I have been given this product as part of a product review through the Chronic Illness Bloggers network. Although the product was a gift, all opinions in this review remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the company.
I was really excited when I was asked to review the Gupta Programme. I have previously done meditation classes and one intensive course and have always felt that meditation was a good way for me to center myself and help manage my pain. The Gupta Programme™ is a treatment for these illnesses such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME or CFS) and Fibromyalgia. The website also it treats several other medical conditions . You can read more about this treatment and the other illnesses they treat on the Gupta Programme™ website. The program was developed by Ashtok Gupta who claims to have suffered from CFS/ME for three years before he claims to have gotten himself “100% better”. Note, he is not claiming he is cured, rather 100% better and has been for many years. Ashton has spent the last 15 years researching his treatment program and has published his research findings here. The more I read about Ashtok, the more skeptical I felt. I am always skeptical of “cures”. At this point, I wasn’t sure what to think about this program. I tried to keep an open mind and these are my findings.
Firstly, Ashtok is a charming and genuine man. He truly believes in his program and has obviously dedicated many years to making it a well thought out and planned out treatment. The program consists of 14 interactive Videos, a supplemental material workbook, mind map, and weekly video sessions which can be viewed live (Ashtok is from London and the videos aired while I was working, so I was not able to participate in the live video sessions). You can also join a private Facebook group for post session discussion. Overall, this 12 week program is comprehensive but flexible. You can watch the DVDs and recorded video sessions at your leisure and complete the assignments as you go. There are also tons of testimonials from patients who have reaped the benefits of the program.
Easy to like:
- The program is solid. It’s so well thought out and put together that I am positive it took years to develop. Ashtok is well spoken and passionate about the process of amygdala retraining. He is a gentle guide throughout this entire process. He is also very thorough with his explanations and examples. Sometimes, I felt like it was just too much talking, but it could be because I have done so many other meditative programs and I just wanted to “get to it”, regardless, Ashtok is great and really believes in this program.
- Flexibility of the program. I could not keep up with the 12 weekly groups due to work and life. This program is comprehensive and my hectic schedule made that difficult. I am continuing with the program at a slower pace and will continue to do so. I also liked the rationale of amygdala retraining. To me it makes total sense.
- I also liked the free meditation app, The meaning of life. It’s simple to use and a great tool.
- The Facebook group was helpful. I appreciated the posts from people who were struggling and/or finding success with the experience. It is helpful to know you are not alone and it really gives a group experience even though users are world wide.
- The program offers a 6 month money back guarantee. I’ve read the research and although I feel it is limited, I love that they are really taking this program seriously. There are so many snake oil salesmen out there making money off of patients. The Gupta Programme is not doing that.
Difficult to appreciate:
- The statement of 100% better. Although I’m thrilled Ashtok feels that way, it makes me uncomfortable. I feel like this is a great tool in the treatment of chronic disease and pain. I helps you to learn to turn around your negative thoughts and focus on taking control and although I feel like the program has helped me, I do not feel like I ever reach 100% better. Maybe that is a negative thought I need to “stop, stop, stop” (as per the program).
- The mind map was not something I liked. I do appreciate the fact that it brings in a more kinesthetic component to a meditation, but it is HUGE poster that goes on the floor. I really did not fit in my living room with my furniture. There are warnings in the program that you can avoid it if it is too slippery, so it is not a mandatory component. Again, I appreciate the whole body involvement in the process, but this took was just too darn big.
- As I said earlier, the program is solid but it is really comprehensive. As someone who works full and part-time it was difficult to manage all the components of the program. In addition to the DVDs and the weekly video sessions, there is also a workbook, journaling and weekly assignments. These are important components to the treatment, but take time. Honestly, I couldn’t keep up during the 12 week program; however, I am getting through it at my own pace.
Overall, I do feel like this program is helping me to decrease those negative thoughts that flood my mind in regards to my chronic illness. I find myself more centered in my ability to push the negative thoughts away and to focus on the present. This does help me focus less on pain (I still have pain, but I can manage it a bit better). It is a lot of work and you need to really dedicate some time to reap the benefits, but overall, if you have the time, this program is for you. Meditation is a powerful tool for well-being and Ashtok has created a comprehensive program to help people feel better.
Check out the Gupta Program for yourself here: http://www.guptaprogramme.com
asmyjointsturn.com 
Leave a Reply