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== 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> 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.)
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