Global voices in natural healing gather in Dakshina Kannada
The conference was inaugurated by Dr. D Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala and President of the SDM Educational Society, under whose patronage SDM institutions have emerged as key players in promoting education in traditional systems of medicine. Dr. Heggade underscored the growing acceptance of naturopathy and yoga as complementary to modern medicine, especially in the context of preventive care.
'While contemporary medicine is indispensable, there is growing recognition that the human body possesses intrinsic mechanisms for healing—something that systems like naturopathy and Ayurveda have long emphasised,' Dr. Heggade said, addressing faculty, students and delegates.
The opening ceremony included the release of multiple scholarly publications including a Compendium of Different Diseases and a Dictionary of Naturopathy. These are aimed at bridging traditional knowledge with standardised practices for future practitioners.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. H R Nagendra, Chancellor of SVYASA University, a leading institution in yogic science education and research. Dr. Nagendra, a former scientist with NASA, is widely regarded for mainstreaming yoga within public health and policy frameworks. 'Despite tremendous progress in medicine, our assumptions about conquering all diseases have not materialised. We need to adopt a more integrated approach to health,' he said.
Member of Parliament from Mangalore, Brijesh Chowta, also attended the event and commended the SDM institutions for their pioneering work in naturopathy education in southern India. He released one of the new publications and emphasised the importance of scientific validation and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Speaking on the academic direction of the field, Dr. N K Manjunath, Vice-Chancellor of SVYASA, observed that India's traditional healing systems are gaining international traction, especially in light of increasing lifestyle diseases and the search for sustainable healthcare models. 'Institutions like SDM, under the leadership of Dr. Heggade, have laid a strong foundation for modern naturopathy education,' he added.
Also present were Dr. Babu Joseph, Director of the National Institute of Naturopathy, Pune; Mr. Harshendra Kumar, Secretary of SDM Institutions; Dr. Satheeshchandra; and Dr. Prashanth Shetty, Principal of the host college.
Over the next four days, the conference will feature technical sessions, research presentations, and practitioner workshops focused on disease prevention, stress management, nutritional therapy, and the integration of traditional and modern treatment protocols. The event aims to strengthen global dialogue around holistic health systems and their role in contemporary public health. India has seen a steady rise in interest in naturopathy and yoga, especially post-pandemic, with the AYUSH Ministry expanding support for research and infrastructure. Karnataka, with institutions like SDM and SVYASA, remains a leading hub in this space.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
14 minutes ago
- Hans India
Daily Ayurvedic Habits That Can Naturally Heal and Strengthen Your Liver
In today's world of processed foods, high stress, late nights, and pollution, the liver—a vital organ responsible for digestion, metabolism, and detoxification—often becomes overburdened. Fatigue, sluggish digestion, bloating, and dull skin may be subtle signs of a stressed liver. While modern medicine offers quick fixes, Ayurveda encourages long-term healing through natural daily habits that align with the body's innate rhythms. In Ayurvedic philosophy, the liver is closely tied to Pitta Dosha—associated with fire and transformation. Strengthening this organ through daily Ayurvedic practices can help cleanse, rejuvenate, and protect it naturally. Below are five powerful habits you can adopt for better liver health. 1. Healing Herbs and Spices for Liver Detox Several Ayurvedic herbs are known for their liver-supporting properties. Turmeric, rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, stimulates bile production and shields liver tissue. Amla (Indian gooseberry) offers a rich dose of Vitamin C and antioxidants to aid tissue repair and detox. Guduchi (Giloy) helps cleanse toxins and boosts liver regeneration. Triphala, a blend of three fruits, supports digestive detox pathways. Kutki and Bhumyamalaki, although lesser known, have shown benefits in promoting liver cell renewal and reducing inflammation. These can be consumed as herbal teas, powders, or supplements. 2. Eat Clean with a Liver-Friendly Diet Ayurveda recommends a sattvic (pure) diet—fresh, light, and natural. Include bitter greens like fenugreek, kale, and spinach, which are traditionally used to detox the liver. Reduce intake of fried, oily, processed, and overly spicy foods. Choose whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables over heavy meats or dairy. Start the day with warm lemon water or herbal tea to gently activate the liver. 3. Incorporate Daily Detox Rituals Gentle daily practices help keep liver pathways clear: Drink Triphala powder with warm water at night to aid overnight detoxification. Try Abhyanga (oil massage) using herbal oils to stimulate circulation and flush out toxins. Practice breathwork techniques like Kapalbhati and Anulom Vilom to enhance oxygen flow and support liver function. 4. Move with Intention: Yoga & Exercise Movement is essential to liver health. Yoga poses like Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) and Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) stimulate the liver and improve blood circulation. Breathing exercises or Pranayama regulate stress, reduce inflammation, and support overall organ function. Activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can prevent fatty deposits and promote liver regeneration. 5. Rest, Routine, and Emotional Well-Being Ayurveda emphasizes Dinacharya—a daily routine that supports healing. Aim to sleep before 10 PM, the optimal time for liver repair. Maintain consistent meal and sleep schedules. Use meditation, mindfulness, or calming music to manage emotional stress, which often impairs liver function. Healing the liver doesn't require drastic measures—it begins with gentle, consistent Ayurvedic practices. By aligning with nature's rhythms and tuning into your body's needs, these simple habits can restore liver function, boost energy, and improve overall well-being.
Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
A young father's brave battle with aggressive tongue cancer: A story of resilience and medical innovation
This is the story of a young man in his early 40s, the sole breadwinner for his family, who faced one of life's toughest challenges—a diagnosis of oral cancer, specifically tongue cancer, largely attributed to lifestyle factors. He underwent standard treatment, beginning with surgical resection in the form of a partial glossectomy (removal of part of the tongue) along with neck dissection. This was followed by simultaneous flap reconstruction of the tongue and subsequent chemoradiation therapy. Unfortunately, within three months of completing radiation, the cancer recurred. It began from the posterior edge of the flap, involved the base of the tongue, and was found to be abutting the mandible (jaw bone). There were lymph nodes affected on both sides of the neck. Major challenges faced Aggressive Disease Biology: A recurrence within such a short time pointed to a very aggressive form of cancer. Post-Treatment Morbidity: The patient was still recovering. He had impaired speech and swallowing, a dry mouth due to lack of saliva, and radiation-damaged skin on the neck. His overall health was still weak. Surgical Risks: A second surgery was extremely risky due to: Scarred surgical planes from the previous operation, especially around critical blood vessels like the carotid artery. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo Tissue healing compromised by radiation. Surgical intervention within 6 to 12 months post-radiation increases the risk of osteoradionecrosis (bone death), especially if the mandible is involved. Innovative, individualized treatment plan Given the complexity of the case, immunotherapy was initially considered. However, due to its high cost, a precision medicine approach using tumor viability and transcriptomic analysis was employed through RGCC Labs in Europe. This cutting-edge test helped determine: The likely effectiveness of immunotherapy Which chemotherapy drugs might be most effective The role of dietary modifications, including Ayurveda, superfoods, and sugar management Surprisingly, the report indicated limited benefit from immunotherapy, but highlighted the potential effectiveness of targeted therapies against EGFR and VEGF pathways. The general concept is to start immunotherapy with or without chemotherapy. As immunotherapy is a really expensive treatment, we decided to use the latest technology of tumor viability and transcriptomics from RGCC Labs Europe. This helps us understand whether immunotherapy will be effective or not. It also helps us decipher which chemotherapy drugs to use. It even provides insight into Ayurveda, superfoods, and allows us to tailor the patient's diet, including the role of sugar. The analysis suggested not much effectiveness of immunotherapy. Instead, targeted medicines against EGFR and VEGF pathways were found to be effective. A protocol comprising chemotherapy + targeted drugs + nutraceuticals (Ayurveda) + dietary modification and supportive medicine such as high-dose Vitamin C was developed and administered. To our surprise, the patient responded very well. Within three weeks, the neck nodes were not palpable. Speech and swallowing started to improve dramatically. But unfortunately, after four weeks, the patient developed acalculous cholecystitis—i.e., inflammation around the gallbladder—for which he had to be hospitalized. Image-guided drain insertion was done, which delayed cancer treatment. Chemotherapy administration was possible only twice and had to be abandoned in view of the ongoing infection. The ulcer in the posterior tongue was still there, and surgery was an option. The patient denied an open procedure as he was not willing to accept more morbidity. Therefore, transoral robotic resection of the tongue ulcer was planned. We were skeptical since the ulcer was abutting the jawbone, and it's very difficult to get adequate margins robotically. Again, to our surprise, the surgical procedure went well. We were able to remove the whole ulcer robotically, and the final histopathology suggested no residual disease—i.e., all cancer cells were dead. The systemic therapy administered had worked very well. The patient is doing very well. He is eating well and leading a normal life. The gallbladder removal surgery has also been done successfully. Case study by Dr Mandeep Singh Malhotra, Co founder Art of Healing cancer
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
10 Ayurvedic remedies for insomnia: Natural ways to restore peaceful sleep
Struggling to fall asleep or waking up feeling unrested? , the ancient Indian system of healing, views insomnia as a sign of imbalance in the mind-body system, often linked to disturbed Vata and Pitta doshas. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Rather than relying on temporary fixes like sleeping pills, Ayurvedic wisdom encourages a gentle, long-term approach. Through calming herbs, nourishing evening routines, oil massages, and mindful dietary habits, Ayurveda helps soothe the nervous system and align your natural sleep cycle. These remedies not only support better sleep but also promote overall wellbeing, helping you relax deeply and wake up feeling energised and clear-headed. 10 Ayurvedic remedies to help you sleep better naturally Calm the mind with ayurvedic sleep herbs Certain Ayurvedic herbs are known for their calming and adaptogenic properties: Brahmi soothes the nervous system and reduces mental chatter. Ashwagandha helps the body adapt to stress and stabilises cortisol levels. Shatavari is especially helpful for women with hormonal imbalances impacting sleep. Sarpagandha acts as a natural sedative and helps reduce high blood pressure. Cannabis (Bhanga), traditionally used in Ayurveda under supervision, helps promote deep, restorative sleep in chronic insomnia cases. These herbs address root causes like stress, anxiety, hormonal imbalance, and nervous system hyperactivity, allowing the body to transition naturally into restful sleep. Drink warm milk with turmeric before bed A simple yet effective bedtime ritual in Ayurveda involves sipping a cup of warm milk infused with a pinch of turmeric. This combination works on both the physical and mental levels. Milk naturally contains tryptophan, an amino acid that supports melatonin production, the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. Turmeric, meanwhile, has anti-inflammatory properties and is believed to balance excess Vata and Pitta—two doshas frequently disturbed in cases of insomnia. This soothing drink helps the body transition from wakefulness to rest, easing digestion and calming the senses before bedtime. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Do an Ayurvedic oil massage (Abhyanga) Abhyanga, the Ayurvedic practice of self-massage with warm oil, is a deeply grounding technique that pacifies an overactive nervous system. Using oils infused with herbs like Brahmi or Mahanarayan, you gently massage your scalp, limbs, and soles of your feet in the evening. This not only nourishes the skin and tissues but also signals the body to shift into relaxation mode. The warm oil improves circulation, promotes lymphatic drainage, and helps the body feel anchored—especially important for those with excess Vata energy, which tends to manifest as racing thoughts or restlessness at night. Try shirodhara therapy for deep relaxation is one of Ayurveda's most effective therapies for calming the mind. During this treatment, a steady stream of warm, medicated oil is poured over the forehead, targeting the third eye chakra. This continuous flow induces a meditative state, slows down mental activity, and balances excess Vata and Pitta. Shirodhara is often recommended for people suffering from chronic stress, burnout, or anxiety—all of which contribute to sleep disturbances. The therapy helps relax the entire nervous system and often leads to deep, restorative sleep within a few sessions. Use Karnapuranam and Shirovasti for nervous system support Two other traditional therapies, Karnapuranam and Shirovasti, are lesser-known but highly effective tools in Ayurvedic sleep care. Karnapuranam involves gently pouring warm, herbal oil into the ears, which is believed to nourish the auditory nerves and calm sensory overload. Shirovasti is a more intensive therapy where warm oil is retained on the scalp for a specified time using a leather cap. This treatment is particularly useful in cases of insomnia caused by hormonal fluctuations, mental fatigue, or heightened emotional stress. Both therapies support the nervous system and help stabilise erratic Vata energy. Incorporate herbal formulations into daily routine For long-term sleep improvement, Ayurveda encourages the use of herbal formulations that support overall nervous system health. Tablets or powders containing herbs like Ashwagandha, Tagara (Indian Valerian), and Jatamansi can be taken daily under a practitioner's guidance. These herbs work cumulatively to reduce mental fatigue, support adrenal function, and promote a more stable sleep cycle over time. Unlike conventional sleeping pills, they don't cause grogginess or dependency and instead help the body return to its natural rhythm. Massage the soles of your feet with warm oil One of the simplest yet most underrated Ayurvedic remedies for insomnia is the soles of the feet with warm oil at night. This nightly ritual has a calming effect on the entire body and helps ground mental energy that tends to rise upward and cause restlessness. Using oils like sesame, coconut, or ghee, this practice stimulates marma points on the feet, which are linked to various organs and energy channels. It relaxes the muscles, supports better circulation, and sends a clear signal to the body that it's time to rest. Use aromatherapy to soothe the mind In Ayurveda, the sense of is closely connected to the brain and can influence emotions and mental states. Using calming essential oils like lavender, sandalwood, or vetiver in a diffuser or diluted and applied to the temples can help calm the mind and prepare the body for sleep. These aromas stimulate the olfactory nerves and trigger a relaxation response in the brain, helping to lower cortisol and gently activate melatonin release. A peaceful, scented environment can be the perfect complement to other Ayurvedic nighttime rituals. Follow a Vata-Pitta pacifying diet Your evening meals play a major role in determining the quality of your sleep. Ayurveda recommends eating a warm, light, and nourishing dinner that's easy to digest—such as a bowl of khichdi or vegetable soup with ghee. Avoid heavy, spicy, or overly dry foods, as well as stimulants like caffeine, sugar, and alcohol, especially after sunset. A dosha-balancing diet not only supports digestive health but also prevents the build-up of internal heat and restlessness, which are common contributors to insomnia in both Vata and Pitta types. Practise gentle yoga and meditation Ayurveda recognises the deep connection between the body and mind, and incorporating gentle movement before bed can make a significant difference in sleep quality. Practices like yoga nidra, alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana), and simple forward bends help reduce mental clutter and tension stored in the body. Poses like Viparita Karani (legs-up-the-wall) and Shavasana (corpse pose) shift the body into a deeply relaxed state. Regular meditation or mindfulness at night also helps train the mind to let go of overthinking and prepare for stillness. Also Read:
