The Honourable Shri Prataprao Jadhav
The Honourable Shri Prataprao Jadhav
Guest of Honour
Honourable Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ministry of AYUSH and Minister of State of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India
Rajaraam
Tony Nader, MD, PhD, MARR
Chief Patron of the Congress
President, Maharishi International University, Fairfield, USA; Head of the Transcendental Meditation organizations globally
Dr. P.D. Patil
Dr P.D. Patil, India
Chief Patron of the Congress
Chancellor, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune
Padma Bhushan Vaidya Devendra Triguna
Padma Bhushan Vaidya Devendra Triguna, India
President, National Academy of Ayurveda, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India; Chairman, Trust, All India Ayurvedic Congress; recipient of “Padma Shri” & “Padma Bhushan” award for his contribution to Ayurveda
Prof. Dr. Subhash Ranade
Prof. Dr Subhash Ranade, India
Chairman, International Academy of Ayurved, Pune. One of the foremost experts on Ayurveda. He is leading academician and physician in the field of Ayurveda.
Dr. med. Rainer Picha
Dr med Rainer Picha, Austria
Rainer Picha, MD, senior consultant in cardiology from Austria; former Assistant Director, Department of Cardiology of the State Hospital in Graz, Austria; Chairman of International Maharishi AyurVeda Foundation, The Netherlands, overseeing all Maharishi AyurVeda activities worldwide
Modern Medicine Discovers Ayurvedic Principles
Read Abstract
Prof. Gunvant Yeola
Prof. Dr Gunvant Yeola MD, PhD (Ayurveda), India
Principal, Dr D. Y. Patil College of Ayurved and Research Centre, Pune
Dr R. N. Acharya
Dr R. N. Acharya, India
Director General, CCRAS, Ministry of AYUSH, New Delhi
Dr Tanuja Nesari
Dr Tanuja Nesari, India
Director, All India Institute of Ayurved, New Delhi
Dr Kuldip Raj Kohli
Dr Kuldip Raj Kohli, India
Former Director of Ayurveda, Govt of Maharashtra, Mumbai
Prof. Vaidya Rakesh Sharma
Prof. Vaidya Rakesh Sharma, India
MD, PhD, President, Board of Ethics and Registration. National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM)
Dr. med. Walter Mölk
Dr med Walter Mölk, Austria
Director, Maharishi College of Perfect Health International, The Netherlands; Director, International Maharishi AyurVeda Foundation, The Netherlands; Director, Stichting Maharishi European Research University / Maharishi Vedic University, The Netherlands; Founder Austrian Society for Ayurvedic Medicine (1986)
Consciousness: Ancient and Modern Views Regarding the Source, Course, and Goal of Ayurveda
Read Abstract
Lothar Pirc
Lothar Pirc, Germany
CEO & Owner, Maharishi AyurVeda Health Centre, Bad Ems, Germany; Professor of Practice, DPU Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Centre for Online Learning, Pune; Director, International Maharishi AyurVeda Foundation, The Netherlands
Managing an authentic ayurveda clinic and treating 30,000 patients with panchakarma in the Maharishi Ayurveda Health Centre in Bad Ems, Germany
Read Abstract
Dr. med. Wolfgang Schachinger
Dr med Wolfgang Schachinger, Austria
President, European Ayurveda Medical Association (EURAMA); Board German Ayurveda Association; CEO and Medical Director, Home of Ayurveda somamed, Geboltskirchen, Austria
Improved Mental Wellness and Physical Health through an Online Ayurvedic Purification Treatment
Read Abstract
Dr med John Fagan
Prof. John Fagan, PhD Cornell Univ., USA
International Director for Food Purity, Safety and Security, Professor of Molecular Biology, Maharishi International University, USA; Exec. Dir. Earth Open Source, USA & EU
Genomic Signatures of Healing: Impact of Transcendental Meditation on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Read Abstract
Dr. med. Oliver Werner
Dr med Oliver Werner, Switzerland
President, Swiss Physicians Society for Ayurveda;
President, Swiss Association for Maharishi Ayurveda;
Founder, Maharishi Ayurveda Health Centre, Seelisberg, Switzerland
Scientific verification of the Vedic concept: Consciousness is all there is
Read Abstract
Dr Gordana Marković, PhD
Dr Gordana Marković, Serbia
Medical doctor, specialist of Social medicine and Public Health; Member of the State Expert Committee on Complementary Medicine, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia; Principal Professor, Alma Mater Europaea University, Slovenia
The Contribution of Ayurveda to the treatment of infertility
Read Abstract
Jon Lipman
Jon Lipman, AIA, USA
Adjunct Faculty, Institute for Vedic Architecture, Maharishi International University, Fairfield, Iowa
Vastu Vidya as a Key Element of Ayurveda: Maharishi Vastu Understood in the Light of Medical Research & Consciousness
Read Abstract
Hari Sharma, MD
Hari Sharma, MD, USA
Professor Emeritus, former Director, Cancer Prevention and Natural Products Research, Ohio State University
Ayurveda, Dynamic DNA & Epigenetics
Read Abstract
Dr Jose Rugue
Dr Jose Rugue, Brazil
President, Suddha Dharma Mandala and Yoga Brahma Vidyalaya, Brazil
Deepak Prakash Baskota
Deepak Prakash Baskota, Nepal
Chairman, Nepal Maharishi Vedic Foundation
Ram Shrivastava
Ram Shrivastava, India
Director and Head of Global Expansion, Maharishi Ayurveda Products
Lakshman Shrivastava
Lakshman Shrivastava, India
Managing Director, Maharishi Ayurveda Hospital, New Delhi; Executive Director, Maharishi Ayurveda Boutique Wellness Retreat Rishikesh; Director, Maharishi Ayurveda Products
Dr Partap Chauhan
Dr Partap Chauhan, India
Director, Jiva Ayurved, New Delhi
Ranjit Anand Puranik
Ranjit Anand Puranik, India
Executive Director and CEO, Shree Dhootapapeshwar Ltd, Mumbai; Advisor, Herbal and AYUSH Panel at PHARMEXCI
Dr G. G. Gangadharan
Dr G. G. Gangadharan, India
BAMS, FAIP (USA), PhD, MoM (McGill, Canada) Ayurveda Consultant, Bengaluru
Dr P. Ram Manohar
Dr P. Ram Manohar, India
Research Director of Amrita School of Ayurveda, Kerala
Dr Kishor Patwardhan
Dr Kishor Patwardhan, India
Department of Kriya Sharir (Ayurveda Physiology), Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University
Padma Shri Dr Balendu Prakash
Padma Shri Dr Balendu Prakash, India
Former physician to the President of India and Founder of Paadav, a specialty Ayurvedic hospital in Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Dr S. N. Gupta
Prof. Dr S. N. Gupta, India
Professor, Post-graduate Department of Kayachikitsa, J. S. Ayurveda College, Nadiad, Gujarat
Dr Somit Kumar
Dr Somit Kumar, India
Director & CSO, AVP Research Foundation, Speciality in Kerala based Panchakarma technique
Dr Hemant Baviskar
Dr Hemant Baviskar, India
Renowned Ayurvedic Ophthalmologist, Founder, Netrayu Ayurvedic Eye care clinic, Jalgaon, Maharashtra
Dr Gaurang Joshi, BAMS
Dr Gaurang Joshi, BAMS, India
Director Atharva Multispecialty Ayurveda Hospital, Rajkot
Dr Vineeta Deshmukh, MD, PhD
Dr Vineeta Deshmukh, MD, PhD, India
Ayurvedic Physician, Integrated Cancer Treatment and Research Center, Wagholi, Pune
Dr Narayan Shahane
Dr Narayan Shahane, India
Ayurvedic Urologist & Medical Director, Bramha Ayurved, Nadiad
Dr Rohit Sane
Dr Rohit Sane, India
Managing Director, Madhav Baug, multidisciplinary cardiac care centres and hospitals
Ashtavaidyan A N Narayanan Nambi
Prof. Dr Ashtavaidyan A N Narayanan Nambi, MD (Ay), India
Director of academic and clinical services of SNA, Oushadhasala
Dr K.V.G.S. Murty
Dr K.V.G.S. Murty, India
Principal Director of Research, and Co-founder of Kalaga Herbal Research Limited, Hyderabad
Dr E.T. Ravi Mooss
Ashtavaidyan Dr E.T. Ravi Mooss, India
Aatma Ayurvedic Centre, Kerala
Dr Prerak Shah
Dr Prerak Shah, India
Ayurveda Consultant, Ahmedabad
Mas Vidal
Mas Vidal, USA
Founder, Dancing Shiva Ayurved and Yoga School, CA, USA
Traya Upastambha: Food, Sleep and Sex, Ayurveda’s Three Sub-Pillars for Overcoming Chronic Diseases, Promoting Longevity and Happiness
Read Abstract
Prof. Carl Camelia
Prof. Carl Camelia, Curaçao
Principal Founder and Academic Vice President, University of Maharishi for Latin America and the Caribbean (UMLAC); Founder and CEO, Integral University of the Caribbean and Latin America (UNICAL)
Development and Implementation of Integrative Ayurveda Programs in Latina America and the Caribbean
Read Abstract
Dr German Martina
Dr German Martina, Argentina
Director, Health Programs at Maharishi University of Latin America and the Caribbean (UMLAC); President, Argentine Association for Transcendenatal Meditation and Vedic Science
Development and Implementation of Integrative Ayurveda Programs in Latina America and the Caribbean
Read Abstract
Dr James Meade
Dr James Meade, USA
Author of more than 30 published books
Disallowing Dementia
Read Abstract
Dr Mauricio Arley Fonseca
Dr Mauricio Arley Fonseca, Costa Rica
Psychoanalyst; Chair Professor of Literature, Department of Humanities, University of Costa Rica
Surfing Receding Waves as a Practice of Resilience When Experiencing Suicidal Ideas
Read Abstract
Dr Supaya Wenuganen
Dr Supaya Wenuganen, USA
Professor (Assistant) Maharishi International University
A Symphony of the Integration of Life: Exploring Consciousness Based Medicine and Maharishi Ayurveda
Read Abstract
Sara Alvarez-Jimenez
Sara Alvarez-Jimenez, Spain
Consciousness-Based Integrative Medicine, Maharishi AyurVeda
A Symphony of the Integration of Life: Exploring Consciousness Based Medicine and Maharishi Ayurveda
Read Abstract
Dr Hiroshini Amarasingha
Dr Hiroshini Amarasingha, Sri Lanka
Group Ayurvedic Doctor, Amaya Resorts and Spa, Sri Lanka
Evaluation of the Effects and Efficacy of Treatment Protocol in the Management of Overweight and Obesity
Read Abstract
  • Abstract:

    Modern Medicine Discovers Ayurvedic Principles
    Dr med Rainer Picha, Austria

    Introduction
    Recent scientific research has shown that Ayurveda shouldn’t be perceived as an outdated traditional healing system, but rather as cutting-edge modern medicine.

    Scientific Research Confirms Ayurvedic Principles
    Several examples from a wide range of research findings highlight the significance of Ayurvedic principles. These include:

    • The role of cell waste (Ama) in maintaining healthy physiology
    • The principle of Amapachana and the discovery of autophagy
    • The role of Apana Vata and the importance of the gut microbiome
    • The principle of Dinacharya and research on the circadian rhythm, including the circadian clock in our brain
    • The importance of nutrition
    • The effects of Nasya on brain health and the discovery of the brain-nose interface
    • The influence of the healing morning sun on physiology and its relation to near-infrared light

     
    Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of consciousness, a concept expressed in the Ayurvedic word for health itself, Swasthya, which means being established in the self or consciousness.

    Psychosocial stress is not only one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke but also a trigger for all other modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. However, consciousness-based technologies are not as widely utilized in modern medicine as they should be, given their potential to address the leading cause of death in most countries.

    A review of recent scientific research on stress management through a traditional Yoga technique called Transcendental Meditation demonstrates its efficacy in preventing heart attacks and strokes.

    Conclusion
    This brief review of scientific studies highlights the profound Ayurvedic principles, which should lead to greater appreciation not only by modern medicine but also by those who still doubt the great potential of Ayurvedic medicine.

  • Abstract:

    Consciousness: Ancient and Modern Views Regarding the Source, Course, and Goal of Ayurveda
    Dr med Walter Mölk, Austria

    The current practice and training of Ayurveda typically do not address the role of consciousness in prevention and healing. The origin of Ayurveda and its spiritual aspects are often regarded as mystical and incompatible with modern scientific thinking and research.

    On the other hand, the study of consciousness is gaining increasing attention and is considered by some researchers to be the “last frontier” of modern science.

    Method: In this presentation the role of consciousness with respect to the Source, Course, and Goal of Ayurveda is examined in relation to the Ayurvedic Samhitas, Maharishi’s Vedic Science and Technology, and the work and research of neuroscientist Tony Nader, MD, PhD.

    A) Source of Ayurveda:
    According to the Ayurvedic texts, the ancient Rishis attained knowledge of Ayurveda through deep meditation (dhyana-cakshusha) within their own consciousness. Furthermore, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi has demonstrated that Ayurvedic concepts such as Tridoshas, Ojas, and Pragya Aparadha etc. are rooted in consciousness. A key aspect for this understanding is Maharishi’s definition ‘Consciousness is that which is conscious of itself.’ Dr Tony Nader explains the different theories of consciousness in scientific terms and from the perspective of Advaita Vedanta with the conclusion ‘Consciousness is all there is’.

    B) Course and Practice of Ayurveda:
    The Samhitas contain numerous references to the importance of the development of consciousness. In Naisthiki Chikitsa, which is considered the highest form of therapy, consciousness plays a central role.

    C) Goal of Ayurveda:
    The ultimate goal of Ayurveda is the development of higher states of consciousness. In 1985, Maharishi presented his World Plan for Perfect Health, which includes the goal of creating a disease-free society by increasing coherence in collective consciousness.

    Conclusion:
    The development of consciousness is essential for the understanding and practice of Ayurveda and should therefore be an integral part of Ayurvedic training. This is also expressed in the Sanskrit word for health, Sva-sthya (established in one’s own Self).

  • Abstract:

    Managing an authentic ayurveda clinic and treating 30,000 patients with panchakarma in the Maharishi Ayurveda Health Centre in Bad Ems, Germany
    Lothar Pirc, Prof. of Practice, Germany

    The ayurvedic principal of the gradual development of imbalances into the six stages of its manifestation into disease and there unique early detection is explained. An overview of major Vedic approaches to create health is presented which include consciousness through Yoga and Transcendental Meditation, health education, diet, daily and seasonal routines, ayurvedic lifestyle, herbs, Panchakarma, Vedic sounds and vibrations, Jyotish, Yagya and even collective health. A short overview of scientific research on the benefits of the Transcendental Meditation technique (TM) shows according to health insurance data a significant reduction of health care costs by up to 50%. TM also has proven to lower high blood pressure.

    A brief presentation of published research on the Maharishi Panchakarma programme (though not conducted at our clinic) will include: a 58% elimination of environmental toxins including pesticide residues and heavy metals (which would normally take decades to leave the body), improvements in 16 parameters of physical and mental health, reduction in aggressive oxygen free radicals, and decrease of total cholesterol.

    Maharishi AyurVeda Health Centre in Bad Ems Germany has treated more than 30,000 people since it opened 32 years ago, and is probably the largest dedicated residential Ayurveda clinic outside India. It has official status as a private hospital, has 65 staff, has been featured in 1200 favourable press reports and 300 TV appearances; and has received 25 significant awards and honours, from Germany, India, Russia and elsewhere. The average stay in the clinic is 10 days but there are programmes offered for up to 28 days. We will share our experience and insights into what makes a clinic successful, and how to overcome the many challenges faced by any Ayurveda clinic in the West. These include: extremely labour-intensive treatment in countries where labour costs are high; treatments are not yet reimbursed by health insurance; high expenses from consumables and laundry; legal restrictions in some countries preventing the presentation of research to the general public. We offer a lively optional supporting programme at the clinic, which offers added attraction and tends to enhance the patient’s long-term benefit, with health education on diet and daily routine, yoga exercise, gem-light therapy, Gandharva music therapy and Transcendental Meditation.

  • Abstract:

    Improved Mental Wellness and Physical Health through an Online Ayurvedic Purification Treatment
    Dr Wolfgang Schachinger, Austria

    Natural and functional treatments have a reputation among doctors and the general population for only having an effect after a long period of use. A slow onset of action often has to do with blockages of regulation due to the accumulation of metabolic toxins in the “extracellular matrix (Pischinger space)”.

    For thousands of years, Ayurveda has been offering extremely useful cleansing therapies that are effective in this compartment of the body that is named “rasa dhatu” in Ayurveda.

    A newly developed Ayurvedic cleansing therapy that can be carried out on an outpatient basis in any practice has scientifically proven effects on physiological and psychological parameters. Results of resent research have been published in Journal of Integrative and complementary Medicine.

    The treatment protocol under research supports the rapid onset of action of natural and functional therapies.
    What will the audience learn:
    • Quick and effective start of any complementary treatment
    • A one week course of cleansing treatment at home
    • Improved patient education and satisfaction

  • Abstract:

    Genomic Signatures of Healing: Impact of Transcendental Meditation on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    Prof. John Fagan, PhD Cornell Univ., USA

    Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex and heterogeneous disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. However, reliable biomarkers and effective treatments for PTSD are lacking. This study addresses this gap by measuring genomic markers in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 90 patients with PTSD who participated in a randomized trial comparing Transcendental Meditation (TM), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Health Education (HE). TM and PE are two interventions that have shown promise in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving mental and physical health outcomes. The study uses RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics methods to quantify gene expression changes associated with TM and PE treatment, which may prove useful as diagnostic biomarkers and which may point to potential molecular mechanisms and pathways involved in PTSD recovery.

    We found that TM and PE had distinct effects on gene expression in PBMC, especially on genes related to nervous system diseases, heart disease, cancer, and inflammation. Notably, we identified three genes (KCNQ3, CYP4F2, and RNF17) that responded to both TM and PE, but with different response characteristics. The genome-wide transcriptome data obtained in this study provide novel insights into the genomic basis of PTSD and its treatment and offer the potential to enhance patient stratification for specific treatments by developing blood-based gene expression classifiers. These findings provide molecular-level validation of these two PTSD treatment modalities and identify differences in their applicability, contributing to the advancement of precision medicine approaches in PTSD and paving the way for personalized treatment strategies tailored to individual patients.

  • Abstract:

    Scientific verification of the Vedic concept: Consciousness is all there is
    Dr Oliver Werner, Switzerland

    The Vedic concept of consciousness is that there is at the basis of creation a unified field of natural law and that this field has the nature of consciousness. Consciousness is therefore basic, and the entire creation is based on it.

    In contrast, many in the scientific community (including the neuroscience community) believe that consciousness is somehow created through biochemical and physiological interactions in the material brain. Is this contrast a purely philosophical matter, or can it be resolved scientifically, through experiment?

    If consciousness were created through material interactions in the brain, then distance interactions between individuals, groups, or individuals and inanimate objects could take place only through the 5 senses, the organs of the body, social interaction or any other means mediated by the well-known 4 basic forces in nature.

    Do other types of interactions exist?

    Decades of scientific research have provided substantial evidence that interactions such as
    • Telepathy (direct mental connection between individuals)
    • Clairvoyance (remote cognition of objects)
    • Psychokinesis (direct mental effects on objects)
    • Group effects of consciousness: the Maharishi Effect
    do exist. The likely existence of these phenomena is evidence against the materialist theories that consciousness is created by the material physiology of the brain, as no materialist theory of consciousness can explain these effects.

    Therefore, the scientific research on the effects of consciousness mentioned above provides strong support to the concept that consciousness is basic in creation.

  • Abstract:

    The Contribution of Ayurveda to the treatment of infertility
    Dr Gordana Marković, Serbia

    Infertility has become a significant health issue worldwide, and according to WHO, around 17.5% of the adult population, roughly 1 in 6, experience infertility. Various diseases of the reproductive system reduce the possibility of conception, healthy pregnancy and timely delivery of a healthy child. Despite continuous improvements in Western medical treatment of infertility, efforts to obtain healthy progeny are uncertain and often unsuccessful. Many patients are looking for solutions in complementary medicine methods, including Ayurveda.

    Maharishi Ayurveda gives clear guidelines for identifying etiological factors that endanger female and male health today, contribute to the rise of infertility worldwide and creating a lifestyle, diet and herbal treatment that leads to restoring balance in physiology, regenerating the reproductive system, and eliminating disease symptoms. The following case studies present the effect of the Maharishi Ayurveda treatment.

    Case study 1: A Lady lost her menstrual cycle at age 39. After one and half years of unsuccessful Western medical treatment, she started with Ayurvedic treatment. The elimination of risk factors, regular meditation, detoxification treatment, change of diet and lifestyle, and herbal therapy helped her significantly to improve her hormonal state. The FSH dropped from 83,5 to 14,27 mlU/ml, and LH dropped from 55,3 to 10,34 mlU/ml. Estradiol increased from less than 18,35 to 265,5 pmol/L. She got her period again and, in the following years, became a mother of two boys.

    Case study 2: Lady, 32 years old, tried to conceive for two years. After finding a very low level of AMH, only IVF with a donor egg was recommended by a gynaecologist. She decided to start with ayurvedic treatment, and after 4 months of therapy, which included a pre-conception diet, change of lifestyle, use of ayurvedic herbal supplements and psychotherapy, pregnancy by natural conception was confirmed.

  • Abstract:

    Can Ayurveda save the NHS?
    Jon Lipman, AIA, USA

    Ashtanga Sangraha of Vāgbhat states, “One should not even live one day in a building that is not according to Vastu” (Sutrasthanam III, 113). Vastu Vidya’s benefits are understood to span good physical and mental health, family harmony, success, and growth towards enlightenment. Vastu Vidya is the applied technology of Sthapatya Veda. Its most central elements are right orientation, right placement, right proportion and measurement, and influences of the site. It was restored to its full authenticity and effectiveness under the direction of His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi as a comprehensive, integrated system of architecture and city planning in harmony with Natural Law. This practice incorporates strategies to combat the uniquehealth hazards of the 21 st century urban environment, including contemporary construction materials and practices. At its core Maharishi Vastu architecture is a consciousness-based technology that aligns individual intelligence with Cosmic Intelligence. Based on the published research, assess the potential for the contribution of Vastu Vidya, and in particular Maharishi Vastu, to Ayurveda.

    A review of the findings of all peer-reviewed, published studies conducted worldwide over 40 years and indexed in PubMed that address Vastu Vidya or its elements.

    The published research on the subject finds statistically significant associations between Maharishi Vastu and its elements with improved physical and mental health, family harmony, success, and growth towards enlightenment. For example, the studies find that living in an Maharishi Vastu home is associated with reduced stress and better health, and that sleeping in the recommended directions is associated with a superior scores on a wide variety of health markers; and that house orientation is associated with superior mental health and mood as expected from the Maharishi Vastu guidelines. The findings of all studies are consonant with the predictions of Maharishi Vastu, which therefore may now be considered by 21st century methodologies to be an essential, medically valid health protocol. The findings substantiate that Vastu Vidya, and in particular, Maharishi Vastu, are a unique and important limb of Maharishi’s Vedic Approach to Health. Therefore, we assess how to successfully apply Maharishi Vastu for medical diagnosis and treatment. Gaps in existing research and recommended further research are also addressed.

  • Abstract:

    Ayurveda, Dynamic DNA & Epigenetics
    Hari Sharma, MD, USA

    For Ayurveda to be utilized on a global scale it must be understood in terms of the current medical system. The field of genetics and epigenetics provides an opportunity to correlate the ancient knowledge of Ayurveda with modern scientific knowledge. In this respect, birth Prakriti (constitution) and psychophysiological constitution relate to genotype and phenotype, respectively. The inherited genes from parents consist of DNA which contains two strands, representing Purusha (consciousness) and Para Prakriti (unmanifest Prakriti). During expression of DNA, part of DNA is reflected to produce messenger RNA, then transfer RNA, and finally amino acids and proteins, corresponding to the three organizing principles of the physiology in Ayurveda – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. DNA is stable (rarely mutated), full of knowledge, nonchanging, and forms the genotype – Ayurvedic Janam Prakriti, or birth constitution. The expressed part of the genotype manifests the body – the phenotype – known as psychophysiological constitution in Ayurveda. This is always changing, evolving, takes birth and dies. The phenotype is affected by lifestyle, diet, stress, and environment. These factors affect the expression of DNA through the feedback loop of epigenetics – in a positive or negative way.

    Ayurveda includes recommendations for prevention of disease and maintenance of health which affect the process of epigenetics in a positive way. The modified phenotype qualities can also be transmitted to the progeny by the process of epigenetics. The majority of life – approximately 90% – is under our control through epigenetic factors. In conclusion, epigenetics is an important mechanism of Ayurveda. This understanding will lead to better communication with the current medical system and better integration of both sciences in the management of optimal health. In addition, research on Ayurvedic modalities affecting gene expression will increase understanding between the current medical system and Ayurveda and contribute to the global acceptance and widespread utilization of Ayurveda.

  • Abstract:

    Traya Upastambha: Food, Sleep and Sex, Ayurveda’s Three Sub-Pillars for Overcoming Chronic Diseases, Promoting Longevity and Happiness
    Mas Vidal, USA

    Discover the crucial role Ayurveda’s 3 sub pillars, diet and superfoods, deep sleep and the balance of creative (sexual) energy have at eradicating chronic disease, promoting wholeness of life and creating a new life expectancy of 100 years of age. Explore a new perspective between Traya Upastambha and the doshas, prana, mind, karma and dharma.

  • Abstract:

    Development and Implementation of Integrative Ayurveda Programs in Latina America and the Caribbean
    Prof. Carl Camelia, Curaçao & Dr German Martina, Argentina

    An Integrative Ayurveda program has been developed and implemented at the University of Maharishi for Latin America and the Caribbean (UMLAC). UMLAC offers consciousness-based education, an approach to learning that emphasizes the development of the knower, the consciousness or mind of the student, besides the other two traditional elements necessary to acquire knowledge, the object and the process of knowing.

    UMLAC’s Integrative Ayurveda is a prevention-based approach to health that integrates conventional medicine with authentic ayurvedic practices that awaken the natural healing responses of the body’s innate intelligence and repair mechanisms in order to rejuvenate and revitalize mind and body and restore ideal health and wellness.

    A unique integrative medicine curriculum for the training of Medical Doctors has been developed, that integrates Modern Medicine and Ayurveda twofold, on the level of the content based on the organ systems and on the level of teaching, by the principles of competence-based education.

    The program is taught in three phases, the stage of balance traditionally called physiology, the stage of imbalance or pathology, and the stage of restoration, traditionally taught as pharmacology.

    UMLAC’s Integrative Ayurveda program provides to practitioners a comprehensive understanding of health and not merely the cure of diseases.

  • Abstract:

    Development and Implementation of Integrative Ayurveda Programs in Latina America and the Caribbean
    Prof. Carl Camelia, Curaçao & Dr German Martina, Argentina

    An Integrative Ayurveda program has been developed and implemented at the University of Maharishi for Latin America and the Caribbean (UMLAC). UMLAC offers consciousness-based education, an approach to learning that emphasizes the development of the knower, the consciousness or mind of the student, besides the other two traditional elements necessary to acquire knowledge, the object and the process of knowing.

    UMLAC’s Integrative Ayurveda is a prevention-based approach to health that integrates conventional medicine with authentic ayurvedic practices that awaken the natural healing responses of the body’s innate intelligence and repair mechanisms in order to rejuvenate and revitalize mind and body and restore ideal health and wellness.

    A unique integrative medicine curriculum for the training of Medical Doctors has been developed, that integrates Modern Medicine and Ayurveda twofold, on the level of the content based on the organ systems and on the level of teaching, by the principles of competence-based education.

    The program is taught in three phases, the stage of balance traditionally called physiology, the stage of imbalance or pathology, and the stage of restoration, traditionally taught as pharmacology.

    UMLAC’s Integrative Ayurveda program provides to practitioners a comprehensive understanding of health and not merely the cure of diseases.

  • Abstract:

    Disallowing Dementia
    Dr James Meade, USA

    Dementia. Western medicine faces perplexing problems treating this condition, which affects more than 7 million people in the U.S. over age 65 and comparable numbers in India and around the world.

    Western medicine’s approaches are the standard ones – pharmaceuticals, surgery, and palliative care. In this presentation, based on their book Disallowing Dementia, scheduled for publication with SelectBooks of New York, Meade and Raju present an alternative method for diagnosing and treating Dementia. Ayurveda.

    Where Western medicine finds dementia ultimately incurable, Dr, Raju’s ayurveda explains that often what is considered dementia is simply natural aging. From the point of view of Ayurveda, nothing is incurable, certainly not memory loss due to aging.

    Seen in terms of Ayurveda, “dementia” is a vata imbalance caused by a “dried up brain.” Treatments include Panchakarma, diet including appropriate amounts of ghee, life style, herbs (including the Raju Smriti formula), and more.

    In this presentation, drawing upon his lifelong training and his experience with thousands of patients, renowned Vaidya Raju provides in-depth explanations of the most effective treatments for memory and memory loss.

    The presenters also confront the problem of preparing scientific research studies on memory, memory loss, and ayurveda. Dementia and Ayurveda have been difficult for research so far. How do you effectively measure memory? What do you look at in the body to evaluate progress?

    Ayurveda, of course, uses pulse diagnosis for both diagnosis and measuring progress but is open to verifying the effectiveness with standard research methods used in the West. Now is the time for opening the gates for Western scientific research methods applied to this technology (Ayurveda) that has earned heartfelt testimonials from thousands of those helped with memory loss.

  • Abstract:

    Surfing Receding Waves as a Practice of Resilience When Experiencing Suicidal Ideas
    Dr Mauricio Arley Fonseca, Costa Rica

    According to the World Health Organization, in 2023, suicide was the fourth cause of death for people from 15-29 years old. Besides this, there is an increment of children who attempt a suicide, or they complete the act.

    The studies have been analyzed from different methodologies: Phenomenology (Čepulienė, 2023, p.5; Wagani, 2018, p.3), autoethnography (Čepulienė, 2022, p.2), observational quantitative study with a cross-sectional approach (Sulistiyowati, 2022, p.15; Esan, 2021,p.2548). But other studies have demonstrated that there is a correlation between spirituality and lower indicators about depression (one factor related to suicide): “…in eleventh grade students at Al-Hidayat Islamic Boarding School Krasak Demak. Most students who have a high spiritual level are not depressed” (Sulistiyowati, 2022, p.20).

    A problem that we can consider is what people understand about religion and spirituality: “At the social level, lack of support from family, no feeling of belongingness, orthodox systems of society, social disapproval, peer group pressure, or parents’ expectation were mentioned frequently as the precursors for suicide.” (Wagani, Colucci, 2018, p.11). Depending on the culture, a suicide is a condemnation (Judas in Christianity) or there will be a goddess waiting in a merciful gesture (Ixtab in Mayan tradition). Finally, the relevance of sharing ideas about spirituality, resilience, yoga, meditation, and related practices is because this can create a feeling of interconnection, which is a strong force when a person experiences difficulties: “In a cross-cultural study involving 5,512 participants from China, India, and the United States, … the dimensions high awareness of unifying interconnectedness, high experience of love, and altruism were inversely correlated with the risk of depression and suicidal ideation.” (Stefa-Missagli, 2020, p.535).

  • Abstract:

    A Symphony of the Integration of Life: Exploring Consciousness Based Medicine and Maharishi Ayurveda
    Dr Supaya Wenuganen, USA

    Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine, emphasizes the balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas to promote health and longevity. Balanced doshas lead to balanced Agni and prominent Ojas, bringing physiological and psychological harmony.

    Transcending, the state of Samadhi, is the prominent modality in mental health. The interplay of mind-body entanglement, especially the role of Prana and Apana Vata, plays a critical role in mental health. Mental health is related to stress, and eliminating stress through direct engagement with the source of energy and intelligence through transcending restores balance to bodily health.

    In our studies on Transcendental Meditation (TM), we see evidence of the potential of transcending to influence the body’s stress response and gene expression. Our evidence-based approach to exploring the interplay between mind and body in the context of genomic and epigenomic regulation has found that TM reverses the Conserved Transcriptional Response to Adversity (CTRA), a biomarker of chronic stress and accelerated aging.

    The genome-wide approaches indicate that TM plays a significant role in down-regulating CTRA gene expressions, such as pro-inflammatory transcription factor activity (NF-κB, AP-1), reducing transcriptional activity of classical monocytes, and up-regulating activity of Interferon Response Factors (IRF). Moreover, evidence shows that long-term meditators show reduced gene expressions related to aging compared to their control peers. Other studies in hypertensive patients showed an increase in telomerase gene expression, indicating healthier biological aging after learning the TM technique.

    By integrating insights from both Ayurvedic principles and modern epigenetic research, this study investigates how TM may influence the expression of genes involved in stress response, immune function, and inflammation, thus potentially mitigating the adverse effects of aging. These changes have been shown to correlate with improved health outcomes and longevity.

    The mechanics of how transcending comes into play in reversing the adverse effects of stress and aging is a quantum phenomenon in which it balances the doshas and restores the balance of Ojas, optimizing cellular function and fostering overall well-being.

  • Abstract:

    A Symphony of the Integration of Life: Exploring Consciousness Based Medicine and Maharishi Ayurveda
    Sara Alvarez Jimenez, Spain

    Explores the understanding and experience of consciousness as the basis of the integration of different levels of life. Emphasizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, environment and consciousness. Incorporating a total integrative approach that reaches: Environmental Health, Physical Health, Mental Health, and Spiritual Health, with the latter corresponding to the unified field of quantum physics. This unified field is identified as a field of consciousness that underpins both mind and matter.

    Human beings can experience consciousness through a meditative state called transcendental consciousness, and its unique neural mechanisms that counteract brain patterns underlying stress, balancing the interconnections between body, mind, environment, and consciousness. It is also a call for continued investigation and application of this framework to transform human potential.

  • Abstract:

    Evaluation of the Effects and Efficacy of Treatment Protocol in the Management of Overweight and Obesity
    Dr Hiroshini Amarasingha, Sri Lanka

    Background:
    Obesity has reached epidemic globally, with at least 2.8 million people dying each year as a result of being overweight or obese. Obesity and overweight has a huge impact on people and their lifestyle. Since overweight and obesity is identified as a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders and some types of cancers.

    Methods:
    A Sample of obesity and Overweight was selected for this study with objective of evaluating the efficacy of Treatment Protocols. Researcher compared the efficacy of selected herbal formula (kashayam) (Group A) vs selected herbal formula (kashayam) with Purgation (vireechna) treatment (Group B) in Over weight and Obesity condition. The Two groups with 30 patients in Ayurvedic hospital obesity clinic. All the patients measure before and after body weight, BMI, Body circumference, Skin fold thickness, lipid profile, FBS and BP.

    Results:
    The Group A and Group B showed significant decrease in weight, BMI level and FBS in comparison to before the treatment. Group B reduce more weight (Group B: 68.26 ± 1.41, Group A: 68.57 ± 1.15). BMI level of Both Groups (Group B: 29.17 ± 0.53, Group A: 29.72 ±0.55). The Group A and Group B showed significant decrease in Body Circumference of Mid Arm, Mid-Thigh, Triceps and Skin Fold Thickness of Supra iliac in comparison to before the treatment. The Group A and Group B showed significant increase in Triglycerides and Group B significant increase VLDL.

    Conclusion:
    According to results, Purgation procedure and Herbal formula very successfully with overweight and obesity control. As dietary – behavior modification plays vital role for obesity. Purgation and panchakarma procedure and traditional formula also play vital role to reduce overweight and obesity.