now. We continue to be amazed at what she can do. We have two daughters who also have ME and so are about to start them on it.

Don

Comment by admin

October 9, 2008 @ 2:23 pm

***Note - Im going to try closing the comments here so we can move the discussion to the gupta section on the forum

So if you have a comment or question - ask it here:
http://www.chronicfatiguetreatments.com/forums/gupta-programme-vf11.html

Ashok stops by sometimes and answers questions, so i think it will be much better.