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Gupta program

2024-06-03T04:21:56Z

SupportAndHope:/* Content of the Gupta Program */ correcting typo

The '''Gupta Program''' or '''Gupta Programme''' or '''Amydala and Insula Retraining''' describes itself as "[[brain training|brain retraining]]" techniques designed "to alter [[amygdala]] and [[insula]] activity" in order to treat or cure [[chronic illness|chronic diseases]] including [[chronic fatigue syndrome]] and [[fibromyalgia]].<ref name="Gupta2002" /><ref name="MAIR2020" /><ref name="ASA2018">{{Cite web | url=https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/harley-street-solutions-ltd-a17-400324.html | title = Harley Street Solutions Ltd | last = Advertising Standards Authority {{!}} Committee of Advertising Practice | authorlink = Advertising Standards Authority | first = |website=Advertising Standards Authority | date = April 11, 2018|access-date=2020-08-29}}</ref> The Gupta program is based on the [[amygdala hypothesis]] of [[chronic fatigue syndrome]], which is not [[peer review]]ed, is unproven, and has not been a focus of research.<ref name="Gupta2002" /><ref name="MAIR2020" />

In 2018, the Gupta Program was found to be making unproven advertising claims including wrongly claiming that it can be used to treat [[fibromyalgia]], [[Electrohypersensitivity|electrical sensitivities]] as well as [[ME/CFS]].<ref name="ASA2018" /> The UK's [[ME Association]] charity refuses to accept adverts for the Gupta Program, and does not endorse it.<ref name="MEA-ads">{{Cite web | last = ME Association | first = | authorlink = ME Association | date = Sep 19, 2012 | website = [[ME Association]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=| url = https://meassociation.org.uk/2012/09/new-advertising-feature-started-on-mea-website-19-september-2012/ | title = New advertising feature started on MEA website {{!}} 19 September 2012|access-date=2022-06-03|quote=We respectfully decline any contact from practitioners offering the Lightning Process, Gupta Programme, Mickel Therapy, or any similar training courses.}}</ref><ref name="MEA-CAM">{{Cite web | date = May 30, 2015 | website = [[ME Association]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=| url = https://meassociation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Alt-comp-approaches.pdf | title = Alternative and complementary approaches to management | first = Charles | last = Shepherd | authorlink=Charles Shepherd|access-date=2022-06-03|quote=Publicity for these approaches often includes glowing reports from people who have gained benefit – some of whom then go on to become therapists. However, none of these approaches has so far been subjected to proper clinical trials to assess their efficacy and safety. The MEA does not therefore endorse or recommend any of these treatments.}}</ref>

===Alternative names===
Other names used for the Gupta Program include:
* Amygdala Retraining Techniques (ART)
* Amygdala Retraining Program (ARP)<ref name="Conf2016">{{Cite web | url=https://growthzonesitesprod.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/1869/2020/10/IACFSME-2016-Program.pdf | publisher=IACFS/ME | title = 12th Biennial Conference Syllabus | date = October 2016}}</ref>
* Amygdala and Insula Retraining (AIR)
* Gupta Amygdala Retraining<ref name="ASA2018" />
* Gupta Programme<ref name="ASA2018" />
The randomized controlled trial of "Mindfulness-Based Program Plus Amygdala and Insula Retraining" (MAIR) involved using part of the Gupta Program but delivered face to face by a qualified psychologist and includes additional [[mindfulness]] for stress, plus "treatment as usual" (for example medication), and the trial cannot show evidence of the effectiveness for the Gupta Program.<ref name="MAIR2020" />

== Theory ==
The hypothesis behind the Gupta Program was published in 2002 and describes a theory involving amygdala overactivation, the hypothesis and treatment were later updated to describe [[insula]] involvement, neither version has been [[peer review]]ed.<ref name="MAIR2020" /> The new hypothesis is described on the Gupta Program website but is not published or peer-reviewed research.<ref name="website">{{Cite web | last = Gupta | first = Ashok | authorlink = Ashok Gupta | date = | title = Gupta Program {{!}} The Secret of Amygdala Retraining | url = https://www.guptaprogram.com/|website=The Gupta Program|access-date=2022-06-04|quote=}}</ref><ref name="Medical3Pager">{{Cite web | last = Gupta | first = Ashok | authorlink = Ashok Gupta | date = Feb 2021 | title = Medical Pager Final Version | url =https://guptaprog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Gupta-Program-Medical-Pager-Final-Version.pdf | website=The Gupta Program|access-date=2022-06-04|quote=}}</ref> Well-known patients [[Jennifer Brea]] and Ana Harris have criticized the Gupta Program's assumption that symptoms were caused by an overactivation/reactivity in the brain that was claimed to be unrelated to the underlying illness, an assumption which is presented as an uncontested fact by the Gupta Program.<ref name="JenTweets" /><ref name="Harris2018" />

This belief of "symptoms without disease" and the assumption that flawed [[illness beliefs]] exist that should be challenged are core parts of the [[The 3Ps model|cognitive behavioral model]] of ME/CFS and an hypothesis underlying the use of [[graded exercise therapy]] and the psychosomatic approach to [[Medically unexplained physical symptoms|medically unexplained symptoms]], treatments associated with significant rates of harm.<ref name="Nodecisions">{{Cite web | url=http://www.meassociation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015-ME-Association-Illness-Management-Report-No-decisions-about-me-without-me-30.05.15.pdf | title=ME/CFS Illness Management Survey Results - "No decisions about me without me" Part 1 | last = ME Association | first = | authorlink = ME Association | date = May 30, 2015 | website = [[ME Association]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=}}</ref><ref name="OxfordBrookesSurvey">{{Cite web | url = https://www.meassociation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/NICE-Patient-Survey-Outcomes-CBT-and-GET-Final-Consolidated-Report-03.04.19.pdf | title =Evaluation of a survey exploring the experiences of adults and children with ME/CFS who have participated in CBT and GET interventional programmes. FINAL REPORT | last = Oxford Clinical Allied Technology and Trials Services Unit (OxCATTS)|location=Oxford Brookes University | date = Feb 27, 2019}}</ref><ref name="TimeToDeliver">{{Cite web | url=https://www.actionforme.org.uk/uploads/pdfs/me-time-to-deliver-survey-report.pdf | date = 2014| title = Time to deliver: initial findings of Action for ME's 2014 survey | last = Action for ME | authorlink = Action for ME |access-date=Jul 1, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | quote =CBT/GET have been proven to be based on non-science for ME and should be removed from any recommendations in the guideline.| url = http://www.investinme.org/IIMER-Newslet-17-07-04.shtml | title = Response to NICE 10 year surveillance (2017) – Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis | last = Invest in ME Research | first = | authorlink = Invest in ME Research | date = Jul 2, 2017 | website = [[Invest in ME Research]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2019-07-02}}</ref> This "not a disease" theory provides justification for the Gupta Program teaching patients to ignore or minimize their symptoms―despite significant the evidence that ME/CFS has an underlying disease process, and the [[ICD-11|World Health Organization's ICD-11]] manual classes it as a neurological disease rather than a set of symptoms that may not indicate disease.<ref name="icd10">{{Cite web | url=https://icd.who.int/browse10/2016/en#/G93 | title = ICD-10 Version:2016 | last = World Health Organization | first = | authorlink = World Health Organization | date = |website=World Health Organization|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2020-09-25}}</ref> Ignoring or minimizing symptoms is inconsistent with [[pacing]], which involves monitoring symptoms and using them to help decide when best to stop an activity in order to avoid a "crash".<ref name="Goudsmit-pacingbasics">{{Cite journal|quote=Although a gradual increase in activity levels is permitted, the rule is that they should stop when the initial mild fatigue turns into a more unpleasant sensation, or where arms or legs begin to feel weak. Most patients will experience these symptoms fairly quickly after commencing an activity, but it is not unusual for some reactions to be delayed. Depending on where they are and what kind of activity triggered the symptoms, the patient may choose to respond either by resting, or if the fatigue is localised, by switching to an activity which uses a different muscle group. | last = Goudsmit | first = EM | authorlink = Ellen Goudsmit | last2 =Howes | first2 = S | authorlink2 = Sandra Howes| url = http://www.axfordsabode.org.uk/me/pacing.htm | title = Pacing: a strategy to improve energy management in chronic fatigue syndrome|journal=Health Psychol Update | date = 2008|volume=17 | pages = 46–52}}</ref>

=== '''Content of the Gupta Program''' ===
The Gupta Program is a brain retraining, mindfulness, and holistic health program accessible via website and a mobile app marketed to people with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS). It contains 15 video-based modules.

The program includes breathing exercises, meditations, mindset insights, light yoga and stretching, somatic experiencing exercises, holistic health advice, laughter workshops, and brain retraining exercises including their 7-step brain retraining technique. The Gupta Program also provides shorter options for brain retraining.

The program costs $349 (USD) for one year on-demand access. Participants can take their time with the modules and do not need to complete them in a specific timeframe.

The Gupta Program initially mails participants a floor chart to help with the brain retraining practice and a workbook. There is a dedicated section on how to deal with "dips" and setbacks. Ashok Gupta recommends "doing your best and leaving the rest" if you are experiencing a "dip."

The program also gives advice on pacing, diet, sleep, and the importance of nature for healing. It teaches about the importance of joy, self love, and how to foster it and also techniques for dealing with others. The Gupta Program encourages members to not wait until they are in perfect health to engage in activities they love. The Gupta Program encourages pacing within one's energy level and to not go beyond one's energy boundaries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://guptaprogram.com/how-to-pace/|title=ME/CFS And Fibro {{!}} The Gupta Program|last=Ashok|website=https://guptaprogram.com/|language=en-US|access-date=2024-06-03}}</ref> However, some have reported that the way they applied the Gupta Program resulted in them experiencing a "crash" and/or setback.

There are two modules on "parts" work. The Gupta Program teaches about sub-personalities that are trying to protect us or stimulate the nervous system with stress. Ashok explains how one can imagine sub-personalities (like the "achiever," "perfectionist," or the "protector") as beings, shapes, or colors. He teaches why we develop these "parts," and how we one work with them as if they were one's friends and even find value in what they've helped one learn.

There is a Facebook community forum, where members of the Gupta Program can connect with practice buddies. Program coaches now offer ‘Daily Guptacise’ group meditations and "brain retraining" sessions over Zoom. Ashok himself hosts a 12-week weekly Zoom webinar series throughout the year for program members (recordings available for members). It is mostly a repeat of the content in the Program. About 400 people are in attendance on mute. Sometimes, afterwards, Gupta offers optional break out rooms where attendees can get together in small groups.

Keep in mind, Gupta's Zoom webinars (recordings available) can end up being around 2 hours with the small group breakout sections, which is something to keep in mind if you currently struggle with looking at screens and/or have limited stamina.

The Gupta Program contains more content than "brain retraining." It contains additional nervous system regulation tools, including meditation and relaxation resources. It also features information in other areas of healing such as acceptance, pacing, diet, mindfulness, and sleep hygiene as well. The program points participants to other possible areas to explore such as trauma healing. It does not state that trauma is a root cause for everyone. It encourages you to find ways to enjoy your life without pushing, and also provides advice on how to deal with other people and stressful situations.

Keep in mind, as with the DNRS Community Forum, in the Gupta Program there are clear rules about what you can and cannot write in the Gupta Facebook group, as the program seeks to promote positive mindsets and avoid triggering other members.

Keep in mind, Ashok Gupta has said he believes some techniques and medicines are "red herrings" including polyvagal work and detox treatments because he believes the issues all start in the brain's amygdala and when that's functioning properly the body can return itself to homeostasis (this is his personal theory, not a proven fact). That said, Ashok states that the Gupta Program can be successfully implemented alongside pharmaceutical therapy, physiotherapy, or any other medical treatment one may be taking or doing. (One should always consult trusted medical professionals before making any health decisions.)

==Evidence ==
Evidence is largely limited to patient self-reports. The UK's [[Advertising Standards Authority]] upheld a complaint in 2018 claiming that the Gupta Program being falsely advertised as a treatment for [[chronic fatigue syndrome]]/[[myalgic encephalomyelitis|ME]], [[fibromyalgia]] and "electrical sensitivities" due to the lack of scientific evidence supporting this claim.<ref name="ASA2018" />
===Amygdala and insula activity hypothesis ===
There is no scientific evidence to support the Gupta Program claims that chronic diseases including ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia are caused by problematic or dysfunctional patterns or activity in the [[amygdala]] and [[insula]] parts of the brain.<ref name="CDC-causes">{{Cite web | url=https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/about/possible-causes.html | title = Possible Causes {{!}} Information for Healthcare Providers {{!}} Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ME/CFS | last = Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | first = | authorlink = Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | date = 2018 | website = CDC|language=en-us|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2022-06-01}}</ref> These areas of the brain are not one of the key areas of medical research for ME/CFS, and the UK's patient-driven ME/CFS Priority Setting Partnership did not highlight these within the top 10 it even top 18 areas that medical research should focus on.<ref name="PSP-top10">{{Cite web | access-date=2022-06-01 | date =2022 | title = The Top 10+ ME/CFS research priorities are here!| url = https://psp-me.co.uk/|website=[[Priority Setting Partnership]]}}</ref>

===Amygdala and insula activity changes ===
There is no evidence that the Gupta Program alters amygdala or insula activity in a positive way-as it claims to do-or even that amygdala or insula activity patterns are altered in ''any'' way.

===Evidence from coaches ===
The Gupta Program is delivered by "retrainers" (coaches) who charge their clients for coaching them on the program, many of the personal testimonials are offered by coaches who are not neutral since they are earning money by offering the courses and will state have improved themselves as a result of doing the Gupta Program. These personal accounts are not backed up by science and do not include evidence that the coach was even diagnosed with the illnesses claimed, nor that they have actually recovered.{{citation needed | date = 2022}}

==Safety concerns raised by clinicians ==
The ''Alternative and complementary approaches to management'' by the UK's [[ME Association]] charity for ME/CFS states that "talking treatments" which typically " combine elements of [[Brain retraining|'brain reprogramming']], [[cognitive behavioral therapy|cognitive behavior therapy]], [[neurolinguistic programming|neuro-linguistic programming]], and positive thinking" - such as the Gupta Program - are approaches have not so far "been subjected to proper clinical trials to assess their efficacy and safety" and as a result the ME Association does not therefore endorse or recommend them.<ref name="MEA-CAM" />

==Reported harms from patients ==
Some people have reported being harmed by brain training programmes, including [[Jen Brea]], who developed ME/CFS after a virus and has [[Mold illness|mold-related illness]] and [[mast cell activation syndrome]], and Ana Harris, who had mold-related illness.<ref name="JenTweets">{{Cite tweet | date = 2018-02-08|user=jenbrea | title = I crashed really hard from doing Gupta and put it aside because I didn't understand the theory. I rarely have negative thoughts about anything, let alone being sick. I do have physical signals that modulate my behaviors and I'm not sure I want to turn them off.| url = https://twitter.com/jenbrea/status/961677015286874112?lang=en}}</ref><ref name="Harris2018">{{Cite web | url=http://anaharriswrites.com/my-brain-retraining-story/ | title = My Brain Retraining Story|website=Ana Harris Writes | date = Sep 11, 2018 | last = Harris | first = Ana|language=en-US|access-date=2020-09-25}}</ref>
==People who found brain retraining programs helpful ==
Others have reported being helped by brain retraining programs. See [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERricqIkLD Erica's story] (who applied the Gupta Program and Curable app), [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGMWx8iPX-Q Astra's story] (who applied DNRS and the Gupta Program), [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wCklUD63cI Katie's story] (who applied the ANS Rewire program in addition to making diet and lifestyle changes), [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwbklz5pD_0 Lorelai's story] (who applied DNRS and the Gupta Program), and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHm1X6IdFaE Yael's story] (a person who was diagnosed with Long Covid and ME/CFS who applied the Gupta Program, in addition to completing an online pacing program and receiving help from a naturopath). Others have found the Gupta Program initially overwhelming, but later came back to it and found it helpful (see [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DOlOJGSPxg Joanna's story]).

Keep in mind, the majority of people who credit brain retraining helping them improve or recover from ME/CFS and related conditions also did other things to support their health prior to or during the time they were doing a brain retraining program. Keep in mind, each person has different factors in their life (their environment, the level of support they have at home, pathogens, exposures or past injuries, etc.). Also keep in mind that people may interpret and/or apply any program differently than the next person.

==Notable studies ==
*2020, Mindfulness-Based Program Plus Amygdala and Insula Retraining (MAIR) for the Treatment of Women with Fibro<ref name="MAIR2020">{{Cite journal | title = Mindfulness-Based Program Plus Amygdala and Insula Retraining (MAIR) for the Treatment of Women with Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial | date = Oct 2020| url = https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/9/10/3246/htm|journal=Journal of Clinical Medicine|volume=9|issue=10 | pages = 3246 | last = Sanabria-Mazo | first = Juan P. | authorlink = | last2 = Montero-Marin | first2 = Jesus | authorlink2 = | last3 = Feliu-Soler | first3 = Albert | authorlink3 = | last4 = Gasión | first4 = Virginia | authorlink4 = | last5 = Navarro-Gil | first5 = Mayte | authorlink5 = | last6 = Morillo-Sarto | first6 = Héctor | authorlink6 = | last7 = Colomer-Carbonell | first7 = Ariadna | last8 = Borràs | first8 = Xavier | last9 = Tops | first9 = Mattie | last10 = Luciano | first10 = Juan V. | last11 = García-Campayo | first11 = Javier|language=en|doi=10.3390/jcm9103246|pmc=PMC7599726|pmid=33050630|access-date=|issn=2077-0383|quote=|via=}}</ref> - [https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/9/10/3246/htm (Full text)]
::'''Conflict of interest not declared:''' Author and investigator Virginia Gasión (Virginia Gasión Royo) had been a Gupta coach since 2014, which means she earns from people doing the Gupta Program, giving a direct final financial conflict of interest.<ref name="Guptacoaches">{{Cite web | url=https://www.guptaprogram.com/coaches | title = Our Professional Team of Coaches | last = | first = | authorlink = | date = | website = Gupta Program|language=en-US|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2022-06-03}}</ref>
*2012, A mind-body technique for symptoms related to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue<ref name="Toussaint2012">{{Cite journal | title = A mind-body technique for symptoms related to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue | date = Mar 2012| url = https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22385563/|journal=Explore (New York, N.Y.)|volume=8|issue=2 | pages = 92–98 | last = Toussaint | first = Loren L. | authorlink = Loren Toussaint | last2 = Whipple | first2 = Mary O. | authorlink2 = | last3 = Abboud | first3 = Lana L. | authorlink3 = | last4 = Vincent | first4 = Ann | authorlink4 = Ann Vincent | last5 = Wahner-Roedler | first5 = Dietlind L.|doi=10.1016/j.explore.2011.12.003|pmc=|pmid=22385563|access-date=|issn=1878-7541|quote=|via=}}</ref> - [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Loren-Toussaint/publication/229324365_A_Mind-Body_Technique_for_Symptoms_Related_to_Fibromyalgia_and_Chronic_Fatigue/links/59e3bb3f458515393d5b935f/A-Mind-Body-Technique-for-Symptoms-Related-to-Fibromyalgia-and-Chronic-Fatigue.pdf (Full text)]
::The [[Advertising Standards Authority]] rejected this as evidence of effectiveness of the Gupta Program.<ref name="ASA2018" />
::This was open to patients with [[chronic fatigue syndrome]] but none completed it. Of the 32 patients randomly assigned to Amygdala and Insula Retraining (AIR) plus standard care, 19% (6 patients) dropped out before starting, 19% (6 patients) did not complete baseline measures but did AIR, 41% (13 patients) did AIR but not the follow-up assessments, 22% (7 patients) did AIR and completed follow-up assessments. Twice as many patients completed standard care, including both assessments - 56% (14 out of 25).<ref name="Toussaint2012" />

===Articles not peer reviewed or from non-academic journals===
*2010, Can amygdala retraining techniques improve the wellbeing of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome? A clinical audit of subjective outcomes in a small sample<ref name="GuptaAudit">{{Cite journal |archive-url = http://web.archive.org/web/20111119095503/http://www.guptaprogramme.com/Amygdala_Retraining_JHH_Sept_2010.pdf |archive-date=2011-11-11 | url = https://www.guptaprogram.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/amygdala-retraining-jhh-sept-2010.pdf | last = Gupta | first = A | authorlink = Ashok Gupta | date =September 2010 | title = Can amygdala retraining techniques improve the wellbeing of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome? A clinical audit of subjective outcomes in a small sample. |journal = Journal of Holistic Healthcare |volume= 7 |issue =2 | pages = 12-15 |access-date=2022-06-02}}</ref> - [http://web.archive.org/web/20111119095503/http://www.guptaprogramme.com/Amygdala_Retraining_JHH_Sept_2010.pdf (Full text)]
::The Advertising Standards Authority rejected this as evidence of effectiveness of the Gupta Program.<ref name="ASA2018" />
::This was not published in an academic journal<ref name="JHH">{{Cite web | url=https://bhma.org/journal-information-for-contributors/ | title = Journal - information for contributors | last = | first = | authorlink = | date = | website = British Holistic Medical Association|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2022-06-03}}</ref>
*2002, Unconscious amygdalar fear conditioning in a subset of chronic fatigue syndrome patients<ref name="Gupta2002">{{Cite journal | last = Gupta | first = Ashok | authorlink = Ashok Gupta | date = 2002 | title = Unconscious amygdalar fear conditioning in a subset of chronic fatigue syndrome patients| url = https://www.guptaprogram.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/cfs-hypothesis-medical-hypotheses-article.pdf | journal=Medical Hypotheses|volume=59|issue=6 | pages = 727–735|quote=|via=}}</ref> - [https://www.guptaprogram.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/cfs-hypothesis-medical-hypotheses-article.pdf (Full text)]
::The ''Medical Hypotheses'' journal that published this is reported to be the world's most controversial journal,<ref name="MHcontroversial">{{Cite journal | title = Editor says no to peer review for controversial journal | date = 2010-03-18| url = https://www.nature.com/articles/news.2010.132|journal=Nature | last = Cressey | first = Daniel|language=en|doi=10.1038/news.2010.132|issn=1476-4687}}</ref> and describes itself as publishing hypothesis that are "radical, speculative and non-mainstream scientific ideas" and some "where experimental support is yet fragmentary".<ref name="MH">{{Cite web | url=https://www.elsevier.com/journals/medical-hypotheses/0306-9877/guide-for-authors | title = Guide for authors - Medical Hypotheses - ISSN 0306-9877 | last = | first = | authorlink = | date = | website = Elsevier|language=en|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2022-06-03}}</ref><ref name="MH-SS">{{Cite web | url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/medical-hypotheses | title = Medical Hypotheses {{!}} Journal | last = | first = | authorlink = | date = | website = ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier|language=en-us|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2022-06-03}}</ref> It is peer-reviewed.

==Personal experiences==
* 2009, [http://web.archive.org/web/20090405173658/http://www.phoenix-cfs.org/BlogAmygdalaTraining1.htm Amygdala Training part 1 Blog] - Cort Johnson (archived)
* 2012, [https://phoenixrising.me/myalgic-encephalomyelitis-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-mecfs-treatments/mind-body/amygdala-retraining/a-psychotherapist-reviews-ashtok-guptas-amygdala-retraining-program-by-tamara-lewis/ A Psychotherapist Reviews Ashok Gupta’s Amygdala Retraining Program] – Tamara Lewis
* 2010, [https://cfs-survivors.org/blog/2010/07/11/just-passed-six-months-on-the-gupta-programme/ Just passed six months on the Gupta programme] - Graham Stoney

==See also ==
*[[Criticisms of The Gupta Program]]
*[[Ashok Gupta]]
*[[Brain retraining]]
*[[Pseudoscience]]
*[[Mindfulness]]

==Learn more ==
* 2018, [https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/harley-street-solutions-ltd-a17-400324.html Advertising Standards Association complaint result]
* 2009, [https://web.archive.org/web/20210422023328/https://www.prohealth.com/library/qa-session-with-ashok-gupta-developer-of-the-amygdala-retraining-program-for-me-cfs-and-fm-held-july-10-2009-26402 Q&A Session with Ashok Gupta developer of Amygdala Retraining Program for ME/CFS, FM] - ProHealth (archived)

==References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Psychological paradigm]]
[[Category:Psychological and behavioral therapies]]
[[Category:Potential treatments]]
[[Category:Brain training]]

Gupta program

2024-06-03T01:35:12Z

SupportAndHope:/* People who found brain retraining programs helpful */ added another reference and added another thing to keep in mind

The '''Gupta Program''' or '''Gupta Programme''' or '''Amydala and Insula Retraining''' describes itself as "[[brain training|brain retraining]]" techniques designed "to alter [[amygdala]] and [[insula]] activity" in order to treat or cure [[chronic illness|chronic diseases]] including [[chronic fatigue syndrome]] and [[fibromyalgia]].<ref name="Gupta2002" /><ref name="MAIR2020" /><ref name="ASA2018">{{Cite web | url=https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/harley-street-solutions-ltd-a17-400324.html | title = Harley Street Solutions Ltd | last = Advertising Standards Authority {{!}} Committee of Advertising Practice | authorlink = Advertising Standards Authority | first = |website=Advertising Standards Authority | date = April 11, 2018|access-date=2020-08-29}}</ref> The Gupta program is based on the [[amygdala hypothesis]] of [[chronic fatigue syndrome]], which is not [[peer review]]ed, is unproven, and has not been a focus of research.<ref name="Gupta2002" /><ref name="MAIR2020" />

In 2018, the Gupta Program was found to be making unproven advertising claims including wrongly claiming that it can be used to treat [[fibromyalgia]], [[Electrohypersensitivity|electrical sensitivities]] as well as [[ME/CFS]].<ref name="ASA2018" /> The UK's [[ME Association]] charity refuses to accept adverts for the Gupta Program, and does not endorse it.<ref name="MEA-ads">{{Cite web | last = ME Association | first = | authorlink = ME Association | date = Sep 19, 2012 | website = [[ME Association]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=| url = https://meassociation.org.uk/2012/09/new-advertising-feature-started-on-mea-website-19-september-2012/ | title = New advertising feature started on MEA website {{!}} 19 September 2012|access-date=2022-06-03|quote=We respectfully decline any contact from practitioners offering the Lightning Process, Gupta Programme, Mickel Therapy, or any similar training courses.}}</ref><ref name="MEA-CAM">{{Cite web | date = May 30, 2015 | website = [[ME Association]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=| url = https://meassociation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Alt-comp-approaches.pdf | title = Alternative and complementary approaches to management | first = Charles | last = Shepherd | authorlink=Charles Shepherd|access-date=2022-06-03|quote=Publicity for these approaches often includes glowing reports from people who have gained benefit – some of whom then go on to become therapists. However, none of these approaches has so far been subjected to proper clinical trials to assess their efficacy and safety. The MEA does not therefore endorse or recommend any of these treatments.}}</ref>

===Alternative names===
Other names used for the Gupta Program include:
* Amygdala Retraining Techniques (ART)
* Amygdala Retraining Program (ARP)<ref name="Conf2016">{{Cite web | url=https://growthzonesitesprod.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/1869/2020/10/IACFSME-2016-Program.pdf | publisher=IACFS/ME | title = 12th Biennial Conference Syllabus | date = October 2016}}</ref>
* Amygdala and Insula Retraining (AIR)
* Gupta Amygdala Retraining<ref name="ASA2018" />
* Gupta Programme<ref name="ASA2018" />
The randomized controlled trial of "Mindfulness-Based Program Plus Amygdala and Insula Retraining" (MAIR) involved using part of the Gupta Program but delivered face to face by a qualified psychologist and includes additional [[mindfulness]] for stress, plus "treatment as usual" (for example medication), and the trial cannot show evidence of the effectiveness for the Gupta Program.<ref name="MAIR2020" />

== Theory ==
The hypothesis behind the Gupta Program was published in 2002 and describes a theory involving amygdala overactivation, the hypothesis and treatment were later updated to describe [[insula]] involvement, neither version has been [[peer review]]ed.<ref name="MAIR2020" /> The new hypothesis is described on the Gupta Program website but is not published or peer-reviewed research.<ref name="website">{{Cite web | last = Gupta | first = Ashok | authorlink = Ashok Gupta | date = | title = Gupta Program {{!}} The Secret of Amygdala Retraining | url = https://www.guptaprogram.com/|website=The Gupta Program|access-date=2022-06-04|quote=}}</ref><ref name="Medical3Pager">{{Cite web | last = Gupta | first = Ashok | authorlink = Ashok Gupta | date = Feb 2021 | title = Medical Pager Final Version | url =https://guptaprog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Gupta-Program-Medical-Pager-Final-Version.pdf | website=The Gupta Program|access-date=2022-06-04|quote=}}</ref> Well-known patients [[Jennifer Brea]] and Ana Harris have criticized the Gupta Program's assumption that symptoms were caused by an overactivation/reactivity in the brain that was claimed to be unrelated to the underlying illness, an assumption which is presented as an uncontested fact by the Gupta Program.<ref name="JenTweets" /><ref name="Harris2018" />

This belief of "symptoms without disease" and the assumption that flawed [[illness beliefs]] exist that should be challenged are core parts of the [[The 3Ps model|cognitive behavioral model]] of ME/CFS and an hypothesis underlying the use of [[graded exercise therapy]] and the psychosomatic approach to [[Medically unexplained physical symptoms|medically unexplained symptoms]], treatments associated with significant rates of harm.<ref name="Nodecisions">{{Cite web | url=http://www.meassociation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015-ME-Association-Illness-Management-Report-No-decisions-about-me-without-me-30.05.15.pdf | title=ME/CFS Illness Management Survey Results - "No decisions about me without me" Part 1 | last = ME Association | first = | authorlink = ME Association | date = May 30, 2015 | website = [[ME Association]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=}}</ref><ref name="OxfordBrookesSurvey">{{Cite web | url = https://www.meassociation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/NICE-Patient-Survey-Outcomes-CBT-and-GET-Final-Consolidated-Report-03.04.19.pdf | title =Evaluation of a survey exploring the experiences of adults and children with ME/CFS who have participated in CBT and GET interventional programmes. FINAL REPORT | last = Oxford Clinical Allied Technology and Trials Services Unit (OxCATTS)|location=Oxford Brookes University | date = Feb 27, 2019}}</ref><ref name="TimeToDeliver">{{Cite web | url=https://www.actionforme.org.uk/uploads/pdfs/me-time-to-deliver-survey-report.pdf | date = 2014| title = Time to deliver: initial findings of Action for ME's 2014 survey | last = Action for ME | authorlink = Action for ME |access-date=Jul 1, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | quote =CBT/GET have been proven to be based on non-science for ME and should be removed from any recommendations in the guideline.| url = http://www.investinme.org/IIMER-Newslet-17-07-04.shtml | title = Response to NICE 10 year surveillance (2017) – Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis | last = Invest in ME Research | first = | authorlink = Invest in ME Research | date = Jul 2, 2017 | website = [[Invest in ME Research]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2019-07-02}}</ref> This "not a disease" theory provides justification for the Gupta Program teaching patients to ignore or minimize their symptoms―despite significant the evidence that ME/CFS has an underlying disease process, and the [[ICD-11|World Health Organization's ICD-11]] manual classes it as a neurological disease rather than a set of symptoms that may not indicate disease.<ref name="icd10">{{Cite web | url=https://icd.who.int/browse10/2016/en#/G93 | title = ICD-10 Version:2016 | last = World Health Organization | first = | authorlink = World Health Organization | date = |website=World Health Organization|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2020-09-25}}</ref> Ignoring or minimizing symptoms is inconsistent with [[pacing]], which involves monitoring symptoms and using them to help decide when best to stop an activity in order to avoid a "crash".<ref name="Goudsmit-pacingbasics">{{Cite journal|quote=Although a gradual increase in activity levels is permitted, the rule is that they should stop when the initial mild fatigue turns into a more unpleasant sensation, or where arms or legs begin to feel weak. Most patients will experience these symptoms fairly quickly after commencing an activity, but it is not unusual for some reactions to be delayed. Depending on where they are and what kind of activity triggered the symptoms, the patient may choose to respond either by resting, or if the fatigue is localised, by switching to an activity which uses a different muscle group. | last = Goudsmit | first = EM | authorlink = Ellen Goudsmit | last2 =Howes | first2 = S | authorlink2 = Sandra Howes| url = http://www.axfordsabode.org.uk/me/pacing.htm | title = Pacing: a strategy to improve energy management in chronic fatigue syndrome|journal=Health Psychol Update | date = 2008|volume=17 | pages = 46–52}}</ref>

=== '''Content of the Gupta Program''' ===
The Gupta Program is a brain retraining, mindfulness, and holistic health program accessible via website and a mobile app marketed to people with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS). It contains 15 video-based modules.

The program includes breathing exercises, meditations, mindset insights, light yoga and stretching, somatic experiencing exercises, holistic health advice, laughter workshops, and brain retraining exercises including their 7-step brain retraining technique. The Gupta Program also provides shorter options for brain retraining.

The program costs $349 (USD) for one year on-demand access. Participants can take their time with the modules and do not need to complete them in a specific timeframe.

The Gupta Program initially mails participants a floor chart to help with the brain retraining practice and a workbook. There is a dedicated section on how to deal with "dips" and setbacks. Ashok Gupta recommends "doing your best and leaving the rest" if you are experiencing a "dip."

The program also gives advice on pacing, diet, sleep, and the importance of nature for healing. It teaches about the importance of joy, self love, and how to foster it and also techniques for dealing with others. The Gupta Program encourages members to not wait until they are in perfect health to engage in activities they love. The Gupta Program encourages pacing within one's energy level and to not go beyond one's energy boundaries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://guptaprogram.com/how-to-pace/|title=ME/CFS And Fibro {{!}} The Gupta Program|last=Ashok|website=https://guptaprogram.com/|language=en-US|access-date=2024-06-03}}</ref> However, some have reported that the way they applied the Gupta Program resulted in them experiencing a "crash" and/or setback.

There are two modules on "parts" work. The Gupta Program teaches about sub-personalities that are trying to protect us or stimulate the nervous system with stress. Ashok explains how one can imagine sub-personalities (like the "achiever," "perfectionist," or the "protector") as beings, shapes, or colors. He teaches why we develop these "parts," and how we one work with them as if they were one's friends and even find value in what they've helped one learn.

There is a Facebook community forum, where members of the Gupta Program can connect with practice buddies. Program coaches now offer ‘Daily Guptacise’ group meditations and "brain retraining" sessions over Zoom. Ashok himself hosts a 12-week weekly Zoom webinar series throughout the year for program members (recordings available for members). It is mostly a repeat of the content in the Program. About 400 people are in attendance on mute. Sometimes, afterwards, Gupta offers optional break out rooms where attendees can get together in small groups.

Keep in mind, Gupta's Zoom webinars (recordings available) can end up being around 2 hours with the small group breakout sections, which is something to keep in mind if you currently struggle with looking at screens and/or have limited stamina.

The Gupta Program contains more content than "brain retraining." It contains additional nervous system regulation tools, including a meditation and relaxation resources. It also features information in other areas of healing such as acceptance, pacing, mindfulness, and sleep hygiene as well. The program points participants to other possible areas to explore such as trauma healing. It does not state that trauma is a root cause for everyone. It encourages you to find ways to enjoy your life without pushing, and also provides advice on how to deal with other people and stressful situations.

Keep in mind, as with the DNRS Community Forum, in the Gupta Program there are clear rules about what you can and cannot write in the Gupta Facebook group, as the program seeks to promote positive mindsets and avoid triggering other members.

Keep in mind, Ashok Gupta has said he believes some techniques and medicines are "red herrings" including polyvagal work and detox treatments because he believes the issues all start in the brain's amygdala and when that's functioning properly the body can return itself to homeostasis (this is his personal theory, not a proven fact). That said, Ashok states that the Gupta Program can be successfully implemented alongside pharmaceutical therapy, physiotherapy, or any other medical treatment one may be taking or doing. (One should always consult trusted medical professionals before making any health decisions.)

==Evidence ==
Evidence is largely limited to patient self-reports. The UK's [[Advertising Standards Authority]] upheld a complaint in 2018 claiming that the Gupta Program being falsely advertised as a treatment for [[chronic fatigue syndrome]]/[[myalgic encephalomyelitis|ME]], [[fibromyalgia]] and "electrical sensitivities" due to the lack of scientific evidence supporting this claim.<ref name="ASA2018" />
===Amygdala and insula activity hypothesis ===
There is no scientific evidence to support the Gupta Program claims that chronic diseases including ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia are caused by problematic or dysfunctional patterns or activity in the [[amygdala]] and [[insula]] parts of the brain.<ref name="CDC-causes">{{Cite web | url=https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/about/possible-causes.html | title = Possible Causes {{!}} Information for Healthcare Providers {{!}} Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ME/CFS | last = Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | first = | authorlink = Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | date = 2018 | website = CDC|language=en-us|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2022-06-01}}</ref> These areas of the brain are not one of the key areas of medical research for ME/CFS, and the UK's patient-driven ME/CFS Priority Setting Partnership did not highlight these within the top 10 it even top 18 areas that medical research should focus on.<ref name="PSP-top10">{{Cite web | access-date=2022-06-01 | date =2022 | title = The Top 10+ ME/CFS research priorities are here!| url = https://psp-me.co.uk/|website=[[Priority Setting Partnership]]}}</ref>

===Amygdala and insula activity changes ===
There is no evidence that the Gupta Program alters amygdala or insula activity in a positive way-as it claims to do-or even that amygdala or insula activity patterns are altered in ''any'' way.

===Evidence from coaches ===
The Gupta Program is delivered by "retrainers" (coaches) who charge their clients for coaching them on the program, many of the personal testimonials are offered by coaches who are not neutral since they are earning money by offering the courses and will state have improved themselves as a result of doing the Gupta Program. These personal accounts are not backed up by science and do not include evidence that the coach was even diagnosed with the illnesses claimed, nor that they have actually recovered.{{citation needed | date = 2022}}

==Safety concerns raised by clinicians ==
The ''Alternative and complementary approaches to management'' by the UK's [[ME Association]] charity for ME/CFS states that "talking treatments" which typically " combine elements of [[Brain retraining|'brain reprogramming']], [[cognitive behavioral therapy|cognitive behavior therapy]], [[neurolinguistic programming|neuro-linguistic programming]], and positive thinking" - such as the Gupta Program - are approaches have not so far "been subjected to proper clinical trials to assess their efficacy and safety" and as a result the ME Association does not therefore endorse or recommend them.<ref name="MEA-CAM" />

==Reported harms from patients ==
Some people have reported being harmed by brain training programmes, including [[Jen Brea]], who developed ME/CFS after a virus and has [[Mold illness|mold-related illness]] and [[mast cell activation syndrome]], and Ana Harris, who had mold-related illness.<ref name="JenTweets">{{Cite tweet | date = 2018-02-08|user=jenbrea | title = I crashed really hard from doing Gupta and put it aside because I didn't understand the theory. I rarely have negative thoughts about anything, let alone being sick. I do have physical signals that modulate my behaviors and I'm not sure I want to turn them off.| url = https://twitter.com/jenbrea/status/961677015286874112?lang=en}}</ref><ref name="Harris2018">{{Cite web | url=http://anaharriswrites.com/my-brain-retraining-story/ | title = My Brain Retraining Story|website=Ana Harris Writes | date = Sep 11, 2018 | last = Harris | first = Ana|language=en-US|access-date=2020-09-25}}</ref>
==People who found brain retraining programs helpful ==
Others have reported being helped by brain retraining programs. See [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERricqIkLD Erica's story] (who applied the Gupta Program and Curable app), [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGMWx8iPX-Q Astra's story] (who applied DNRS and the Gupta Program), [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wCklUD63cI Katie's story] (who applied the ANS Rewire program in addition to making diet and lifestyle changes), [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwbklz5pD_0 Lorelai's story] (who applied DNRS and the Gupta Program), and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHm1X6IdFaE Yael's story] (a person who was diagnosed with Long Covid and ME/CFS who applied the Gupta Program, in addition to completing an online pacing program and receiving help from a naturopath). Others have found the Gupta Program initially overwhelming, but later came back to it and found it helpful (see [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DOlOJGSPxg Joanna's story]).

Keep in mind, the majority of people who credit brain retraining helping them improve or recover from ME/CFS and related conditions also did other things to support their health prior to or during the time they were doing a brain retraining program. Keep in mind, each person has different factors in their life (their environment, the level of support they have at home, pathogens, exposures or past injuries, etc.). Also keep in mind that people may interpret and/or apply any program differently than the next person.

==Notable studies ==
*2020, Mindfulness-Based Program Plus Amygdala and Insula Retraining (MAIR) for the Treatment of Women with Fibro<ref name="MAIR2020">{{Cite journal | title = Mindfulness-Based Program Plus Amygdala and Insula Retraining (MAIR) for the Treatment of Women with Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial | date = Oct 2020| url = https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/9/10/3246/htm|journal=Journal of Clinical Medicine|volume=9|issue=10 | pages = 3246 | last = Sanabria-Mazo | first = Juan P. | authorlink = | last2 = Montero-Marin | first2 = Jesus | authorlink2 = | last3 = Feliu-Soler | first3 = Albert | authorlink3 = | last4 = Gasión | first4 = Virginia | authorlink4 = | last5 = Navarro-Gil | first5 = Mayte | authorlink5 = | last6 = Morillo-Sarto | first6 = Héctor | authorlink6 = | last7 = Colomer-Carbonell | first7 = Ariadna | last8 = Borràs | first8 = Xavier | last9 = Tops | first9 = Mattie | last10 = Luciano | first10 = Juan V. | last11 = García-Campayo | first11 = Javier|language=en|doi=10.3390/jcm9103246|pmc=PMC7599726|pmid=33050630|access-date=|issn=2077-0383|quote=|via=}}</ref> - [https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/9/10/3246/htm (Full text)]
::'''Conflict of interest not declared:''' Author and investigator Virginia Gasión (Virginia Gasión Royo) had been a Gupta coach since 2014, which means she earns from people doing the Gupta Program, giving a direct final financial conflict of interest.<ref name="Guptacoaches">{{Cite web | url=https://www.guptaprogram.com/coaches | title = Our Professional Team of Coaches | last = | first = | authorlink = | date = | website = Gupta Program|language=en-US|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2022-06-03}}</ref>
*2012, A mind-body technique for symptoms related to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue<ref name="Toussaint2012">{{Cite journal | title = A mind-body technique for symptoms related to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue | date = Mar 2012| url = https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22385563/|journal=Explore (New York, N.Y.)|volume=8|issue=2 | pages = 92–98 | last = Toussaint | first = Loren L. | authorlink = Loren Toussaint | last2 = Whipple | first2 = Mary O. | authorlink2 = | last3 = Abboud | first3 = Lana L. | authorlink3 = | last4 = Vincent | first4 = Ann | authorlink4 = Ann Vincent | last5 = Wahner-Roedler | first5 = Dietlind L.|doi=10.1016/j.explore.2011.12.003|pmc=|pmid=22385563|access-date=|issn=1878-7541|quote=|via=}}</ref> - [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Loren-Toussaint/publication/229324365_A_Mind-Body_Technique_for_Symptoms_Related_to_Fibromyalgia_and_Chronic_Fatigue/links/59e3bb3f458515393d5b935f/A-Mind-Body-Technique-for-Symptoms-Related-to-Fibromyalgia-and-Chronic-Fatigue.pdf (Full text)]
::The [[Advertising Standards Authority]] rejected this as evidence of effectiveness of the Gupta Program.<ref name="ASA2018" />
::This was open to patients with [[chronic fatigue syndrome]] but none completed it. Of the 32 patients randomly assigned to Amygdala and Insula Retraining (AIR) plus standard care, 19% (6 patients) dropped out before starting, 19% (6 patients) did not complete baseline measures but did AIR, 41% (13 patients) did AIR but not the follow-up assessments, 22% (7 patients) did AIR and completed follow-up assessments. Twice as many patients completed standard care, including both assessments - 56% (14 out of 25).<ref name="Toussaint2012" />

===Articles not peer reviewed or from non-academic journals===
*2010, Can amygdala retraining techniques improve the wellbeing of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome? A clinical audit of subjective outcomes in a small sample<ref name="GuptaAudit">{{Cite journal |archive-url = http://web.archive.org/web/20111119095503/http://www.guptaprogramme.com/Amygdala_Retraining_JHH_Sept_2010.pdf |archive-date=2011-11-11 | url = https://www.guptaprogram.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/amygdala-retraining-jhh-sept-2010.pdf | last = Gupta | first = A | authorlink = Ashok Gupta | date =September 2010 | title = Can amygdala retraining techniques improve the wellbeing of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome? A clinical audit of subjective outcomes in a small sample. |journal = Journal of Holistic Healthcare |volume= 7 |issue =2 | pages = 12-15 |access-date=2022-06-02}}</ref> - [http://web.archive.org/web/20111119095503/http://www.guptaprogramme.com/Amygdala_Retraining_JHH_Sept_2010.pdf (Full text)]
::The Advertising Standards Authority rejected this as evidence of effectiveness of the Gupta Program.<ref name="ASA2018" />
::This was not published in an academic journal<ref name="JHH">{{Cite web | url=https://bhma.org/journal-information-for-contributors/ | title = Journal - information for contributors | last = | first = | authorlink = | date = | website = British Holistic Medical Association|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2022-06-03}}</ref>
*2002, Unconscious amygdalar fear conditioning in a subset of chronic fatigue syndrome patients<ref name="Gupta2002">{{Cite journal | last = Gupta | first = Ashok | authorlink = Ashok Gupta | date = 2002 | title = Unconscious amygdalar fear conditioning in a subset of chronic fatigue syndrome patients| url = https://www.guptaprogram.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/cfs-hypothesis-medical-hypotheses-article.pdf | journal=Medical Hypotheses|volume=59|issue=6 | pages = 727–735|quote=|via=}}</ref> - [https://www.guptaprogram.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/cfs-hypothesis-medical-hypotheses-article.pdf (Full text)]
::The ''Medical Hypotheses'' journal that published this is reported to be the world's most controversial journal,<ref name="MHcontroversial">{{Cite journal | title = Editor says no to peer review for controversial journal | date = 2010-03-18| url = https://www.nature.com/articles/news.2010.132|journal=Nature | last = Cressey | first = Daniel|language=en|doi=10.1038/news.2010.132|issn=1476-4687}}</ref> and describes itself as publishing hypothesis that are "radical, speculative and non-mainstream scientific ideas" and some "where experimental support is yet fragmentary".<ref name="MH">{{Cite web | url=https://www.elsevier.com/journals/medical-hypotheses/0306-9877/guide-for-authors | title = Guide for authors - Medical Hypotheses - ISSN 0306-9877 | last = | first = | authorlink = | date = | website = Elsevier|language=en|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2022-06-03}}</ref><ref name="MH-SS">{{Cite web | url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/medical-hypotheses | title = Medical Hypotheses {{!}} Journal | last = | first = | authorlink = | date = | website = ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier|language=en-us|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2022-06-03}}</ref> It is peer-reviewed.

==Personal experiences==
* 2009, [http://web.archive.org/web/20090405173658/http://www.phoenix-cfs.org/BlogAmygdalaTraining1.htm Amygdala Training part 1 Blog] - Cort Johnson (archived)
* 2012, [https://phoenixrising.me/myalgic-encephalomyelitis-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-mecfs-treatments/mind-body/amygdala-retraining/a-psychotherapist-reviews-ashtok-guptas-amygdala-retraining-program-by-tamara-lewis/ A Psychotherapist Reviews Ashok Gupta’s Amygdala Retraining Program] – Tamara Lewis
* 2010, [https://cfs-survivors.org/blog/2010/07/11/just-passed-six-months-on-the-gupta-programme/ Just passed six months on the Gupta programme] - Graham Stoney

==See also ==
*[[Criticisms of The Gupta Program]]
*[[Ashok Gupta]]
*[[Brain retraining]]
*[[Pseudoscience]]
*[[Mindfulness]]

==Learn more ==
* 2018, [https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/harley-street-solutions-ltd-a17-400324.html Advertising Standards Association complaint result]
* 2009, [https://web.archive.org/web/20210422023328/https://www.prohealth.com/library/qa-session-with-ashok-gupta-developer-of-the-amygdala-retraining-program-for-me-cfs-and-fm-held-july-10-2009-26402 Q&A Session with Ashok Gupta developer of Amygdala Retraining Program for ME/CFS, FM] - ProHealth (archived)

==References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Psychological paradigm]]
[[Category:Psychological and behavioral therapies]]
[[Category:Potential treatments]]
[[Category:Brain training]]

Gupta program

2024-06-03T01:09:16Z

SupportAndHope:/* Content of the Gupta Program */ fixing typos and including a citation.

The '''Gupta Program''' or '''Gupta Programme''' or '''Amydala and Insula Retraining''' describes itself as "[[brain training|brain retraining]]" techniques designed "to alter [[amygdala]] and [[insula]] activity" in order to treat or cure [[chronic illness|chronic diseases]] including [[chronic fatigue syndrome]] and [[fibromyalgia]].<ref name="Gupta2002" /><ref name="MAIR2020" /><ref name="ASA2018">{{Cite web | url=https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/harley-street-solutions-ltd-a17-400324.html | title = Harley Street Solutions Ltd | last = Advertising Standards Authority {{!}} Committee of Advertising Practice | authorlink = Advertising Standards Authority | first = |website=Advertising Standards Authority | date = April 11, 2018|access-date=2020-08-29}}</ref> The Gupta program is based on the [[amygdala hypothesis]] of [[chronic fatigue syndrome]], which is not [[peer review]]ed, is unproven, and has not been a focus of research.<ref name="Gupta2002" /><ref name="MAIR2020" />

In 2018, the Gupta Program was found to be making unproven advertising claims including wrongly claiming that it can be used to treat [[fibromyalgia]], [[Electrohypersensitivity|electrical sensitivities]] as well as [[ME/CFS]].<ref name="ASA2018" /> The UK's [[ME Association]] charity refuses to accept adverts for the Gupta Program, and does not endorse it.<ref name="MEA-ads">{{Cite web | last = ME Association | first = | authorlink = ME Association | date = Sep 19, 2012 | website = [[ME Association]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=| url = https://meassociation.org.uk/2012/09/new-advertising-feature-started-on-mea-website-19-september-2012/ | title = New advertising feature started on MEA website {{!}} 19 September 2012|access-date=2022-06-03|quote=We respectfully decline any contact from practitioners offering the Lightning Process, Gupta Programme, Mickel Therapy, or any similar training courses.}}</ref><ref name="MEA-CAM">{{Cite web | date = May 30, 2015 | website = [[ME Association]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=| url = https://meassociation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Alt-comp-approaches.pdf | title = Alternative and complementary approaches to management | first = Charles | last = Shepherd | authorlink=Charles Shepherd|access-date=2022-06-03|quote=Publicity for these approaches often includes glowing reports from people who have gained benefit – some of whom then go on to become therapists. However, none of these approaches has so far been subjected to proper clinical trials to assess their efficacy and safety. The MEA does not therefore endorse or recommend any of these treatments.}}</ref>

===Alternative names===
Other names used for the Gupta Program include:
* Amygdala Retraining Techniques (ART)
* Amygdala Retraining Program (ARP)<ref name="Conf2016">{{Cite web | url=https://growthzonesitesprod.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/1869/2020/10/IACFSME-2016-Program.pdf | publisher=IACFS/ME | title = 12th Biennial Conference Syllabus | date = October 2016}}</ref>
* Amygdala and Insula Retraining (AIR)
* Gupta Amygdala Retraining<ref name="ASA2018" />
* Gupta Programme<ref name="ASA2018" />
The randomized controlled trial of "Mindfulness-Based Program Plus Amygdala and Insula Retraining" (MAIR) involved using part of the Gupta Program but delivered face to face by a qualified psychologist and includes additional [[mindfulness]] for stress, plus "treatment as usual" (for example medication), and the trial cannot show evidence of the effectiveness for the Gupta Program.<ref name="MAIR2020" />

== Theory ==
The hypothesis behind the Gupta Program was published in 2002 and describes a theory involving amygdala overactivation, the hypothesis and treatment were later updated to describe [[insula]] involvement, neither version has been [[peer review]]ed.<ref name="MAIR2020" /> The new hypothesis is described on the Gupta Program website but is not published or peer-reviewed research.<ref name="website">{{Cite web | last = Gupta | first = Ashok | authorlink = Ashok Gupta | date = | title = Gupta Program {{!}} The Secret of Amygdala Retraining | url = https://www.guptaprogram.com/|website=The Gupta Program|access-date=2022-06-04|quote=}}</ref><ref name="Medical3Pager">{{Cite web | last = Gupta | first = Ashok | authorlink = Ashok Gupta | date = Feb 2021 | title = Medical Pager Final Version | url =https://guptaprog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Gupta-Program-Medical-Pager-Final-Version.pdf | website=The Gupta Program|access-date=2022-06-04|quote=}}</ref> Well-known patients [[Jennifer Brea]] and Ana Harris have criticized the Gupta Program's assumption that symptoms were caused by an overactivation/reactivity in the brain that was claimed to be unrelated to the underlying illness, an assumption which is presented as an uncontested fact by the Gupta Program.<ref name="JenTweets" /><ref name="Harris2018" />

This belief of "symptoms without disease" and the assumption that flawed [[illness beliefs]] exist that should be challenged are core parts of the [[The 3Ps model|cognitive behavioral model]] of ME/CFS and an hypothesis underlying the use of [[graded exercise therapy]] and the psychosomatic approach to [[Medically unexplained physical symptoms|medically unexplained symptoms]], treatments associated with significant rates of harm.<ref name="Nodecisions">{{Cite web | url=http://www.meassociation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015-ME-Association-Illness-Management-Report-No-decisions-about-me-without-me-30.05.15.pdf | title=ME/CFS Illness Management Survey Results - "No decisions about me without me" Part 1 | last = ME Association | first = | authorlink = ME Association | date = May 30, 2015 | website = [[ME Association]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=}}</ref><ref name="OxfordBrookesSurvey">{{Cite web | url = https://www.meassociation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/NICE-Patient-Survey-Outcomes-CBT-and-GET-Final-Consolidated-Report-03.04.19.pdf | title =Evaluation of a survey exploring the experiences of adults and children with ME/CFS who have participated in CBT and GET interventional programmes. FINAL REPORT | last = Oxford Clinical Allied Technology and Trials Services Unit (OxCATTS)|location=Oxford Brookes University | date = Feb 27, 2019}}</ref><ref name="TimeToDeliver">{{Cite web | url=https://www.actionforme.org.uk/uploads/pdfs/me-time-to-deliver-survey-report.pdf | date = 2014| title = Time to deliver: initial findings of Action for ME's 2014 survey | last = Action for ME | authorlink = Action for ME |access-date=Jul 1, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | quote =CBT/GET have been proven to be based on non-science for ME and should be removed from any recommendations in the guideline.| url = http://www.investinme.org/IIMER-Newslet-17-07-04.shtml | title = Response to NICE 10 year surveillance (2017) – Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis | last = Invest in ME Research | first = | authorlink = Invest in ME Research | date = Jul 2, 2017 | website = [[Invest in ME Research]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2019-07-02}}</ref> This "not a disease" theory provides justification for the Gupta Program teaching patients to ignore or minimize their symptoms―despite significant the evidence that ME/CFS has an underlying disease process, and the [[ICD-11|World Health Organization's ICD-11]] manual classes it as a neurological disease rather than a set of symptoms that may not indicate disease.<ref name="icd10">{{Cite web | url=https://icd.who.int/browse10/2016/en#/G93 | title = ICD-10 Version:2016 | last = World Health Organization | first = | authorlink = World Health Organization | date = |website=World Health Organization|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2020-09-25}}</ref> Ignoring or minimizing symptoms is inconsistent with [[pacing]], which involves monitoring symptoms and using them to help decide when best to stop an activity in order to avoid a "crash".<ref name="Goudsmit-pacingbasics">{{Cite journal|quote=Although a gradual increase in activity levels is permitted, the rule is that they should stop when the initial mild fatigue turns into a more unpleasant sensation, or where arms or legs begin to feel weak. Most patients will experience these symptoms fairly quickly after commencing an activity, but it is not unusual for some reactions to be delayed. Depending on where they are and what kind of activity triggered the symptoms, the patient may choose to respond either by resting, or if the fatigue is localised, by switching to an activity which uses a different muscle group. | last = Goudsmit | first = EM | authorlink = Ellen Goudsmit | last2 =Howes | first2 = S | authorlink2 = Sandra Howes| url = http://www.axfordsabode.org.uk/me/pacing.htm | title = Pacing: a strategy to improve energy management in chronic fatigue syndrome|journal=Health Psychol Update | date = 2008|volume=17 | pages = 46–52}}</ref>

=== '''Content of the Gupta Program''' ===
The Gupta Program is a brain retraining, mindfulness, and holistic health program accessible via website and a mobile app marketed to people with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS). It contains 15 video-based modules.

The program includes breathing exercises, meditations, mindset insights, light yoga and stretching, somatic experiencing exercises, holistic health advice, laughter workshops, and brain retraining exercises including their 7-step brain retraining technique. The Gupta Program also provides shorter options for brain retraining.

The program costs $349 (USD) for one year on-demand access. Participants can take their time with the modules and do not need to complete them in a specific timeframe.

The Gupta Program initially mails participants a floor chart to help with the brain retraining practice and a workbook. There is a dedicated section on how to deal with "dips" and setbacks. Ashok Gupta recommends "doing your best and leaving the rest" if you are experiencing a "dip."

The program also gives advice on pacing, diet, sleep, and the importance of nature for healing. It teaches about the importance of joy, self love, and how to foster it and also techniques for dealing with others. The Gupta Program encourages members to not wait until they are in perfect health to engage in activities they love. The Gupta Program encourages pacing within one's energy level and to not go beyond one's energy boundaries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://guptaprogram.com/how-to-pace/|title=ME/CFS And Fibro {{!}} The Gupta Program|last=Ashok|website=https://guptaprogram.com/|language=en-US|access-date=2024-06-03}}</ref> However, some have reported that the way they applied the Gupta Program resulted in them experiencing a "crash" and/or setback.

There are two modules on "parts" work. The Gupta Program teaches about sub-personalities that are trying to protect us or stimulate the nervous system with stress. Ashok explains how one can imagine sub-personalities (like the "achiever," "perfectionist," or the "protector") as beings, shapes, or colors. He teaches why we develop these "parts," and how we one work with them as if they were one's friends and even find value in what they've helped one learn.

There is a Facebook community forum, where members of the Gupta Program can connect with practice buddies. Program coaches now offer ‘Daily Guptacise’ group meditations and "brain retraining" sessions over Zoom. Ashok himself hosts a 12-week weekly Zoom webinar series throughout the year for program members (recordings available for members). It is mostly a repeat of the content in the Program. About 400 people are in attendance on mute. Sometimes, afterwards, Gupta offers optional break out rooms where attendees can get together in small groups.

Keep in mind, Gupta's Zoom webinars (recordings available) can end up being around 2 hours with the small group breakout sections, which is something to keep in mind if you currently struggle with looking at screens and/or have limited stamina.

The Gupta Program contains more content than "brain retraining." It contains additional nervous system regulation tools, including a meditation and relaxation resources. It also features information in other areas of healing such as acceptance, pacing, mindfulness, and sleep hygiene as well. The program points participants to other possible areas to explore such as trauma healing. It does not state that trauma is a root cause for everyone. It encourages you to find ways to enjoy your life without pushing, and also provides advice on how to deal with other people and stressful situations.

Keep in mind, as with the DNRS Community Forum, in the Gupta Program there are clear rules about what you can and cannot write in the Gupta Facebook group, as the program seeks to promote positive mindsets and avoid triggering other members.

Keep in mind, Ashok Gupta has said he believes some techniques and medicines are "red herrings" including polyvagal work and detox treatments because he believes the issues all start in the brain's amygdala and when that's functioning properly the body can return itself to homeostasis (this is his personal theory, not a proven fact). That said, Ashok states that the Gupta Program can be successfully implemented alongside pharmaceutical therapy, physiotherapy, or any other medical treatment one may be taking or doing. (One should always consult trusted medical professionals before making any health decisions.)

==Evidence ==
Evidence is largely limited to patient self-reports. The UK's [[Advertising Standards Authority]] upheld a complaint in 2018 claiming that the Gupta Program being falsely advertised as a treatment for [[chronic fatigue syndrome]]/[[myalgic encephalomyelitis|ME]], [[fibromyalgia]] and "electrical sensitivities" due to the lack of scientific evidence supporting this claim.<ref name="ASA2018" />
===Amygdala and insula activity hypothesis ===
There is no scientific evidence to support the Gupta Program claims that chronic diseases including ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia are caused by problematic or dysfunctional patterns or activity in the [[amygdala]] and [[insula]] parts of the brain.<ref name="CDC-causes">{{Cite web | url=https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/about/possible-causes.html | title = Possible Causes {{!}} Information for Healthcare Providers {{!}} Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ME/CFS | last = Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | first = | authorlink = Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | date = 2018 | website = CDC|language=en-us|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2022-06-01}}</ref> These areas of the brain are not one of the key areas of medical research for ME/CFS, and the UK's patient-driven ME/CFS Priority Setting Partnership did not highlight these within the top 10 it even top 18 areas that medical research should focus on.<ref name="PSP-top10">{{Cite web | access-date=2022-06-01 | date =2022 | title = The Top 10+ ME/CFS research priorities are here!| url = https://psp-me.co.uk/|website=[[Priority Setting Partnership]]}}</ref>

===Amygdala and insula activity changes ===
There is no evidence that the Gupta Program alters amygdala or insula activity in a positive way-as it claims to do-or even that amygdala or insula activity patterns are altered in ''any'' way.

===Evidence from coaches ===
The Gupta Program is delivered by "retrainers" (coaches) who charge their clients for coaching them on the program, many of the personal testimonials are offered by coaches who are not neutral since they are earning money by offering the courses and will state have improved themselves as a result of doing the Gupta Program. These personal accounts are not backed up by science and do not include evidence that the coach was even diagnosed with the illnesses claimed, nor that they have actually recovered.{{citation needed | date = 2022}}

==Safety concerns raised by clinicians ==
The ''Alternative and complementary approaches to management'' by the UK's [[ME Association]] charity for ME/CFS states that "talking treatments" which typically " combine elements of [[Brain retraining|'brain reprogramming']], [[cognitive behavioral therapy|cognitive behavior therapy]], [[neurolinguistic programming|neuro-linguistic programming]], and positive thinking" - such as the Gupta Program - are approaches have not so far "been subjected to proper clinical trials to assess their efficacy and safety" and as a result the ME Association does not therefore endorse or recommend them.<ref name="MEA-CAM" />

==Reported harms from patients ==
Some people have reported being harmed by brain training programmes, including [[Jen Brea]], who developed ME/CFS after a virus and has [[Mold illness|mold-related illness]] and [[mast cell activation syndrome]], and Ana Harris, who had mold-related illness.<ref name="JenTweets">{{Cite tweet | date = 2018-02-08|user=jenbrea | title = I crashed really hard from doing Gupta and put it aside because I didn't understand the theory. I rarely have negative thoughts about anything, let alone being sick. I do have physical signals that modulate my behaviors and I'm not sure I want to turn them off.| url = https://twitter.com/jenbrea/status/961677015286874112?lang=en}}</ref><ref name="Harris2018">{{Cite web | url=http://anaharriswrites.com/my-brain-retraining-story/ | title = My Brain Retraining Story|website=Ana Harris Writes | date = Sep 11, 2018 | last = Harris | first = Ana|language=en-US|access-date=2020-09-25}}</ref>
==People who found brain retraining programs helpful ==
Others have reported being helped by brain retraining programs. See [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERricqIkLD Erica's story] (who applied the Gupta Program and Curable app), [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGMWx8iPX-Q Astra's story] (who applied DNRS and the Gupta Program), [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wCklUD63cI Katie's story] (who applied ANS Rewire in addition to diet and lifestyle changes), and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwbklz5pD_0 Lorelai's story] (who applied DNRS and the Gupta Program). Keep in mind, each person has different factors in their life (their environment, the level of support they have at home, pathogens, exposures or past injuries, etc.). Also keep in mind that people may interpret and/or apply any program differently than the next person.

==Notable studies ==
*2020, Mindfulness-Based Program Plus Amygdala and Insula Retraining (MAIR) for the Treatment of Women with Fibro<ref name="MAIR2020">{{Cite journal | title = Mindfulness-Based Program Plus Amygdala and Insula Retraining (MAIR) for the Treatment of Women with Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial | date = Oct 2020| url = https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/9/10/3246/htm|journal=Journal of Clinical Medicine|volume=9|issue=10 | pages = 3246 | last = Sanabria-Mazo | first = Juan P. | authorlink = | last2 = Montero-Marin | first2 = Jesus | authorlink2 = | last3 = Feliu-Soler | first3 = Albert | authorlink3 = | last4 = Gasión | first4 = Virginia | authorlink4 = | last5 = Navarro-Gil | first5 = Mayte | authorlink5 = | last6 = Morillo-Sarto | first6 = Héctor | authorlink6 = | last7 = Colomer-Carbonell | first7 = Ariadna | last8 = Borràs | first8 = Xavier | last9 = Tops | first9 = Mattie | last10 = Luciano | first10 = Juan V. | last11 = García-Campayo | first11 = Javier|language=en|doi=10.3390/jcm9103246|pmc=PMC7599726|pmid=33050630|access-date=|issn=2077-0383|quote=|via=}}</ref> - [https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/9/10/3246/htm (Full text)]
::'''Conflict of interest not declared:''' Author and investigator Virginia Gasión (Virginia Gasión Royo) had been a Gupta coach since 2014, which means she earns from people doing the Gupta Program, giving a direct final financial conflict of interest.<ref name="Guptacoaches">{{Cite web | url=https://www.guptaprogram.com/coaches | title = Our Professional Team of Coaches | last = | first = | authorlink = | date = | website = Gupta Program|language=en-US|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2022-06-03}}</ref>
*2012, A mind-body technique for symptoms related to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue<ref name="Toussaint2012">{{Cite journal | title = A mind-body technique for symptoms related to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue | date = Mar 2012| url = https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22385563/|journal=Explore (New York, N.Y.)|volume=8|issue=2 | pages = 92–98 | last = Toussaint | first = Loren L. | authorlink = Loren Toussaint | last2 = Whipple | first2 = Mary O. | authorlink2 = | last3 = Abboud | first3 = Lana L. | authorlink3 = | last4 = Vincent | first4 = Ann | authorlink4 = Ann Vincent | last5 = Wahner-Roedler | first5 = Dietlind L.|doi=10.1016/j.explore.2011.12.003|pmc=|pmid=22385563|access-date=|issn=1878-7541|quote=|via=}}</ref> - [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Loren-Toussaint/publication/229324365_A_Mind-Body_Technique_for_Symptoms_Related_to_Fibromyalgia_and_Chronic_Fatigue/links/59e3bb3f458515393d5b935f/A-Mind-Body-Technique-for-Symptoms-Related-to-Fibromyalgia-and-Chronic-Fatigue.pdf (Full text)]
::The [[Advertising Standards Authority]] rejected this as evidence of effectiveness of the Gupta Program.<ref name="ASA2018" />
::This was open to patients with [[chronic fatigue syndrome]] but none completed it. Of the 32 patients randomly assigned to Amygdala and Insula Retraining (AIR) plus standard care, 19% (6 patients) dropped out before starting, 19% (6 patients) did not complete baseline measures but did AIR, 41% (13 patients) did AIR but not the follow-up assessments, 22% (7 patients) did AIR and completed follow-up assessments. Twice as many patients completed standard care, including both assessments - 56% (14 out of 25).<ref name="Toussaint2012" />

===Articles not peer reviewed or from non-academic journals===
*2010, Can amygdala retraining techniques improve the wellbeing of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome? A clinical audit of subjective outcomes in a small sample<ref name="GuptaAudit">{{Cite journal |archive-url = http://web.archive.org/web/20111119095503/http://www.guptaprogramme.com/Amygdala_Retraining_JHH_Sept_2010.pdf |archive-date=2011-11-11 | url = https://www.guptaprogram.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/amygdala-retraining-jhh-sept-2010.pdf | last = Gupta | first = A | authorlink = Ashok Gupta | date =September 2010 | title = Can amygdala retraining techniques improve the wellbeing of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome? A clinical audit of subjective outcomes in a small sample. |journal = Journal of Holistic Healthcare |volume= 7 |issue =2 | pages = 12-15 |access-date=2022-06-02}}</ref> - [http://web.archive.org/web/20111119095503/http://www.guptaprogramme.com/Amygdala_Retraining_JHH_Sept_2010.pdf (Full text)]
::The Advertising Standards Authority rejected this as evidence of effectiveness of the Gupta Program.<ref name="ASA2018" />
::This was not published in an academic journal<ref name="JHH">{{Cite web | url=https://bhma.org/journal-information-for-contributors/ | title = Journal - information for contributors | last = | first = | authorlink = | date = | website = British Holistic Medical Association|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2022-06-03}}</ref>
*2002, Unconscious amygdalar fear conditioning in a subset of chronic fatigue syndrome patients<ref name="Gupta2002">{{Cite journal | last = Gupta | first = Ashok | authorlink = Ashok Gupta | date = 2002 | title = Unconscious amygdalar fear conditioning in a subset of chronic fatigue syndrome patients| url = https://www.guptaprogram.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/cfs-hypothesis-medical-hypotheses-article.pdf | journal=Medical Hypotheses|volume=59|issue=6 | pages = 727–735|quote=|via=}}</ref> - [https://www.guptaprogram.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/cfs-hypothesis-medical-hypotheses-article.pdf (Full text)]
::The ''Medical Hypotheses'' journal that published this is reported to be the world's most controversial journal,<ref name="MHcontroversial">{{Cite journal | title = Editor says no to peer review for controversial journal | date = 2010-03-18| url = https://www.nature.com/articles/news.2010.132|journal=Nature | last = Cressey | first = Daniel|language=en|doi=10.1038/news.2010.132|issn=1476-4687}}</ref> and describes itself as publishing hypothesis that are "radical, speculative and non-mainstream scientific ideas" and some "where experimental support is yet fragmentary".<ref name="MH">{{Cite web | url=https://www.elsevier.com/journals/medical-hypotheses/0306-9877/guide-for-authors | title = Guide for authors - Medical Hypotheses - ISSN 0306-9877 | last = | first = | authorlink = | date = | website = Elsevier|language=en|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2022-06-03}}</ref><ref name="MH-SS">{{Cite web | url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/medical-hypotheses | title = Medical Hypotheses {{!}} Journal | last = | first = | authorlink = | date = | website = ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier|language=en-us|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2022-06-03}}</ref> It is peer-reviewed.

==Personal experiences==
* 2009, [http://web.archive.org/web/20090405173658/http://www.phoenix-cfs.org/BlogAmygdalaTraining1.htm Amygdala Training part 1 Blog] - Cort Johnson (archived)
* 2012, [https://phoenixrising.me/myalgic-encephalomyelitis-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-mecfs-treatments/mind-body/amygdala-retraining/a-psychotherapist-reviews-ashtok-guptas-amygdala-retraining-program-by-tamara-lewis/ A Psychotherapist Reviews Ashok Gupta’s Amygdala Retraining Program] – Tamara Lewis
* 2010, [https://cfs-survivors.org/blog/2010/07/11/just-passed-six-months-on-the-gupta-programme/ Just passed six months on the Gupta programme] - Graham Stoney

==See also ==
*[[Criticisms of The Gupta Program]]
*[[Ashok Gupta]]
*[[Brain retraining]]
*[[Pseudoscience]]
*[[Mindfulness]]

==Learn more ==
* 2018, [https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/harley-street-solutions-ltd-a17-400324.html Advertising Standards Association complaint result]
* 2009, [https://web.archive.org/web/20210422023328/https://www.prohealth.com/library/qa-session-with-ashok-gupta-developer-of-the-amygdala-retraining-program-for-me-cfs-and-fm-held-july-10-2009-26402 Q&A Session with Ashok Gupta developer of Amygdala Retraining Program for ME/CFS, FM] - ProHealth (archived)

==References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Psychological paradigm]]
[[Category:Psychological and behavioral therapies]]
[[Category:Potential treatments]]
[[Category:Brain training]]

Gupta program

2024-06-02T21:06:57Z

SupportAndHope:This edit contains the content of what's inside the Gupta Program, the price, and includes links to people who found it helpful.

The '''Gupta Program''' or '''Gupta Programme''' or '''Amydala and Insula Retraining''' describes itself as "[[brain training|brain retraining]]" techniques designed "to alter [[amygdala]] and [[insula]] activity" in order to treat or cure [[chronic illness|chronic diseases]] including [[chronic fatigue syndrome]] and [[fibromyalgia]].<ref name="Gupta2002" /><ref name="MAIR2020" /><ref name="ASA2018">{{Cite web | url=https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/harley-street-solutions-ltd-a17-400324.html | title = Harley Street Solutions Ltd | last = Advertising Standards Authority {{!}} Committee of Advertising Practice | authorlink = Advertising Standards Authority | first = |website=Advertising Standards Authority | date = April 11, 2018|access-date=2020-08-29}}</ref> The Gupta program is based on the [[amygdala hypothesis]] of [[chronic fatigue syndrome]], which is not [[peer review]]ed, is unproven, and has not been a focus of research.<ref name="Gupta2002" /><ref name="MAIR2020" />

In 2018, the Gupta Program was found to be making unproven advertising claims including wrongly claiming that it can be used to treat [[fibromyalgia]], [[Electrohypersensitivity|electrical sensitivities]] as well as [[ME/CFS]].<ref name="ASA2018" /> The UK's [[ME Association]] charity refuses to accept adverts for the Gupta Program, and does not endorse it.<ref name="MEA-ads">{{Cite web | last = ME Association | first = | authorlink = ME Association | date = Sep 19, 2012 | website = [[ME Association]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=| url = https://meassociation.org.uk/2012/09/new-advertising-feature-started-on-mea-website-19-september-2012/ | title = New advertising feature started on MEA website {{!}} 19 September 2012|access-date=2022-06-03|quote=We respectfully decline any contact from practitioners offering the Lightning Process, Gupta Programme, Mickel Therapy, or any similar training courses.}}</ref><ref name="MEA-CAM">{{Cite web | date = May 30, 2015 | website = [[ME Association]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=| url = https://meassociation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Alt-comp-approaches.pdf | title = Alternative and complementary approaches to management | first = Charles | last = Shepherd | authorlink=Charles Shepherd|access-date=2022-06-03|quote=Publicity for these approaches often includes glowing reports from people who have gained benefit – some of whom then go on to become therapists. However, none of these approaches has so far been subjected to proper clinical trials to assess their efficacy and safety. The MEA does not therefore endorse or recommend any of these treatments.}}</ref>

===Alternative names===
Other names used for the Gupta Program include:
* Amygdala Retraining Techniques (ART)
* Amygdala Retraining Program (ARP)<ref name="Conf2016">{{Cite web | url=https://growthzonesitesprod.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/1869/2020/10/IACFSME-2016-Program.pdf | publisher=IACFS/ME | title = 12th Biennial Conference Syllabus | date = October 2016}}</ref>
* Amygdala and Insula Retraining (AIR)
* Gupta Amygdala Retraining<ref name="ASA2018" />
* Gupta Programme<ref name="ASA2018" />
The randomized controlled trial of "Mindfulness-Based Program Plus Amygdala and Insula Retraining" (MAIR) involved using part of the Gupta Program but delivered face to face by a qualified psychologist and includes additional [[mindfulness]] for stress, plus "treatment as usual" (for example medication), and the trial cannot show evidence of the effectiveness for the Gupta Program.<ref name="MAIR2020" />

== Theory ==
The hypothesis behind the Gupta Program was published in 2002 and describes a theory involving amygdala overactivation, the hypothesis and treatment were later updated to describe [[insula]] involvement, neither version has been [[peer review]]ed.<ref name="MAIR2020" /> The new hypothesis is described on the Gupta Program website but is not published or peer-reviewed research.<ref name="website">{{Cite web | last = Gupta | first = Ashok | authorlink = Ashok Gupta | date = | title = Gupta Program {{!}} The Secret of Amygdala Retraining | url = https://www.guptaprogram.com/|website=The Gupta Program|access-date=2022-06-04|quote=}}</ref><ref name="Medical3Pager">{{Cite web | last = Gupta | first = Ashok | authorlink = Ashok Gupta | date = Feb 2021 | title = Medical Pager Final Version | url =https://guptaprog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Gupta-Program-Medical-Pager-Final-Version.pdf | website=The Gupta Program|access-date=2022-06-04|quote=}}</ref> Well-known patients [[Jennifer Brea]] and Ana Harris have criticized the Gupta Program's assumption that symptoms were caused by an overactivation/reactivity in the brain that was claimed to be unrelated to the underlying illness, an assumption which is presented as an uncontested fact by the Gupta Program.<ref name="JenTweets" /><ref name="Harris2018" />

This belief of "symptoms without disease" and the assumption that flawed [[illness beliefs]] exist that should be challenged are core parts of the [[The 3Ps model|cognitive behavioral model]] of ME/CFS and an hypothesis underlying the use of [[graded exercise therapy]] and the psychosomatic approach to [[Medically unexplained physical symptoms|medically unexplained symptoms]], treatments associated with significant rates of harm.<ref name="Nodecisions">{{Cite web | url=http://www.meassociation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015-ME-Association-Illness-Management-Report-No-decisions-about-me-without-me-30.05.15.pdf | title=ME/CFS Illness Management Survey Results - "No decisions about me without me" Part 1 | last = ME Association | first = | authorlink = ME Association | date = May 30, 2015 | website = [[ME Association]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=}}</ref><ref name="OxfordBrookesSurvey">{{Cite web | url = https://www.meassociation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/NICE-Patient-Survey-Outcomes-CBT-and-GET-Final-Consolidated-Report-03.04.19.pdf | title =Evaluation of a survey exploring the experiences of adults and children with ME/CFS who have participated in CBT and GET interventional programmes. FINAL REPORT | last = Oxford Clinical Allied Technology and Trials Services Unit (OxCATTS)|location=Oxford Brookes University | date = Feb 27, 2019}}</ref><ref name="TimeToDeliver">{{Cite web | url=https://www.actionforme.org.uk/uploads/pdfs/me-time-to-deliver-survey-report.pdf | date = 2014| title = Time to deliver: initial findings of Action for ME's 2014 survey | last = Action for ME | authorlink = Action for ME |access-date=Jul 1, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | quote =CBT/GET have been proven to be based on non-science for ME and should be removed from any recommendations in the guideline.| url = http://www.investinme.org/IIMER-Newslet-17-07-04.shtml | title = Response to NICE 10 year surveillance (2017) – Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis | last = Invest in ME Research | first = | authorlink = Invest in ME Research | date = Jul 2, 2017 | website = [[Invest in ME Research]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2019-07-02}}</ref> This "not a disease" theory provides justification for the Gupta Program teaching patients to ignore or minimize their symptoms―despite significant the evidence that ME/CFS has an underlying disease process, and the [[ICD-11|World Health Organization's ICD-11]] manual classes it as a neurological disease rather than a set of symptoms that may not indicate disease.<ref name="icd10">{{Cite web | url=https://icd.who.int/browse10/2016/en#/G93 | title = ICD-10 Version:2016 | last = World Health Organization | first = | authorlink = World Health Organization | date = |website=World Health Organization|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2020-09-25}}</ref> Ignoring or minimizing symptoms is inconsistent with [[pacing]], which involves monitoring symptoms and using them to help decide when best to stop an activity in order to avoid a "crash".<ref name="Goudsmit-pacingbasics">{{Cite journal|quote=Although a gradual increase in activity levels is permitted, the rule is that they should stop when the initial mild fatigue turns into a more unpleasant sensation, or where arms or legs begin to feel weak. Most patients will experience these symptoms fairly quickly after commencing an activity, but it is not unusual for some reactions to be delayed. Depending on where they are and what kind of activity triggered the symptoms, the patient may choose to respond either by resting, or if the fatigue is localised, by switching to an activity which uses a different muscle group. | last = Goudsmit | first = EM | authorlink = Ellen Goudsmit | last2 =Howes | first2 = S | authorlink2 = Sandra Howes| url = http://www.axfordsabode.org.uk/me/pacing.htm | title = Pacing: a strategy to improve energy management in chronic fatigue syndrome|journal=Health Psychol Update | date = 2008|volume=17 | pages = 46–52}}</ref>

=== '''Content of the Gupta Program''' ===
The Gupta Program is a brain retraining, mindfulness, and holistic health program accessible via website and a mobile app. It contains 15 video-based modules.

The program includes breathing exercises, meditations, mindset insights, light yoga and stretching, somatic experiencing exercises, holistic health advice, laughter workshops, and brain retraining exercises including their 7-step brain retraining technique. The Gupta Program also provides shorter options for brain retraining.

The program costs $349 (USD) for one year on-demand access. Participants can take their time with the modules, and do not need to complete them in a specific timeframe.

The Gupta Program initially mails one a floor chart (to help with the brain retraining practice) and a workbook. There is a dedicated section on how to deal with "dips" and setbacks. Ashok Gupta recommends "doing your best and leaving the rest" if you are experiencing a "dip."

The program also gives advice on pacing, diet, sleep and the importance of nature for healing. It teaches about the importance of joy, self love, and how to foster it and also techniques for dealing with others. The Gupta Program encourages members to not wait until they are in perfect health to engage in activities they love. However, the Gupta Program does encourage pacing within one's activity level.

There are two modules on "parts" work. The Gupta Program takes into account that many people have experienced trauma in their life. You learn about sub-personalities that are trying to protect us or stimulate the nervous system with stress. Ashok explains how one can imagine sub-personalities (like the "achiever" or "perfectionist" or the "protector") as beings, shapes, or colors. He teaches why we develop these "parts," and how we one work with them as if they were one's friends and even find value in what they've helped one learn.

There is a Facebook community forum, where members of the Gupta Program can connect with practice buddies. Program coaches now offer ‘Daily Guptacise’ group meditations and "brain retraining" sessions over Zoom. Ashok himself hosts a 12-week weekly Zoom webinar series throughout the year for program members (recordings available for members). It is mostly a repeat of the content in the Program. About 400 people are in attendance on mute. Sometimes, afterwards, Gupta offers optional break out rooms where attendees can get together in small groups.

Keep in mind, Gupta's Zoom webinars (recordings available) can end up being around 2 hours with the small group breakout sections, which is something to keep in mind if you currently struggle with looking at screens and/or have limited stamina.

The Gupta Program contains more content than "brain retraining." It contains additional nervous system regulation tools, including a meditation and relaxation resources. It also features information in other areas of healing such as acceptance, pacing, mindfulness, and sleep hygiene as well. The program points participants to other possible areas to explore such as trauma healing. It does not state that trauma is a root cause for everyone. It encourages you to find ways to enjoy your life without pushing, and also provides advice on how to deal with other people and stressful situations.

Keep in mind, as with the DNRS Community Forum, in the Gupta Program are clear rules about what you can and can’t write in the Gupta Facebook group, as the program seeks to promote positive mindsets and avoid triggering other members.

Keep in mind, Ashok Gupta has said he believes some techniques and medicines are "red herrings" including polyvagal work and detox treatments because he believes the issues all start in the brain's amygdala and when that's functioning properly the body can return itself to homeostasis (this is his personal theory, not a proven fact). That said, Ashok states that the Gupta Program can be successfully implemented alongside pharmaceutical therapy, physiotherapy, or any other medical treatment one may be taking or doing. (One should always consult trusted medical professionals before making any health decisions.)

==Evidence ==
Evidence is largely limited to patient self-reports. The UK's [[Advertising Standards Authority]] upheld a complaint in 2018 claiming that the Gupta Program being falsely advertised as a treatment for [[chronic fatigue syndrome]]/[[myalgic encephalomyelitis|ME]], [[fibromyalgia]] and "electrical sensitivities" due to the lack of scientific evidence supporting this claim.<ref name="ASA2018" />
===Amygdala and insula activity hypothesis ===
There is no scientific evidence to support the Gupta Program claims that chronic diseases including ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia are caused by problematic or dysfunctional patterns or activity in the [[amygdala]] and [[insula]] parts of the brain.<ref name="CDC-causes">{{Cite web | url=https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/about/possible-causes.html | title = Possible Causes {{!}} Information for Healthcare Providers {{!}} Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ME/CFS | last = Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | first = | authorlink = Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | date = 2018 | website = CDC|language=en-us|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2022-06-01}}</ref> These areas of the brain are not one of the key areas of medical research for ME/CFS, and the UK's patient-driven ME/CFS Priority Setting Partnership did not highlight these within the top 10 it even top 18 areas that medical research should focus on.<ref name="PSP-top10">{{Cite web | access-date=2022-06-01 | date =2022 | title = The Top 10+ ME/CFS research priorities are here!| url = https://psp-me.co.uk/|website=[[Priority Setting Partnership]]}}</ref>

===Amygdala and insula activity changes ===
There is no evidence that the Gupta Program alters amygdala or insula activity in a positive way-as it claims to do-or even that amygdala or insula activity patterns are altered in ''any'' way.

===Evidence from coaches ===
The Gupta Program is delivered by "retrainers" (coaches) who charge their clients for coaching them on the program, many of the personal testimonials are offered by coaches who are not neutral since they are earning money by offering the courses and will state have improved themselves as a result of doing the Gupta Program. These personal accounts are not backed up by science and do not include evidence that the coach was even diagnosed with the illnesses claimed, nor that they have actually recovered.{{citation needed | date = 2022}}

==Safety concerns raised by clinicians ==
The ''Alternative and complementary approaches to management'' by the UK's [[ME Association]] charity for ME/CFS states that "talking treatments" which typically " combine elements of [[Brain retraining|'brain reprogramming']], [[cognitive behavioral therapy|cognitive behavior therapy]], [[neurolinguistic programming|neuro-linguistic programming]], and positive thinking" - such as the Gupta Program - are approaches have not so far "been subjected to proper clinical trials to assess their efficacy and safety" and as a result the ME Association does not therefore endorse or recommend them.<ref name="MEA-CAM" />

==Reported harms from patients ==
Some people have reported being harmed by brain training programmes, including [[Jen Brea]], who developed ME/CFS after a virus and has [[Mold illness|mold-related illness]] and [[mast cell activation syndrome]], and Ana Harris, who had mold-related illness.<ref name="JenTweets">{{Cite tweet | date = 2018-02-08|user=jenbrea | title = I crashed really hard from doing Gupta and put it aside because I didn't understand the theory. I rarely have negative thoughts about anything, let alone being sick. I do have physical signals that modulate my behaviors and I'm not sure I want to turn them off.| url = https://twitter.com/jenbrea/status/961677015286874112?lang=en}}</ref><ref name="Harris2018">{{Cite web | url=http://anaharriswrites.com/my-brain-retraining-story/ | title = My Brain Retraining Story|website=Ana Harris Writes | date = Sep 11, 2018 | last = Harris | first = Ana|language=en-US|access-date=2020-09-25}}</ref>
==People who found brain retraining programs helpful ==
Others have reported being helped by brain retraining programs. See [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERricqIkLD Erica's story] (who applied the Gupta Program and Curable app), [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGMWx8iPX-Q Astra's story] (who applied DNRS and the Gupta Program), [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wCklUD63cI Katie's story] (who applied ANS Rewire in addition to diet and lifestyle changes), and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwbklz5pD_0 Lorelai's story] (who applied DNRS and the Gupta Program). Keep in mind, each person has different factors in their life (their environment, the level of support they have at home, pathogens, exposures or past injuries, etc.). Also keep in mind that people may interpret and/or apply any program differently than the next person.

==Notable studies ==
*2020, Mindfulness-Based Program Plus Amygdala and Insula Retraining (MAIR) for the Treatment of Women with Fibro<ref name="MAIR2020">{{Cite journal | title = Mindfulness-Based Program Plus Amygdala and Insula Retraining (MAIR) for the Treatment of Women with Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial | date = Oct 2020| url = https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/9/10/3246/htm|journal=Journal of Clinical Medicine|volume=9|issue=10 | pages = 3246 | last = Sanabria-Mazo | first = Juan P. | authorlink = | last2 = Montero-Marin | first2 = Jesus | authorlink2 = | last3 = Feliu-Soler | first3 = Albert | authorlink3 = | last4 = Gasión | first4 = Virginia | authorlink4 = | last5 = Navarro-Gil | first5 = Mayte | authorlink5 = | last6 = Morillo-Sarto | first6 = Héctor | authorlink6 = | last7 = Colomer-Carbonell | first7 = Ariadna | last8 = Borràs | first8 = Xavier | last9 = Tops | first9 = Mattie | last10 = Luciano | first10 = Juan V. | last11 = García-Campayo | first11 = Javier|language=en|doi=10.3390/jcm9103246|pmc=PMC7599726|pmid=33050630|access-date=|issn=2077-0383|quote=|via=}}</ref> - [https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/9/10/3246/htm (Full text)]
::'''Conflict of interest not declared:''' Author and investigator Virginia Gasión (Virginia Gasión Royo) had been a Gupta coach since 2014, which means she earns from people doing the Gupta Program, giving a direct final financial conflict of interest.<ref name="Guptacoaches">{{Cite web | url=https://www.guptaprogram.com/coaches | title = Our Professional Team of Coaches | last = | first = | authorlink = | date = | website = Gupta Program|language=en-US|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2022-06-03}}</ref>
*2012, A mind-body technique for symptoms related to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue<ref name="Toussaint2012">{{Cite journal | title = A mind-body technique for symptoms related to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue | date = Mar 2012| url = https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22385563/|journal=Explore (New York, N.Y.)|volume=8|issue=2 | pages = 92–98 | last = Toussaint | first = Loren L. | authorlink = Loren Toussaint | last2 = Whipple | first2 = Mary O. | authorlink2 = | last3 = Abboud | first3 = Lana L. | authorlink3 = | last4 = Vincent | first4 = Ann | authorlink4 = Ann Vincent | last5 = Wahner-Roedler | first5 = Dietlind L.|doi=10.1016/j.explore.2011.12.003|pmc=|pmid=22385563|access-date=|issn=1878-7541|quote=|via=}}</ref> - [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Loren-Toussaint/publication/229324365_A_Mind-Body_Technique_for_Symptoms_Related_to_Fibromyalgia_and_Chronic_Fatigue/links/59e3bb3f458515393d5b935f/A-Mind-Body-Technique-for-Symptoms-Related-to-Fibromyalgia-and-Chronic-Fatigue.pdf (Full text)]
::The [[Advertising Standards Authority]] rejected this as evidence of effectiveness of the Gupta Program.<ref name="ASA2018" />
::This was open to patients with [[chronic fatigue syndrome]] but none completed it. Of the 32 patients randomly assigned to Amygdala and Insula Retraining (AIR) plus standard care, 19% (6 patients) dropped out before starting, 19% (6 patients) did not complete baseline measures but did AIR, 41% (13 patients) did AIR but not the follow-up assessments, 22% (7 patients) did AIR and completed follow-up assessments. Twice as many patients completed standard care, including both assessments - 56% (14 out of 25).<ref name="Toussaint2012" />

===Articles not peer reviewed or from non-academic journals===
*2010, Can amygdala retraining techniques improve the wellbeing of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome? A clinical audit of subjective outcomes in a small sample<ref name="GuptaAudit">{{Cite journal |archive-url = http://web.archive.org/web/20111119095503/http://www.guptaprogramme.com/Amygdala_Retraining_JHH_Sept_2010.pdf |archive-date=2011-11-11 | url = https://www.guptaprogram.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/amygdala-retraining-jhh-sept-2010.pdf | last = Gupta | first = A | authorlink = Ashok Gupta | date =September 2010 | title = Can amygdala retraining techniques improve the wellbeing of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome? A clinical audit of subjective outcomes in a small sample. |journal = Journal of Holistic Healthcare |volume= 7 |issue =2 | pages = 12-15 |access-date=2022-06-02}}</ref> - [http://web.archive.org/web/20111119095503/http://www.guptaprogramme.com/Amygdala_Retraining_JHH_Sept_2010.pdf (Full text)]
::The Advertising Standards Authority rejected this as evidence of effectiveness of the Gupta Program.<ref name="ASA2018" />
::This was not published in an academic journal<ref name="JHH">{{Cite web | url=https://bhma.org/journal-information-for-contributors/ | title = Journal - information for contributors | last = | first = | authorlink = | date = | website = British Holistic Medical Association|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2022-06-03}}</ref>
*2002, Unconscious amygdalar fear conditioning in a subset of chronic fatigue syndrome patients<ref name="Gupta2002">{{Cite journal | last = Gupta | first = Ashok | authorlink = Ashok Gupta | date = 2002 | title = Unconscious amygdalar fear conditioning in a subset of chronic fatigue syndrome patients| url = https://www.guptaprogram.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/cfs-hypothesis-medical-hypotheses-article.pdf | journal=Medical Hypotheses|volume=59|issue=6 | pages = 727–735|quote=|via=}}</ref> - [https://www.guptaprogram.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/cfs-hypothesis-medical-hypotheses-article.pdf (Full text)]
::The ''Medical Hypotheses'' journal that published this is reported to be the world's most controversial journal,<ref name="MHcontroversial">{{Cite journal | title = Editor says no to peer review for controversial journal | date = 2010-03-18| url = https://www.nature.com/articles/news.2010.132|journal=Nature | last = Cressey | first = Daniel|language=en|doi=10.1038/news.2010.132|issn=1476-4687}}</ref> and describes itself as publishing hypothesis that are "radical, speculative and non-mainstream scientific ideas" and some "where experimental support is yet fragmentary".<ref name="MH">{{Cite web | url=https://www.elsevier.com/journals/medical-hypotheses/0306-9877/guide-for-authors | title = Guide for authors - Medical Hypotheses - ISSN 0306-9877 | last = | first = | authorlink = | date = | website = Elsevier|language=en|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2022-06-03}}</ref><ref name="MH-SS">{{Cite web | url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/medical-hypotheses | title = Medical Hypotheses {{!}} Journal | last = | first = | authorlink = | date = | website = ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier|language=en-us|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2022-06-03}}</ref> It is peer-reviewed.

==Personal experiences==
* 2009, [http://web.archive.org/web/20090405173658/http://www.phoenix-cfs.org/BlogAmygdalaTraining1.htm Amygdala Training part 1 Blog] - Cort Johnson (archived)
* 2012, [https://phoenixrising.me/myalgic-encephalomyelitis-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-mecfs-treatments/mind-body/amygdala-retraining/a-psychotherapist-reviews-ashtok-guptas-amygdala-retraining-program-by-tamara-lewis/ A Psychotherapist Reviews Ashok Gupta’s Amygdala Retraining Program] – Tamara Lewis
* 2010, [https://cfs-survivors.org/blog/2010/07/11/just-passed-six-months-on-the-gupta-programme/ Just passed six months on the Gupta programme] - Graham Stoney

==See also ==
*[[Criticisms of The Gupta Program]]
*[[Ashok Gupta]]
*[[Brain retraining]]
*[[Pseudoscience]]
*[[Mindfulness]]

==Learn more ==
* 2018, [https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/harley-street-solutions-ltd-a17-400324.html Advertising Standards Association complaint result]
* 2009, [https://web.archive.org/web/20210422023328/https://www.prohealth.com/library/qa-session-with-ashok-gupta-developer-of-the-amygdala-retraining-program-for-me-cfs-and-fm-held-july-10-2009-26402 Q&A Session with Ashok Gupta developer of Amygdala Retraining Program for ME/CFS, FM] - ProHealth (archived)

==References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Psychological paradigm]]
[[Category:Psychological and behavioral therapies]]
[[Category:Potential treatments]]
[[Category:Brain training]]