This panel explores the gut as the root of health and disease, with a focus on obesity, metabolic health, and digestive disorders.

Experts will share Ayurvedic and integrative strategies—from holistic nutrition and herbal medicine to lifestyle interventions. Together with the latest research, panelists will draw on clinical case studies to reframe obesity and gut health management in a more holistic, patient-centered way. Attendees will gain fresh insight into how gut health connects to whole-body vitality.

Panelists with expertise spanning Ayurveda, functional medicine, naturopathy, and nutrition will share clinical experience and integrative interventions for digestive disorders and obesity.

Moderated by: Dhanada Kulkarni, Vaidya

Panelists include:

• Monika Mula, Vaidya

• Ravi Hirekatur, MD

• Helena Fowler, DCN

• Glynnis Osher, AP

• Jaspreet Kaur, MD, AHC

• Anuprao Mulakaluri, ND

Autoimmune conditions are increasing worldwide, presenting complex challenges for patients and practitioners alike. With symptoms ranging from fatigue and pain to systemic organ involvement, autoimmune disease often resists one-size-fits-all solutions. 

This multi-disciplinary panel will explore how Ayurveda’s emphasis on root-cause healing, digestive balance, and immune resilience aligns with modern research about inflammation, gut permeability, and environmental triggers. 

Panelists from Ayurveda, functional medicine, and nutrition will share clinical experiences, case studies, and patient-centered strategies for reducing flares and improving quality of life, alongside the latest evidence on integrative interventions for autoimmune disorders.

Together, the panelists will highlight how integrative care can empower patients through personalized approaches to diet, stress reduction, and immune support.

Moderated by: Beena Vesikar, Vaidya

Panelists: 

• Matt VanAuken MD, MPH

• Bhavna Singh, ND, AP   

• Ravishankar Polisetty, MD

• Leena Sripada, ND, AAP

Anxiety affects millions of people in the United States, with rising numbers of adults reporting frequent worry, nervousness, or diagnosed anxiety disorders. 

While many individuals benefit from conventional medical and mental health care, anxiety often involves complex interactions among sleep, digestion, stress physiology, lifestyle rhythms, and emotional processing that extend beyond any single modality. Restoring Mental Balance for Stress and Anxiety brings together Ayurveda and integrative health practitioners to explore complementary, systems-based approaches that can work alongside existing care. 

This panel will highlight how personalized assessment, nervous system regulation, daily rhythm, and whole-person strategies can strengthen resilience and improve quality of life for those experiencing anxiety, offering practical tools and collaborative pathways that expand the continuum of care. The panel features expertise from Ayurveda clinicians in the U.S. and India, plus clinical psychology, naturopathy, vastu and vedic medical astrology.

Moderated by: Heather Grzych, ADLC

Panelists:

• Gunvant Yeola, Vaidya       

• Dr. Suhas K Shetty, Vaidya

• Pranav Lad, ND  

• Mukti Khanna, PhD

• Louise Cheng PhD(c), AP

• Michael Mastro, Vastu, Vedic Medical Astrologer

Trauma and addiction are deeply interconnected, affecting the nervous system, digestion, and emotional health. This panel explores how Ayurveda and integrative medicine address root causes through nervous system regulation, herbal support, mindfulness practices, and lifestyle interventions—alongside emerging research in trauma-informed care. Discover holistic, compassionate approaches that support recovery, resilience, and long-term healing.

Panelists contribute their expertise in Ayurveda, Acupuncture, functional medicine, and Naturopathic medicine, and shed light on emerging scientific research. Discover a truly integrative approach to healing trauma and addiction by learning about clinical experiences, case studies, and patient-centered strategies.

Moderated by: Anisha Durve, ADLC, DOM

Panelists:

• Jeanine Rashidi, ADLC          

• Anjali Brannon, ADLC 

• Kael Balizer, ADLC  

• Lara Lima, AAP 

• Schuyler Bright, AP 

• Eva W. Madhavan, AP

Cancer remains one of the greatest health challenges of our time, requiring both cutting-edge treatment and compassionate, whole-person care. This panel will examine how Ayurveda contributes to integrative oncology—not as a replacement for conventional care, but as a complement that supports resilience, symptom management, and recovery. 

Panelists will discuss Ayurvedic nutrition, herbs, lifestyle medicine, and bodywork alongside perspectives including dietetics, yoga therapy, and massage therapy. Researchers will share emerging data on integrative approaches in cancer survivorship, highlighting where evidence is strong and where further study is needed. 

The discussion will show how Ayurveda offers a framework of nourishment, strength, and emotional balance that improves quality of life for patients and caregivers alike.

Moderated by: Sushma Jakkula, BAMS, MPH, CPH

Panelists:

• Ram Tamang, Vaidya   

• Santosh Rao, MD

• Ann Wagoner, ADLC, C-IAYT

• Julia Inglis, PhD, R D, MPH, AHC 

• Jennifer Maklan, AP, LMT

Chronic pain is among the most pervasive and difficult conditions to treat in modern healthcare, often leaving patients cycling through interventions with limited relief. 

Through a detailed case study, panelists will walk step by step through how they assess and manage chronic pain using practical, real-world tools. Drawing from Ayurveda, yoga therapy, physical therapy, and integrative medicine, they will demonstrate how these modalities can work together to create more sustainable outcomes.

The discussion will focus on clinical decision-making, personalization, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Scientific perspectives will ground the conversation, highlighting current research on mind-body medicine and integrative pain management.

Participants will gain insight into a framework for approaching chronic pain; one that addresses not only physical symptoms, but also the emotional and spiritual dimensions of long-term healing and resilience.

Moderated by: Anu Kizhakkeveetti, Vaidya, MAOM, C-IAYT, FAIHM, PhD

 Panelist list: 

• Jayagopal Parla, Vaidya, MAOM,C-IAYT,  FAIHM    

• Simmi Chopra Bhatia, ADLC   

• Christie Smirl, NP, ERYT, ADLC  

• Heidi Nordlund, ADLC

• Loribeth Cohen, PT, AP, IMT-C    

• Debby Andersen, AP, AYT

Hormonal transitions and menopause present distinct challenges in women’s life cycle.

This panel will explore how Ayurveda and integrative medicine can support women from perimenopause through post menopause and beyond. Panel discussion will include evidence-informed approaches such as detoxification therapies, botanical medicine, body work therapies, yoga, and targeted lifestyle interventions designed to restore balance and resilience.

Our distinguished panelists—bringing expertise in Ayurvedic medicine, naturopathic medicine, Western medicine, and yoga therapy—will present a clinical case study and share patient-centered strategies drawn from their professional experience. The conversation will emphasize evidence-based insights aimed at protecting long-term health and empowering women to thrive during this significant life stage.

Together, the panel will demonstrate how Ayurveda with integration extends beyond symptom management to foster sustainable energy, hormonal harmony, and enduring vitality.

Moderated by: Manjusha Vinjamury, Vaidya, DACM, L.Ac. FAIHM

Panelists:

• Monika Manohar, Vaidya    

• Dinal Khatri, Vaidya 

• Alexina Mehta, ND, AP  

• Britt Vanderhoof, RN, AP

• Charlotte Skogsberg, AHC

• Kim Valeri Povey, ADLC, C-IAYT

Rising rates of ADHD and related childhood challenges call for thoughtful, holistic care. This panel explores how Ayurveda and integrative medicine can support children’s focus, behavior, and development through holistic nutrition, herbal support, mindfulness tools, and lifestyle strategies—alongside the latest scientific research. Learn how individualized, non-pharmaceutical approaches can nurture resilience and help children thrive.

Panelists will share insights on the impacts of a holistic approach and highlight a preventative care model that supports cognitive development and behavioral balance. Discover scientific findings on neurocognitive health, herbal medicines, and age-appropriate therapies for this tender age group. 

The session will emphasize how Ayurveda’s principles of rhythm, nourishment, and individualized care provide a powerful foundation for happy, healthy, mentally strong kids.

Moderated by: Heather Burkart CAP, PKT, E-RYT 500 

Panelists:

• Uday Kulkarni, Vaidya         

• Bianca Palacio Gupta, Vaidya

• Jaisri Lambert, ADLC  

• Anuradha Gupta, ADLC

• Archna Sharma, AP  

• Christine Eck, AHC 

This roundtable explores how Ayurveda can evolve as a relevant, credible, and scalable healthcare system within contemporary clinical and institutional settings. Together, we will examine current challenges and emerging opportunities for growing sustainable, ethical, and effective clinical Ayurvedic practices in today’s healthcare landscape by discussing scope of practice, practitioner competency, clinical rigor, and systems-level thinking—while honoring the integrity of classical Ayurvedic principles and historical learnings from other healthcare modalities. 

*Ideal for: Ayurvedic practitioners and clinicians seeking to deepen their clinical impact and credibility, advanced students preparing for clinical practice, and those invested in advancing Ayurveda as a respected healthcare profession.

As Ayurveda continues to grow as a profession in the United States, education plays a critical role in shaping its future. This roundtable will explore the current landscape of Ayurvedic education, including accreditation, certification, and professional standards, while examining how these systems evolve in response to a maturing field. Join educators, practitioners, and leaders in the field to explore insights, challenges, and lessons learned from both within Ayurveda and from other established professions. Topics will include current accreditation and certification standards, how educational frameworks evolve alongside a profession, and a shared vision for the future of Ayurvedic education over the next decade.

*Ideal for: Ayurvedic educators, school administrators, advocates for professional development, students, and professional leaders invested in the future of Ayurvedic education.*Ideal for: Ayurvedic educators, school administrators, advocates for professional development, students, and professional leaders invested in the future of Ayurvedic education.

This roundtable discusses strategies for advancing the visibility and recognition of clinical Ayurveda vs self-care Ayurveda in the U.S. In this rich discussion we tackle challenging questions such as how do we increase public awareness and demand for Ayurvedic care and products? How do we help clinical and self-care ayurveda find their place amongst the fields of yoga, naturopathy, the wellness movement, and other integrated medical systems? What is the role of influencers and ambassadors to “brand” Ayurveda? If you are interested in how we strategically create a unified professional identity to leverage taking Ayurveda to the next level, this roundtable is for you.

* Ideal for: clinicians, business-minded aspiring students, ayurvedic product companies, wellness influencers, marketing enthusiasts, donors and sponsors for the ayurvedic field.

What are the unique challenges Ayurvedic practitioners face? This practicum discusses how to create a successful business while maintaining practitioner integrity, respecting tradition, and honoring the spirit of Ayurveda. Manifest the practice you envision through desire (kāma) & resolve (sankalpa). Discuss a path for long-term sustainability and gain insight into understanding client behavior patterns with applied behavior analysis.  Explore the secret yogic path to mastery in your wellness-based business!

As yoga increasingly serves as the entry point into Ayurvedic care, how can it create a critical bridge between Eastern and Western medicine? How can yoga therapy be harnessed as a precise clinical tool with concrete strategies to deepen Ayurveda’s medical integrity? Through discussion and brief experiential exercises, participants will: 1) Practice yoga-based techniques to support clients in integrating Ayurvedic routines and lifestyle practices. 2) Explore breath, movement, and subtle body exercises to regulate the nervous system. 3) Experience how embodied practice can enhance client engagement and overall therapeutic outcomes. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies and tools to integrate yoga therapy into their Ayurvedic work increasing effectiveness and accessibility.

Learn how to transform Ayurvedic clinical intake into clear, publishable case studies. Through guided, team-based activities, you will learn how to document cases using the CARE guidelines while integrating core Ayurvedic clinical documentation. With guidance and collaborative activities, participants will gain hands-on skills for scientific poster development, and a basic structure for case study publication. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to strengthen research literacy, contribute to building an evidence base for Ayurveda, and help advance its integration within the broader integrative medicine community.

Explore how to thoughtfully and strategically incorporate Ayurvedic herbs into a modern day wellness clinics. Discuss key concepts to consider within dravyaguṇaśāstra when building a sustainable Ayurvedic apothecary and the top 10 auṣadhs to balance each dosha. Discuss best practices for sourcing, safety, quality control, and regulatory considerations, while honoring traditional Ayurvedic principles.We will shed light on Ayurveda's gifts to an emerging global concept of natural healing that bridges traditions, regions, and plants.