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Title : Integrating Somatic Therapy and Bhakti Principles: A Holistic Approach to Trauma
Name : Ashley Amundson
University : Villa Kali Ma - Holistic Treatment Centers for Women
Country : USA
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Trauma healing requires a mind-body-spirit approach, yet traditional mental health treatment often focuses solely on cognitive and behavioral interventions. This presentation explores how somatic therapy, nervous system regulation, and Bhakti principles—rooted in devotion, connection, and emotional surrender—offer a holistic alternative for deep trauma recovery.
Drawing from clinical applications at Villa Kali Ma, this session will showcase how integrating traditional somatic healing methods (breathwork, movement, and polyvagal-informed techniques) with alternative spiritual practices (mantra, self-compassion, and mindfulness) creates a comprehensive healing framework that improves treatment outcomes in both residential and outpatient settings.
Biography
Ashley Amundson, LPCC, LAADC, is a licensed therapist and addiction counselor with a specialization in holistic trauma treatment. As the Director of Operations at Villa Kali Ma, a women’s residential trauma recovery center, she led the integration of somatic therapy, alternative medicine, and clinical interventions to enhance healing outcomes.
With over seven years of experience, Ashley is passionate about bridging traditional and alternative medicine to create a more effective, sustainable model for trauma recovery.
Title : Bio-available Forms of Indian Spices For Enhanced Outcomes to Deliver Benefits Across Human Health—The Emerging Scenario
Name : Suresh Madathycandy Padignareil
University : Spices Board
Country : India
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India is fast becoming an active hub neutraceuticals and is poised to take off to a higher trajectory of growth potential by 2030 reach to a 100 billion dollar industry* from the current growth rate of over 26 percent. It was during the Covid 19 pandemic the growth stabilized from 10 percent to over 16 percent and the shift is still positive. The holistic change was admittedly due to an increase in the wide number of Indians consuming basic nutraceuticals during the pandemic. It was during the pandemic period the Indian community woke up to fuel the growth and touch the present growth from an early meager rate of around ten percent.
It is a fact that the medicinal farming sector is vibrant in its 52 Agro-climatic zones with about 1700 medicinal plants and with the aid of IT applications, the environment is acting as a driving force for raw material supply chain for nutraceutical products. Besides, India has become a focus of vast number of world-class GMP facilities in the Formulation ecosystem and could proudly be termed as having the largest FDA-approved contract manufacturing facilities in the world with additional high-end nutraceutical manufacturing facilities. In fact, India has become a global contract manufacturing hub in nutraceuticals. Further, it is stated that the Start-up ecosystem in India is having around 7500 nutraceutical start-ups embracing latest technological transformation taking place across the entire ecosystem.
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*Survey Conducted by Nutrify Today*
One of the major issues that were currently faced was a lack of awareness among the consumers. The differentiated responsible nutraceutical portfolios need to be drawn up along with clinical validation outcomes. At the current pace and trend, India is likely to offer wealth of opportunities for the nutraceutical industry outside the USA.
From 2021 onwards, Immune health has become synonymous with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, except few products related to Black Pepper, Turmeric, Ginger, Fenugreek, Saffron, Pomegranate and few others, there has been a lack of innovation within the Immune Health category. In the wake of a turbulent Covid 2020, consumers are more focused on taking care of their health and are looking for safe, transparent, quality solutions focusing mainly to botanical and herbal solutions.
The emergence of nanotechnology has also changed the face of the booming nutraceuticals in India as well. New technologies like water dispersion technology, The use of Polar-Non-polar Sandwich (PNS) technology, The Hydroalcoholic extraction have also changed the face of nutraceutical industry in India.
New horizons that will contribute to advanced research in the field of Spices primarily leading to have detox potential, strategic nutrition for organ health and holistic health solutions have to be focused upon, including well designed Clinical Studies on a pharma level.
Biography
Dr. M P Suresh is a multi-disciplinary academic post-graduate and Doctoral Degree holder from World-class Madras University, across his career in Spices Board of India, he has handled myriad roles as Editor and Deputy Marketing Director and gained insightful experience in Marketing, Export Promotion, New Product Development, Quality and Safety of spices and spice products spanning over three decades. He gained hands on experience in policy formulation related to marketing, export promotion and export development including market access initiative projects in overseas markets, up-gradation of technology, and organised several National and International Seminars and Buyer-seller meets of Spices Board. Besides a Master trainer and Resource Person for various programmes on marketing and post-harvest improvement of spices, he presented several Papers in National and International Conference, Seminars and Workshops. He had also officiated as Chief Rapporteur in International Conferences including that organised by FAO and WHO.
Suresh has gained rich cross-cultural experience from his travel to Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Singapore, USA, Brazil, China, Tokyo, UAE and Bahrain.
He has been teaching at prestigious universities like IGNOU, Government of India and Pondicherry University as a Senior Guest Faulty over the last 35 years in multi-disciplinary subjects at Bachelor and Master Level and as a media personnel, he did programmes over Television and also covered national and international events for print media with credit for over 300 articles in leading English publications on a variety of topics. He is a recipient of Fellowship of UNDP.
Title : Evaluation of the Topical Repellent Potential of Essential Oil from Croton sp (Euphorbiaceae) Leaves against Aedes Aegypti (Culicidae)
Name : Janaína Silva de Freitas
University : State University of Southwest Bahia-UESB
Country : Brazil
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Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) is one of the most medically important mosquitoes because it is a vector of different arboviruses in urban areas, such as dengue, chikungunya and zika. The use of synthetic topical repellent based on N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) is one of the main methods of protection against the vector. However, studies show that mosquitoes have been showing resistance to the repellent action of DEET, which demonstrates the importance of alternative topical repellents, such as those based on essential oils (EOs). Among plant species that synthesize EOs is Croton sp. In this sense, the objective was to evaluate the in vitro topical repellent activity of the EO from Croton sp leaves against Ae. aegypti. For the test, mated female mosquitoes up to ten days old were used. Firstly, we sought to estimate two effective concentrations to repel 50 and 99% of mosquitoes from concentrations of 125; 100; 75; 50 and 25 mg/cm2 formulated in non-ionic emulsion. Each concentration was evaluated as follows: with 50 mosquitoes in the cage, five areas of 4.9 cm2 were marked on the upper part. A quantity of 0.1 g of the formulation initially containing the lowest concentration was applied to one of the markings. Subsequently, an artificial feeder containing 1 mL of blood from Capra aegagrus hircus (Linnaeus, 1758) preheated to 37 °C was placed over each concentration for three minutes (For the use of blood, the project was approved under registration 23076.058811/2020). The evaluation criterion was the number of landings. Next, the protection time of the 99% effective repellent concentration was evaluated. The same materials described above were used for the test. However, the evaluations were as follows: After 30 minutes of applying the 99% effective concentration, the artificial feeder was placed over the concentration for three minutes. Afterwards, the feeder was removed and placed in a water bath until the next evaluation, which occurred at 30-minute intervals, until 360 minutes were completed. The evaluation criteria were landings and blood feeding. The results showed that to repel 50 and 99% of mosquitoes, the estimated concentrations were 3 and 109 mg/cm2, respectively. The concentration of 109 mg/cm2 offered 64.8% protection against landings in 360 minutes and 100% against blood feeding for 150 minutes. The results indicate that Croton sp leaf EO is a promising alternative topical repellent in protection against the mosquito Ae. aegypti.
Biography
Prof. Janaina Freitas holds a degree in Biological Sciences (Licentiate and Bachelor’s) from the State University of Paraíba (UEPB, 2003) and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Ribeirão Preto Medical School – University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP, 2008). Currently is a Full Professor at the State University of Southwest Bahia (UESB), teaching in the Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Food Engineering, Animal Science, and Biological Sciences programs.
Currently is a permanent member of the Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences (PPGCA) and serves as the Local Coordinator of the Multicenter Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PMBqBM). Her research focuses on microbial metabolism and genetics, as well as biotechnology, particularly in fermentation processes for bioproduct production. She collaborates with the Innovation and Biotechnology Laboratory (InBiotec).
Title : Effectiveness of Adjuvant Yoga Therapy on Exacerbation Related Adverse Events and Inflammation Among Pediatric Patients with Bronchiectasis: A Pilot Randomized Control Trial
Name : Dr Vyas Kumar Rathaur
University : All India Institute of Medical Sciences
Country : India
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Introduction: Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory condition. Pediatric patients with bronchiectasis often experience exacerbations that significantly impact their quality of life and overall health. Conventional treatments primarily focus on managing symptoms and preventing infections, but there is a growing interest in complementary therapies that can enhance these outcomes.
Pediatric bronchiectasis, previously thought to be irreversible and progressive, can actually be halted and even reversed with optimized clinical management. Antibiotics and chest physiotherapy are mainstays for managing bronchiectasis exacerbations. The guidelines by ERS aim to optimize bronchiectasis management by focusing on key aspects such as lung growth, preserved lung function, improved quality of life, reduced exacerbations, minimal complications, and, if feasible, the reversal of lung injury. Yoga has demonstrated positive effects on pulmonary function and quality of life, making it a valuable adjunct therapy. Specifically, yoga practices have been associated with reduced dyspnea-related distress, and enhanced self-reported functional performance in COPD. Respiratory muscle strength training exercises (RMST) are used as a rehabilitation tool or treatment in case of patients with respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, respiratory weakness to improve the clinical outcomes. RMST is designed with exercises to enhance strength and endurance of inspiratory and expiratory muscles. Studies show that respiratory muscle training (RMT) interventions improve sputum clearance and respiratory muscle weakness in bronchiectasis.
Aim: The aim of the current trial is to explore the efficacy of yoga based intervention exacerbation related adverse events, inflammatory biomarkers and quality of life among children with BC when compared to the standard care provided at a tertiary care hospital over 6 months.
Objectives- Primary objective:
• Efficacy of yoga-based intervention on frequency of acute exacerbations, hospitalization and need of emergency
medication among children with bronchiectasis over a period of 06 months.
Secondary objective:
● Evaluate quality of life (QoL)
● Lung function assessment
● Inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, TNF-α)
Materials and methods: –
Study design setting:
Its a two-arm prospective, randomized open labeled blinded endpoint trial with 1:1 allocation ratio. Patients will be randomized into intervention arm and control arm. The study was conducted in collaboration with two departments, i.e. dept. of Pediatric Pulmonary medicine and AYUSH, AIIMS, Rishikesh.
Participants: Patients attending the pediatric medicine and diagnosed case of bronchiectasis were screened for preset inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Description of exposure and follow-up: The intervention group was taught additional yoga practices (as per the protocol enclosed) by institutionally trained yoga therapist over a period of 6 months. Standard medical care were continued for all the patients during the study. There was a minimum of 6 contact classes of 45 minutes each during the study period. The first three supervised sessions were conducted within the first week following the randomization followed by 3 sessions at 3rd month. During the intervention period; i.e. 3 months, the subjects were provided with two online sessions every week. During the noncontact period, the subjects were encouraged and motivated to practice the yoga protocol for 30 min/day daily.
Data Collection: Assessment were taken at 3 points during the study i.e, Baseline, 12 & 24 weeks. And they were encouraged to practice Yoga at home for 6 months. A logbook was maintained by the patient to record the number of home- based practices.
Sample size estimation: There was no study available in the literature in which yoga has been given as an intervention among pediatric BC patients. For the sample size calculation, considering the trial as a pilot explorative trial. 20 subjects in each group is were taken.
Review of literature: Yoga has demonstrated positive effects on pulmonary function and quality of life, making it a valuable adjunct therapy (1,2). Upon practice of Yoga patient’s symptom control and respiratory function values improved and quality of life increased (3). Specifically, yoga practices have been associated with reduced dyspnea-related distress and enhanced self-reported functional performance in COPD (4). Respiratory muscle strength training exercises (RMST) are used as a rehabilitation tool or treatment in the case of patients with respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, respiratory weakness to improve clinical outcomes. RMST is designed with exercises to enhance strength and endurance of inspiratory and expiratory muscles (5).
Relevant references in Vancouver style: 1.Yadav A, Singh S, Singh K, Pai P. Effect of yoga regimen on lung functions including diffusion capacity in coronary artery disease patients: A randomized controlled study. Int J Yoga. 2015 Jan;8(1):62–7.
2.Gunjiganvi M, Mathur P, Kumari M, Madan K, Kumar A, Sagar R, et al. Yoga-An Alternative Form of Therapy in
Patients with Blunt Chest Trauma: A Randomized Controlled Trial. World J Surg. 2021 Jul;45(7):2015–26.
Biography
I Dr Vyas Kumar Rathaur is currently working as Assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at one of the most prestigious institute of INDIA, that is AIIMS Rishikesh. I have more than 15 years of post PG research, teaching and clinical experience from various institutes and has more than 50 publications in indexed and pubmed journals.
Title : Exploring Evidence on Path to Workplace Wellness by Harnessing role of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga(SKY)
Name : Dr. Monika Pathania
University : All India Institute of Medical Sciences
Country : India
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SKY is increasingly gaining recognition as a means to relieve occupational stress and burnout especially in high-stress environments. The controlled breathing patterns of SKY are meant to bring about the relaxing effect, emotional regulation, and general improvement in employees’ mental well-being.
Research has shown that SKY can significantly reduce the levels of stress and elevate psychological well-being among professionals. For example, a randomized control trial with medical doctors showed a significant decrease in psychological distress and burnout among participants participating in a SKY program against those who just received standard training on stress management (Korkmaz, 2024). This is specifically relevant because doctors and other professionals in the healthcare line experience high rates of stress and burnout and this can worsen their effectiveness and well-being (Korkmaz, 2024). The study demonstrates the viability of applying SKY as a non-pharmacological intervention in boosting resilience and coping in high-stress occupations.
Additionally, the physiological aspects of SKY contribute to its effectiveness in handling workplace stress. The exercise is known to enhance vagal tone, associated with improved emotional regulation and decreased reactivity to stress (Parimala & Kanchibhotla, 2020; Goldstein et al., 2016). This physiological response is essential for individuals working in stressful work environments, as it may result in effective stress management and reduced anxiety levels (Parimala & Kanchibhotla, 2020). SKY has also been associated with enhanced cognitive functioning and attention, which are necessary for keeping one’s productivity and concentration in the workplace (Chandra et al., 2016; Kopańska et al., 2022).
Besides these, the effectiveness of SKY in reducing burnout is complemented by the fact that it instills a feeling of community and social support in practitioners. Practice in group sessions of SKY can enhance the sense of social connection, a protective factor for burnout, as indicated by Vasudev et al. (2022). This sense of community provides both emotional support and stimulates the sharing of coping strategies at work, therefore creating a work environment that fosters support.
There is a potential positive effect of integrating SKY into workplace wellness programs. Organizations that adopt SKY as part of their employee wellness initiatives have reported improvement in employee satisfaction, reduced absenteeism, and overall workplace morale (Bhaskar et al., 2020). These outcomes suggest the potential for SKY as a holistic approach to managing workplace stress and preventing burnout.
In conclusion, Sudarshan Kriya Yoga offers a multifaceted approach to addressing workplace stress and burnout. Its effectiveness in reducing psychological distress, enhancing emotional regulation, and fostering social support makes it a valuable intervention for individuals in high-stress occupations. Continued research and implementation of SKY in workplace settings could provide significant benefits for employee well-being and organizational health.
Biography
Dr. Monika Pathania is an accomplished medical professional serving as an Additional Professor in the Department of Medicine at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. She has also held key administrative roles as Ex-Associate Dean (Research) and Ex-Assistant Dean (Student Welfare) at the institute. With a distinguished academic background, including an MD in Internal Medicine and certifications in Lifestyle Medicine (IBLM, ASLM, ISLM), Dr. Pathania has significantly contributed to healthcare innovation. She pioneered the institute’s first “Lifestyle Disease Clinic” and later expanded it into an Integrative Medicine Clinic and a Professional Burnout and Well-Being Clinic. Her research portfolio includes 112 publications and 18 projects. She is a DFID fellow in diabetes from CMC Vellore and a board-certified lifestyle medicine physician. Additionally, she is a certified yoga instructor under AYUSH (200 hours) and SSY. Dr. Pathania’s excellence has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Outstanding Woman Researcher in Internal Medicine Award (VIWA 2024), Excellence in Research of the Year Award (DISTF-2023), and Best Teacher Award (2018). She has also received accolades for her presentations at national conferences and achievements in yoga competitions.
Title : Hydrogels in Drug Delivery: Revolutionizing Therapeutic Precision through Smart, Tunable System
Name : Saruchi
University : St. Solider group of Institutions
Country : India
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Hydrogels, characterized by their three-dimensional crosslinked polymeric structure and remarkable water retention capability, have become a cornerstone in the development of advanced drug delivery systems. These materials exhibit unique physicochemical properties, including high porosity, biocompatibility and tunable mechanical strength, which make them ideal candidates for delivering a broad spectrum of therapeutic agents. The water content of hydrogels, which can exceed 90%, not only provides an aqueous environment conducive to the stabilization of hydrophilic drugs but also mimics biological tissues, enhancing their potential for in vivo applications. One of the most compelling advantages of hydrogels in drug delivery lies in their tunability. Through careful modification of their polymer composition, crosslinking density and degradation profile, hydrogels can be engineered to achieve controlled, sustained, or pulsatile release of drugs over prolonged periods. This adaptability enables the formulation of
personalized treatments, especially for chronic conditions requiring consistent drug dosing, such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, hydrogels can be designed to respond to external or internal stimuli—such as changes in pH, temperature, light, or the presence of specific enzymes—allowing for smart, site-specific drug delivery. For example, pH-sensitive hydrogels are advantageous for delivering drugs to acidic
environments, such as tumor tissues, ensuring targeted release and reducing systemic side effects. Recent advances in hydrogel technology have led to the development of sophisticated systems that integrate nanotechnology and bioengineering. Nanocomposite hydrogels, which incorporate nanoparticles, nanofibers, or nanocapsules, offer enhanced mechanical properties and multifunctionality. These systems can encapsulate drugs within nanocarriers that provide additional control over release rates, improve drug solubility, or protect drugs from premature
degradation. Similarly, injectable hydrogels have gained significant attention for their minimally invasive application. These hydrogels can be administered through simple injection, where they gel in situ upon exposure to physiological conditions, making them ideal for localized drug delivery in tissue repair and regenerative medicine. Another area of innovation is the use of hydrogels for the delivery of biologically active molecules, such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids, which are highly sensitive to degradation. Hydrogels provide a protective matrix that preserves the bioactivity of these molecules, facilitating their controlled release and improving therapeutic efficacy. This has broad implications for gene therapy, immunotherapy, and the treatment of complex diseases, where precise dosing and controlled spatial and temporal release are critical. In conclusion, hydrogels represent a transformative platform in drug delivery, offering unparalleled versatility, biocompatibility, and functionality. Their ability to provide controlled, localized, and responsive drug release, coupled with recent advancements in nanotechnology and biomaterials, positions them as key players in the next generation of therapeutic delivery systems. Hydrogels are poised to revolutionize the treatment of diseases across multiple fields, from cancer and chronic illnesses to regenerative medicine, offering promising avenues for personalized and precision medicine.
Keywords: Hydrogels, Medicine, Nanotechnology, Drugs and Environment.
Title : Current Innovative Approaches in Reducing Carcinogenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Indian Environment by Different Technique
Name : Vaneet Kumar
University : CT Group of Institutions
Country : India
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Different thermo-processing methods, including smoking, grilling, barbecuing, roasting, and frying, which use heated fuels and unusually high temperatures, produce PAHs in our environment. The production of these extremely hazardous and persistent carbonaceous compounds with two or more cyclic benzene rings is facilitated by poor thermal processing methods, tainted raw materials, and environmental contamination. To avoid safety and public health hazards, it is vital to concentrate on the prevention and control of PAH development in the environment using a variety of techniques. In order to prevent or lessen the negative effects of PAHs, a number of strategies have been employed, including the employment of biological procedures, safe processing systems, innocuous cooking techniques, marinating with natural plant components, etc. In this paper we will discuss reduction of PAHs from our environment by different blending technique, green diesel technique, photochemical and bioremediation methods.
Keywords: Petrodiesel Engine; Green Diesel; Biodiesel; Carcinogenic PAHs; photochemical.
Title : Mindfulness in Medicine: Promoting Health, Well-Being, and Resilience
Name : Dr. Anju Sawni
University : Michigan State University
Country : USA
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Background: Resident physician burnout is a long-standing issue in medical education with the COVID-19 pandemic causing significant additional burnout burden. Navines et. al. (2021) found current burnout rates of residents as high as 76% (vs 50% prior). Implementation of mindfulness programs has been shown to improve physician wellness, decrease burnout, & create environments of resilience (Romcevich et.al 2018, Ireland,et. al 2017). Epstein et. al. (2021) implemented a 4-day mindfulness workshop for physicians, improving emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, & patient-centered care. While mindfulness has recently come to the forefront of wellness, few studies describe feasible, longitudinal programs focused on resident wellness. Programs like Search Inside Yourself (SIY) teach mindfulness, emotional intelligence & leadership skills & may assist with mitigating burnout.
Objective: To assess a feasible, longitudinal mindfulness program (SIY) for resident physicians to combat burnout & stress; build resilience; & improve self-care.
Design/Methods: After completion of SIY training, Dr. Sawni (pediatrician) & Dr. Wolf (psychologist), taught a modified version to Pediatric & Medicine-Pediatric residents at Hurley Hospital, Flint MI. It consisted of 12 hours, split over 3 consecutive sessions. Pre & post-surveys were given,(n=25) assessing demographics, wellness, & program evaluation. Desired responses to 29 wellness questions (combining Strongly Agree/Agree, Very Often/Often, Strongly Disagree/Disagree, or Rarely/Never) were compared pre- to post-training. The study was approved by Hurley Hospital IRB.
Results: Of the 29 wellness questions,10 items had a positive change by at least 10 percentage points. There were 5 items, related to distractibility, that decreased by at least 10 points, indicating that mindfulness helps with being more present. After the program, 93% of attendees said they were Satisfied/Very Satisfied with the mindfulness program and 93% agreed that the material was relevant to current challenges. The majority (86%) reported feeling ready to apply what they learned.
Conclusions: Mindfulness as an approach to mitigate burnout & stress has been successful with resident physicians in limited previous studies. Teaching & incorporating mindfulness is feasible & can be introduced as part of the core residency curriculum. This pilot study presents a feasible way to incorporate mindfulness training within the educational context. Though the number of completed surveys was relatively low, the overall impact of the study was large. Limitations include a small sample size & a limited number of sessions. Future programs will include similar mindfulness interventions to support wellness longitudinally.
Biography
Dr. Anju Sawni M.D. FAAP, FSAHM is the Director of Adolescent Medicine at Hurley Children’s Hospital/Hurley Medical Center, Flint MI & Associate Professor of Pediatrics Department of Pediatrics & Human Development, Michigan State University/College of Human Medicine, Lansing, MI. Her interest not only includes Adolescent Health, but also Integrative Medicine. She is a member of the AAP section on integrative pediatrics. She has done research, published several papers & written chapters on Adolescent health & Integrative Medicine, and presented many lectures/workshops; nationally, statewide & locally. She integrates mind/body therapies such as relaxation techniques/self-hypnosis/mindfulness meditation, yoga, nutritional supplements, etc. in her adolescent practice. She has trained in mindfulness with Dr. Ronald Epstein, the University of Rochester, Mindfulness in Medicine Program, Search Inside Yourself Institute that promotes Mindfulness, Emotional Intelligence & Leadership & Awake Network; mindful health care summit as well as given several lectures on “Mindfulness in Medicine”. She incorporates/teaches mindfulness in medicine as part of the professionalism series to Hurley hospital & McLaren Health system residents. She serves on the board of directors of the Crim Foundation Mindfulness Initiative, Flint MI. She practices meditation/mindfulness/yoga in her personal and professional life.
Title : Effect of Anuloma Viloma Pranayama (AVP) on Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Brain Activity: A Cohort Study
Name : Dr. Varun Malhotra
University : All India Institute of Medical Sciences
Country : India
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Anuloma Viloma Pranayama (AVP), also known as Alternate Nostril Breathing (ANB), is a widely practiced pranayama technique known for its regulatory effects on cardiovascular and brain activity. This study aimed to explore the simultaneous effects of AVP on heart rate variability (HRV) and brain wave activity in a cohort of 30 healthy volunteers practicing kriya yoga for over 15 years. The study was conducted from October to December 2021. ECG for HRV analysis and EEG recordings for brain wave spectrum analysis were collected during three phases: pre-AVP, during AVP, and post-AVP, each lasting five minutes.
Statistical analysis using repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni and Holm’s post-hoc comparisons showed significant increases in time-domain HRV parameters (SDNN and RMSSD) during AVP compared to pre- and post-AVP. In frequency-domain analysis, total power, LF power, HF power, and LF/HF ratio also showed significant increases during AVP, with the LF/HF ratio remaining elevated post-AVP. EEG recordings revealed a significant rise in Alpha, Beta, and Gamma wave power during AVP compared to baseline and post-AVP phases. These findings suggest that the lungs, heart, and brain act as coupled oscillators, and AVP induces an aroused, attentive state without significantly affecting heart rate, while enhancing overall HRV.
Biography
Dr. Varun, MD, DNB, MNAMS, holds a diploma in Naturopathy and Yoga and has been a regular faculty member at several institutions. He previously served as a Professor and Head of the Department at Santosh Medical College and is currently an Additional Professor in the Department of Physiology at AIIMS Bhopal. With 22 years of experience, his research interests include Medical Education and Mind-Body Medicine. Dr. Varun conducts yoga and meditation sessions for students and staff and enjoys sharing his passion for physiology. He has received multiple awards, including the prestigious Shri Ram Murthy, VIHA, and ISSN awards.
Title : Current Concepts in the Management of Neuropathic Pain
Name : May L. Chin
University : George Washington University
Country : USA
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Unrelenting neuropathic pain presents challenges in diagnoses and treatment. The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines neuropathic pain as “pain caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system.” The injury or disease may occur in the peripheral or central nervous system giving rise to painful conditions such as post herpetic neuralgia, painful diabetic neuropathy, post amputation pain, complex regional pain syndrome, trigeminal neuralgia, post stroke pain, and pain after spinal cord injury, to name a few. These patients are frequently disabled from severe pain, have poor quality of life, and suffer from anxiety, depression and sleep problems. They often strain the healthcare system with frequent visits. Treatment of neuropathic pain can be challenging, often exhausting conventional approaches. A multimodal approach integrating pharmacological, interventional and integrative modalities may be helpful. This talk will cover a brief review on the pathophysiology of pain and focus on interventions that specifically target neuropathic pain, such as neuromodulation, including peripheral nerve stimulation and infusions using ketamine.
Biography
Dr. Chin is Professor Emeritus of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine at the George Washington (GW) University, Washington DC. She served as Director of the GW Pain Medicine Fellowship Program and Co Director of the GW Spine and Pain Center. Dr. Chin earned her medical degree at the University of Melbourne, Australia. Her interests include innovative pharmacological, interventional and neuromodulatory techniques for management of chronic neuropathic pain. She has published on topics in pain medicine including pain in women, written numerous articles and authored book chapters on both acute and chronic pain. She served on the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Pain Medicine Committee, the American Medical Association (AMA) advisory board for pain, the Anesthesia and Analgesia (A&A) Editorial board as a reviewer, and the American Board of Anesthesiologists (ABA) as an associate board examiner. She has presented and lectured on acute and chronic pain at national meetings including the ASA, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine and the American Academy of Pain Medicine. For the past twenty years she was consistently listed in Washington Top Docs for Pain Medicine and was recently awarded the Trailblazer Award from ASRA.
Title : Potential Thrombolytic, Anticoagulant and Cardiovascular Protective Effect of a Vietnamese Herbal Capsule
Name : Nguyen Thi Hong Van
University : Sao Thai Duong Joint Stock Company
Country : Vietnam
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Cardiovascular diseases are the most common reason for morbidity and mortality worldwide. HK01, the result of the Sao Thai Duong R&D herbal medicine project, consists of traditional medicinal herbs. The main purpose of HK.01 is to serve as an effective traditional medicine in the management of cardiovascular diseases in general, and myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and peripheral arterial diseases in particular.
Several studies on the toxicities and potential cardiovascular protective effects of HK01. Firstly, the acute and sub-chronic toxicities in experimental animals were assessed. No toxicities were observed in either study. Additionally, the effect of HK01 on blood coagulation fibrinolysis in experimental animals was also evaluated. The model of thrombosis was induced by thrombin injection in rabbits. The lipopolysaccharide-induced thrombosis model was developed in rats. Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen concentration, platelet count, and value of D-dimer were determined. We observed that HK01 exerted fibrinolysis effects on the thrombin-induced thrombosis model in rabbits. In terms of determining the potential cardiovascular effects of HK01 in experimental research, a non-invasive method was used to induce myocardial infarction in rats, preceded by oral administration of HK01 for 30 consecutive days. Our results showed that HK01 did attenuate the myocardial infarction, and ameliorate the antioxidant capacity and endothelial function. The first results of the studies indicated that HK01 might serve as an effective traditional medicine in managing cardiovascular diseases, which would pave the way for conducting clinical trials about the effectiveness and safety evaluation.
Biography
Msc.Pharm. Nguyen Thi Hong Van currently holds the position of Deputy General Director in charge of Regulatory and Research Collaboration at Sao Thai Duong Joint Stock Company. After graduating as a pharmacist from Hanoi University of Pharmacy, she went on to study for two master’s degrees in Pharmacognosy and Traditional Medicine, at Hanoi University of Pharmacy and majored in Pharmacochemistry – Quality Assurance of Healthcare Product, Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
After graduating and returning to Vietnam, she started working in Sao Thai Duong JSC. to continue her passion for developing products from Vietnamese medicinal herbs. With her contribution, hundreds of products have been successfully researched and registered in Vietnam and foreign. She contributed to bringing good quality products from Vietnamese medicinal herbs to serve domestic and international people. Among those research projects is the Sunkovir project, Sunkovir is a product that has been conducted in 3 clinical studies according to GCP guidelines in the Covid-19 pandemic. Three articles were published in Pubmed. Sunkovir is licensed as an herbal medicine for the treatment of influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory viruses in Vietnam and is interested by many international partners.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36751127/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36357349/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35695687/
Title : The Effects of Peloid and Balneotherapy on Arthritis: A Systematic Literature
Name : Iwona Kasior
University : Howard University
Country : USA
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Background: Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States. According to the National Arthritis Data Workgroup, more than 22% of American adults (which is equivalent to over 52.5 million people) suffer from arthritis or a rheumatic condition. Of those diagnosed with arthritis, 7.3% of people are aged 18-44, 30.3% are 45-64 years old, and 49.7% are over the age of 65. Women are also more prone to developing this disease than men. Researchers estimated that by 2030, the number of people who will be diagnosed with arthritis will increase to 67 million. There are three most common types of arthritis, two of which will be the focus of this systematic literature review, these include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is characterized by degeneration of cartilage as well as bony overgrowth, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease affecting the joints.
Purpose: The purpose of this targeted systematic literature review is to examine the relationship between the treatment of peloid and balneotherapy on patients with arthritis in reducing pain, and arthritic symptoms and increasing their quality of life.
Methodology: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and Science Direct databases. The search terms included balneotherapy, peloid therapy, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, quality of life, rehabilitation, physical activity, and pain management. Inclusion criteria: 18-65 years, published within the last 10 years, interventions related to peloid and balneotherapy, or both. An evidence level of 2b or higher was required for the inclusion criteria. Exclusion criteria includes not evaluating interventions of interest and therapeutic interventions for arthritis which are not peloid or balneotherapy related. A total of five articles (n = 5) were included in this systematic literature review. The original search criteria yielded 61 research articles related to the topic, which were then screened with the inclusion criteria with a remaining of five articles which were utilized in this review.
Results: A systematic literature review of five studies was performed. Five clinical studies measured the effectiveness of balneotherapy and/or peloid therapy and there was significant difference between the groups in WOMAC pain, stiffness, and function scores and in the VAS.
Discussion: This review indicates that balneotherapy and peloid therapy were effective in reducing pain, stiffness, improving function as assessed by the WOMAC and VAS scores.
Biography
Associate Professor in the Physical Therapy Department, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. She received her PhD from The Karol Marcinkowski Medical University in Poznan, Poland (2004) Dr. Kasior has also received the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Health Professions, Boston, MA in 2006, the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from Howard University, School of Education (2001), BS degree from Howard University, Physical Therapy Department in 1988 and Master’s Degree from the Academy of Physical Education in Poznan, Poland, (1979). Dr. Kasior has been on the faculty with the Department of Physical Therapy at Howard University since 1993. She is also actively participating in direct patient intervention through various Home Care Agencies in Northern Virginia, USA. Dr. Kasior’s main research interest is related to the social aspect of ageing and disability across life span and how the disability affects family relationships. Dr. Kasior has been actively involved in presenting and publishing in the USA and overseas and has an active close collaboration with Universities in Poland. Her current research interest is also in the use of alternative intervention in treatment of various orthopedic and neurological conditions such as the Whole-Body Crio-Chamber and Peloid and Balneotherapy.
Title : Cross Model Transfer Learning Framework
Name : Ganesh Kumar P
University : Anna University
Country : India
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Transfer learning is a powerful paradigm in machine learning that leverages knowledge acquired from one domain to enhance performance in another, often unrelated, domain. This approach is particularly valuable in scenarios where data is scarce, imbalanced, or exhibits significant variability across domains. In the realm of healthcare, where diverse data sources such as electronic health records (EHR), medical imaging, and genetic information abound, the potential for transfer learning is immense. The concept of cross-domain transfer learning extends this potential further by enabling the application of insights gained from one type of data (e.g., text or images) to another (e.g., genomic sequences or clinical metrics), despite substantial differences in data characteristics and distributions.
The integration of cross-domain transfer learning in healthcare is poised to revolutionize disease prediction, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. By bridging the gap between disparate data modalities, such as translating knowledge from radiographic imaging to enhance the predictive power of EHR-based models, healthcare professionals can gain a more comprehensive understanding of patient conditions. This holistic approach to patient data analysis is crucial for developing personalized medicine and targeted treatment plans.
Moreover, the advent of attention mechanisms in machine learning models introduces an additional layer of sophistication to transfer learning. Attention mechanisms allow models to focus on the most relevant features of the data, dynamically adjusting to the importance of different information sources depending on the context. When combined with transfer learning, attention mechanisms can significantly improve the model’s ability to generalize from one domain to another, making them particularly suited for handling the complex and heterogeneous data typical in healthcare settings.
However, the successful implementation of cross-domain transfer learning and attention mechanisms in healthcare faces several challenges. These include ensuring data privacy and security, handling missing or incomplete data, and overcoming the inherent biases present in medical datasets. Additionally, the integration of multimodal data sources, which are often not directly linked to the same subjects, requires sophisticated algorithms capable of extracting and synthesizing relevant information across different data types.
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of applying cross-domain transfer learning and attention mechanisms in healthcare are substantial. By enabling the seamless integration and analysis of multimodal data, these techniques can provide medical professionals with deeper insights into patient health, leading to more accurate disease predictions and more effective treatment plans. As the healthcare sector continues to generate vast amounts of data from diverse sources, the demand for models that can efficiently process and integrate this information will continue to grow.
In conclusion, the fusion of cross-domain transfer learning with attention mechanisms represents a promising direction for healthcare analytics. This approach has the potential to transform how medical data is analyzed and utilized, paving the way for advancements in personalized medicine and improving patient outcomes. However, realizing this potential will require ongoing research and development to address the unique challenges presented by healthcare data and to fully harness the power of these innovative machine learning techniques.
Biography
Dr. P. Ganesh Kumar is currently working as an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University, Chennai. He is a BK21 (Brain Korea) Post-Doctoral Fellow in School of Computer Science and Engineering, Kyungpook National University, South Korea between 2015 and 2016. He is the recipient of student scientist award from TNSCST in 2003, IEEE best paper award in 2007, IET best paper award in 2011, Korean IISE best paper award in 2015, travel grant as Young Scientist from DST in 2013 to Singapore, Workshop Grant from DBT in 2014, travel grant as from DBT to USA, CSIR in 2014 to USA and 2018 to France. He is the resource person for delivering technical talk in UGC, AICTE, TEQIP, ICMR, IETE, and IEEE sponsored seminars in various technical institutions. He has guided 114 M.Tech Thesis, 11 Ph.D Thesis, and guiding 4 PhD Scholars. He has published his research work in 50 International SCI/Scopus journals, 55 International Renowned Conferences and 75 National Conferences. His research area includes Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Immersive Technologies and Quantum Computing.
Title : "Comparison between Traditional Auricular Acupuncture and Laser Acupuncture for the Treatment of Anosmia and Dysgeusia Post COVID-19" – Case Reports
Name : Amanda Farage Frade-Barros
University : Brazil University
Country : Brazil
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Auricular acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine involves stimulating specific points on the outer ear to treat various conditions throughout the body. These points on the ear are believed to correspond to different organs and systems within the body. Benefits may include pain relief, stress reduction, addiction treatment support, improved sleep, and enhanced overall well-being. COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the new coronavirus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The most common symptoms are fever, dry cough, tiredness, muscle aches, sore throat, headache, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, rashes, loss of smell and/or taste (anosmia and/or ageusia). The aim ofthis research was to evaluate the effects of laser in acuriculotherapy to treat patients with COVID-19 who presented with anosmia and/or ageusia. In this project to establish a clinical protocol, volunteers (n=12) with a rapid test or PCR test for COVID-19, treated, aged over 18 years, both genders, who had post-COVID-19 anosmia as sequelae, participated in this project. and/or ageusia. The volunteers were treated in the laser auriculotherapy group (ATL, n=6) or in the traditional auriculotherapy control group (ATT, n=6), once a week, for 10 weeks, totaling 10 sessions. In the ATL group, using portable low power diode laser equipment (Laser Duo®, MMOptics, São Carlos, Brazil), semiconductor diode active medium (GaAlAs and InGaAlP), with emission in the infrared wavelength (808 nm), energy of 3 J, fixed power of 100 mW, tip area of 0.03 cm2, dose of 100 J/cm2, time of 30 s in contact with the skin at each acupoint. In the ATT group using rapeseed or mustard fixed by adhesive tape, both groups in the points: SHEN MEN, KIDNEY, SYMPATHETIC, TONGUE, MOUTH, EXTERNAL NOSE, INTERNAL NOSE/PHARYNX, HEART AND LUNGS. They answered the clinical evaluation form and quality of life questionnaires (SF36) in the first and last session. Odor and taste tests composed of sweet, salty, sour, bitter and spicy foods were applied from a questionnaire with the “Likert” scale before and after each session. The ATL group, in the analysis of the mental health parameter related to the SF36, showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) and it was possible to observe improvements in smell and taste of bitter and sour foods after treatment. The ATT group showed significant improvements regarding smell and salty taste. The treatments promoted an improvement and general well-being in the volunteers in both evaluated groups, and in the laser group it was possible to observe better statistically significant results. Laser auriculotherapy has the advantage of being a non-pharmacological, painless therapy with minimal side effects.
Keywords: Acupuncture, COVID-19, Laser stimulation, Auricular acupuncture, Laser, Alternative medicine.
Biography
I have 22 years of significant experience in basic and clinical research in the health care area. I had the opportunity to work with KOL (Key Opinion Leaders) from multiple therapeutic areas (immunology, infectious diseases, cardiology, oncology). 2 years of international expertise in a multi-centric project, knowledge in Regulatory process (CEP/CONEP). Skills in interpreting, analyzing, and presenting scientific data, implementing and managing national and international multi-center research projects. From the great experience in the scientific area, it was possible to work in several different sectors of healthcare, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with a great team from different programs that gives me flexibility to work in multidisciplinary areas. I am currently a researcher and teacher collaborator and work in my acupuncture and integrative practices office. I have great skill with interpersonal relationships. I love teaching, study, encouraging and positively influencing people, which made me establish lasting professional partnerships.
Title : A Practical Approach to Treating Severe Autoimmunity
Name : Jay Goodbinder
University : The Epigenetics Healing Center
Country : USA
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Patients who have infections, mold toxins, environmental toxins, metal exposures, not enough activity, and poor dietary choices will have higher interleukin 6, 12, and TNF A. At high levels, these will cause autoimmunity in those genetically predisposed to HLA-B27 diseases, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, and Psoriatic Arthritis. When these factors are mitigated, anti-cytokine cytokines will increase, controlling the inflammatory modulators and rendering the patients free of disease.
Biography
Dr. Jay Goodbinder, ND, DCDABCI, stands as the proprietor and leading clinician at The Epigenetics Healing Center in Kansas City, MO. Here, he has guided countless individuals from across the globe in overcoming autoimmune and life-altering illnesses. Dr. Goodbinder’s expertise is the culmination of four years of intensive post-doctoral training in functional medicine, endocrinology, immunology, biochemistry, physiology, and epigenetics. Notably, he is a bestselling author, celebrated for his book “Defending Your Life.” Dr. Goodbinder has graced prestigious platforms including appearances on CNN alongside luminaries such as Dr. Oz and Dr. Drew, engagements at the Harvard Faculty Club alongside Suzanne Somers, as well as presentations at the NASDAQ and the New York Academy of Medicine.
Title : Incidence of Nerve Injury Following Acupuncture Treatments in Taiwan
Name : Chia-Lin Lin
University : Taipei City Hospital
Country : Taiwan
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Objective: Acupuncture, a widely employed traditional therapeutic modality known for its efficacy in pain alleviation and diverse condition management, may inadvertently result in mechanical nerve injury due to its invasive nature. This research aimed to ascertain the incidence of nerve injuries post-acupuncture, identify associated risk factors, and map the distribution of nerve injury sites.
Methods: A case-control study nested in the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) 2000-2018 two million cohort was conducted. Patients previously diagnosed with nerve injury, surgery, or degeneration before acupuncture were excluded. Cases were defined as patients receiving acupuncture and seeking medical attention for nerve injury (ICD9-CM code 950-957) within 14 days post-procedure, while control groups comprised patients undergoing acupuncture without subsequent adverse events. Invasive treatments prior to adverse events and adverse events occurring more than 14 days post-acupuncture were excluded. To ensure case-control comparability, factors such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and medical facility environment were controlled using propensity score matching.
Results: The study encompassed 14,507,847 acupuncture treatments administered to 886,753 patients, with 8361 instances of post-acupuncture nerve injury identified, representing an incidence rate of approximately 5.76 per 10,000 procedures. Age emerged as a significant risk factor, with the adjusted odds ratios escalating with age. Several comorbidities including diabetes, hypothyroidism, liver cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease, herpes zoster, hepatitis virus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dementia, and cerebrovascular accidents were associated with an elevated risk of nerve injury post-acupuncture.
Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of meticulous patient profiling and cautious therapeutic approach in acupuncture, considering the evident influence of various demographic, systemic, and treatment-related factors on the incidence of nerve injuries.
Keywords: Acupuncture; Distribution of nerve injury, sites; Incidence rate; Nerve injury; Risk factors.
Biography
Chia-Lin Lin is a traditional Chinese physician who currently practices at the Renai Branch of the Taipei city hospital, where she completed her medical training after earning her degree at the Post-baccalaureate School of Chinese Medicine, Tzu-Chi university. Dr. Lin specializes in all forms acupuncture, management of osteoarthritis and tendinopathy and management of patients with metabolic syndrome. Dr. Lin is particularly adept at facial acupuncture, for which she received intensive training and is certified by the Taiwan facial acupuncture society. Facial acupuncture can be applied to patients with various neurological facial disorders including Bell’s palsy, post stroke facial asymmetry, trigeminal neuropathy and other similar diseases for symptom relief. Dr. Lin often collaborates with numerous neurologists, whom regularly refer patients following resolution of acute neurological episodes for long term symptom relief. Dr. Lin has also cooperated with neurologists to treat numerous patients seeking her advice due to nerve injury following acupuncture at various clinics. Dr. Lin’s numerous encounters with such patients prompted her to investigate and identify the most vulnerable patients, which resulted in this study.
Title : Pharmacist
Name : Maryam Aribi
University : Guardian Pharmacy
Country : USA
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Maryam Aribi is a Pharmacist currently working at 4Front Pharmacy. As a first-degree connection, she likely plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safe and effective dispensing of medications, providing valuable pharmaceutical expertise, and offering guidance on health-related matters to the community she serves. Working in a pharmacy setting requires a combination of clinical knowledge, attention to detail, and interpersonal skills to assist customers with their medication needs. Maryam’s role at 4Front Pharmacy suggests that she is actively involved in the healthcare industry, contributing to the well-being of individuals by ensuring access to necessary medications and promoting overall health. Her professional background and experience in pharmacy likely make her a valuable asset in providing quality pharmaceutical services to the community.
Title : Eden Energy Medicine Tehniques, Bach Flower Remedy and Essential Oils- A Holistic Approach for Irritabil Bowel Syndrome
Name : Dr. Madalina Petre
University : Holistic Medicine Practitioner in Bucharest
Country : Romania
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This class is a lecture in which attendees will receive explanations and solutions for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) from the perspective of the Five Elements Theory. There is no long-term effective treatment in mainstream medicine for IBS, a medical condition that lacks a physical cause detectable with microscopes, scanners, blood, or genetic tests. Various emotions are associated with either an excess or a deficit of energy in one of the five elements, which over time can lead to symptoms that define IBS. Using a combination of specific techniques from Eden Energy Medicine, Bach Remedies, and essential oils to create emotional balance will lead to positive outcomes in terms of physical symptoms. This class is for everyone. Attendees will learn specific combinations of Eden Energy Medicine techniques, essential oils, and Bach Remedies for a variety of functional disorders.
Biography
Dr Madalina Petre began her long medical career in 2000 as a specialist in internal medicine and from 2010 also practiced as a gastroenterologist. Since 2013 she has been studying a variety of alternative medical therapies such as essential oils, Bach remedies, hypnotherapy, and meditation, and in 2019 she became an Eden Energy Medicine certified practitioner. Since then she has integrated all her medical knowledge as a combination of alternative and conventional medicine in her practice and since 2022 in a prolific online and offline educational activity under the name of preventive medicine.
Title : Sacred Medicine: Exploring Mystical Experiences and Healing with Psychedelics
Name : Tatiana Zdyb
University : MindSetting
Country : Canada
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A psychedelic renaissance was sparked by a 2006 double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study carried out by Dr. Roland Griffiths to examine the psychological effects of psilocybin on healthy individuals. Eighty percent of the participants described the experience as among the most revelatory and spiritually meaningful episodes of their lives. The experiences they described shared the attributes of a mystical event: participants described profound feelings of joy, love and terror, along with a sense of interconnectedness and a sense of a sacred reality. Study participants noted prolonged positive effects on their mood and behavior (Griffiths RR, Richards WA, et al. 2006).
This study catapulted psychedelics to the forefront of scientific inquiry and cultural discourse, promising profound implications for mental health and personal well-being. As the boundaries between ancient traditions and modern science blur, the potential of psychedelics to transform mental health care and spiritual exploration is becoming increasingly evident.
This keynote presentation will provide an overview of the complex intersectionality of psychedelic-induced mystical experiences and their therapeutic benefits. Through a systematic review of scientific data and anecdotal narratives this presentation aims to synthesize understandings of how these mystical experiences are operationalized, of their capacity to evoke profound, often life-changing experiences and to pose areas for further inquiry into the mechanisms by which these facilitate emotional and psychological transformation.
Attendees will leave with a richer understanding of the inter-relatedness of the spiritual and psychological variables that influence healing through psychedelic ceremonies, and questions for further reflection.
Reference: Griffiths RR, Richards WA, McCann U, Jesse R. Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2006 Aug;187(3):268-83; discussion 284-92. doi: 10.1007/s00213-006-0457-5. Epub 2006 Jul 7. PMID: 16826400.
Biography
Tatiana Zdyb, Ph.D., M.A., C. Psych is a member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario and the British Psychological Society. She earned a Ph.D. in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of Western Ontario, and completed all pre-dissertation course work and comprehensive exams in the Psy.D. program at Adler University, where she also completed a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology.
She is the founder of the Zdyb Centre for Health Promotion (2017), MindSetting (2020) and Audacity Health (2022).
She has worked in various clinical settings including the Student Development Centre at the University of Western Ontario, community-based private practices, and St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital. Additionally, she acted as an external examiner in the graduate studies department of the University of Peshawar, worked as a medical consultant for Equitable Life of Canada, was the Vice Chair of the Mental Health Impact Council at the Middlesex-London United Way, Adjunct Faculty member in the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She currently teaches in the Psychology Department at King’s University College at Western University and provides psychotherapy through Zdyb Centre for Health Promotion and Audacity Health.
Title : A Practice Framework for the Cooperative Treatment of Cancer between Traditional Health Practitioners and Radiation Oncologists in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa
Name : Pauline Busisiwe Nkosi
University : Durban University of Technology
Country : South Africa
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Cooperative practice between traditional health practitioners (THPs) and radiation oncologists (ROs) is crucial for the continuity of care in the treatment of patients with cancer. However, scant information exists on how to coordinate cooperation between these health practitioners without interrupting the treatment of the patients.
Aim:</strong The study aimed to explore the practices of THPs and ROs in cancer treatment and ultimately derive a workable practice framework between these health practitioners in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province.
Methods: A qualitative study using a descriptive phenomenological approach was conducted to collect data from 28 THPs and four ROs from public oncology hospitals. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted to collect data from THPs and ROs, respectively. Framework analysis was used for data analysis to identify themes.
Results: The study found that THPs and ROs are working in parallel yet patients consult with both for cancer treatment and this results in interruptions of treatment.
Furthermore, the two groups work in an environment with no relationship, respect and trust, open communication and referral of patients by ROs to THPs. Both groups understood cooperation between them as the provision of continuity care, where the parties work independently but share certain patient-related information regarding
Biography
Dr Busisiwe Nkosi graduated with PhD (Health Sciences) at Durban University of Technology. She holds two masters, namely: MBL from UNISA School of Business Leadership and M. Tech: Radiography (Therapy) from University of Johannesburg. She also graduated with B.Tech: Radiography (Therapy) from Natal Technikon, Nat. Higher Diploma: Radiography (Therapy) from Natal Technikon and Nat. Diploma: Radiography (Diagnostic) from Wits Technikon. She has certificates in Hospital Management from Wits University, SAIM Programme in Business Management from UNISA, and Project Management from University of Pretoria. She is currently a lecturer and level coordinator for Radiotherapy Programme in the Faculty of Health Sciences for four years, an internal examiner for the master’s dissertations, a reviewer of mini research projects within the faculty and a supervisor of postgraduate students’ research projects. She has 28 years’ clinical experience in Radiography. Of those, 13 years were in diagnostic radiography and 15 years in radiotherapy. In this interim, she held positions of senior and chief radiographer as well as Head of Department. Her research interests are in cancer control, leadership, public procurement and corporate governance.
Title : The Antibacterial Effect of Cannabis sativa Plant Preparations versus Pure Cannabinoid Extracts on Clinically Relevant and Pathogenic Strains of Staphylococcus Species in vitro
Name : Cherie Ann Kruger
University : University of Johannesburg
Country : South Africa
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Staphylococcus is a pathogenic bacterium in patients which have weakened immune systems. These bacteria tend to over colonise and if left untreated can cause toxic shock syndrome, septicaemia, as well as pneumonia, endocarditis, or bone infections. Staphylococcus strains over the years have been able to build up resistance mechanisms to conventional antibiotic treatment, and annually report high mortality rates.
Studies have reported that Cannabis sativa whole plant solvent potentisation preparations, as well as purified nonpsychoactive cannabinoids (CBD) from the Cannabis sativa plant exhibit favourable antibacterial properties against various pathogens. Other studies have stated that CBD secondary plant metabolite seed and leaf essential oil extracts that were rich in terpenes and flavonoids exhibit excellent antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus species.
However, the outcomes of these studies became questionable when whole plant solvent potentisation preparations versus purified cannabinoids were analysed, in the presence or absence of psychoactive Δ9-THC, as well as were suspended in various diluents.
The aim of this study was to determine if Cannabis sativa D6 ethanol preparations versus chemically isolated pure cannabinoids plant extracts (CBD) can be effectively used to treat multidrug resistant pathogenic strains of Staphylococcus species in vitro. The antimicrobial activity of both the preparations versus the pure extracts was tested against 12 pathogenic Staphylococcus species strains using the Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion Method with growth being measured 24 hours after treatment.
The results showed that the pure CBD was able to limit the growth of 83% of the different Staphylococcus species that were examined. Cannabis sativa D6 preparation did not generate any antimicrobial effects, possibly due to the diluted concentration of its active components. CBD has successfully proved its clinical efficacy, as well as its tolerability and in vitro activity, against some pathogenic Staphylococcus species. This study could encourage a new field for further research in relation to the antimicrobial properties of CBD plant extracts for the treatment of human Staphylococci
infections.
Biography
Dr Cherie Ann Kruger (PhD: Biomedical Technology) is an academic and principal research coordinator at the University of Johannesburg, Faculty of Heath Sciences within the Complementary Medicine Department. Her research interest lies extensively within Traditional and Alternative Complementary Medicine plant preparations and secondary bioactive extracts for the effective treatment of various diseases which exhibit antimicrobial resistance to conventional medications, to promote global holistic health. This year she was awarded her NRF Y2 rating (2023), benchmarking the quality of her research and impact worldwide. Moreover, in 2019 she received the esteemed UJ Vice Chancellor’s Distinguished Award for Most Promising Researcher. Currently she holds a Scopus H-index of 17, with 26 published research articles in SCI(E) journals, with over 1576 citations. According to her AD Scientific Index for 2023, she is ranked within the Natural Sciences category in the top 52% of researchers globally and is considered in the top 1.7% percentile of international of researchers for her research contributions to the physics categories of microbiology, complementary medicine, and antimicrobial resistance.
Title : Phytochemical Composition and Therapeutic Applications of Some Medicinally Important Herbs Growing in Indian Himalayas
Name : Om Prakash
University : G.B. pant University of Agriculture and Technology
Country : India
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Medicinal and Aromatic plants are well recognized and utilized throughout the world for their biological efficacy in healthcare system which is attributed to the abundance of diverse biochemical repository of secondary metabolites. The new compounds, biosynthesized in plants are being explored continuously since ancient time and also in modern times by focusing on their chemical structures and biological potential as drugs, fragrance, dyes, neutraceutical etc. Himalayan region of Uttarakhand (India) is big repository of aromatic and medicinal plants in subtropical Tarai Bhabar, temperate to alpine regions. Zingiberaceae,commonly known as the ginger family, includes flowering plants with more than 1300 species divided into 57 genera. The plants are distributed throughout tropical Africa, Asia, and America and have been widely used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine to prevent and treat numerous pathologies. Plants of this family are also used as foods, and to produce natural dyes. Because of its use in oriental medicine as well as spices and culinary flavoring agents, members of Zingiberaceae family have
been subjected to substantial chemical and pharmaceutical research. Due to diverse nature of this family and excellent source of bioactive compounds along with tremendous pharmacological properties, numerous plants of this family including Alpinia, Hedychium, Curcuma, Globba, Roscoae and Zingiber have been explored from several decades for their chemical diversity and medicinal properties by researchers. The plants of the family exhibit diverse chemical nature and possess potent pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, hepatoprotective activities along with potential against microbes (antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral) and insect pests (antifeedant, insecticidal). Acorus calamus ( Acoraceae), is a semi-aquatic, perennial aromatic medicinal plant, commonly known as ‘Sweet flag’. The native range of this species is Asia,North America. It is a perennial or rhizomatous geophyte and grows primarily in the temperate biome. Calamus rhizome and fragrant leaves are traditionally used as drugs. It was used by indigenous tribes to treat cough. The dried and powdered rhizome having a sour flavor is used as a substitute for nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger. The rhizomes are tested for their ability to have carminative, expectorant, nauseate, nervine, sedative, stimulant, aromatic, anti-helminthic and antispasmodic properties. They are also used as medications for mental disorders, epilepsy, abdominal tumors, and also as antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anticonvulsant, etc. In this deliberation emphasis will be given to taxonomic identification, traditional applications, chemical diversity, therapeutic potential
viz; anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, analgesic, antispasmoic, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antimicrobial activities etc. of some Zingiberaceae herbs viz; Zingiber chrysanthum .Hedychium, Alpinia, Acorus calamus of family poaceae.
Biography
Prof. Om Prakash has experience of 23 years in the field of natural products chemistry which can be evidenced with more than 173 research publication in international and nation journals of reputes with more than 1550 citation, 18,h-index and 40 i-10 index and he has presented about 29 papers in the international and national conferences. Dr. Prakash has guided 10 Ph. D. students and 23 students as Major guide for the M.Sc. students. Dr Prakash has explored investigations on the chemical composition of medicinal plants with the help of chromatographic and spectral techniques such as HPLC, GC, GC/MS, LC-MS, IR, UV and NMR and therapeutic potential of various aromatic and medicinal plants along with the effect of the environment on the quality of phytochemicals (secondary metabolites). The medicinal and aromatic plants(MAPs) have potential to biosynthesize the chemicals which can be either directly used or can be a model for synthesizing natural products based synthetic alternatives. At present, the Dr Prakash is engaged in the investigations of MAPs with exploration of natural bioactive components. Secondary metabolites have tremendous potential in the field of bioprospecting and pharmaceutical industry.