International Ayurveda Mega-Conference Ayurveda Beyond Wellness

by Ayurveda Magazine Admin

The NCAM mega-conference in Orlando

Approximately 310 individuals with a shared interest in promoting authentic Ayurveda worldwide gathered at the Westgate Resort in Orlando, Florida, USA during the final weekend of October 2023. The NCAM mega-conference, organized by a collaboration of 20 ayurveda organizations across the United States, aimed to raise awareness about Ayurveda and its significance beyond wellness. The event, titled Ayurveda Beyond Wellness, emphasized the holistic nature of Ayurveda and its role in preventive healthcare. For further details regarding the conference's comprehensive program, esteemed speakers, sponsors, and organizing committee, please visit https://ncamusa.org/conf23/.

During our interactive forum, individuals from various backgrounds including Ayurvedic physicians, experts, newbies, oldbies, Government of India officials, US-NIH government officials, academic professors, biomedical scientists, chefs, and students from 10 different countries (previously trained as engineers, economists, agronomists, and IT professionals but now interested in learning Ayurveda) gathered to listen, learn, and share their knowledge.

The mega-conference, organized by the Ayurveda Association of Florida and chaired by Dr. Aparna Bapat, brought together 87 speakers and offered a remarkable exhibition area for 35 sponsors and vendors showcasing Ayurveda Beyond Wellness. More than 20 registered organizations, schools, and businesses with a genuine interest in authentic Ayurveda participated in this gathering of like-minded individuals.

At the commencement of the conference, Ganesha, the deity known for removing obstacles, was invoked through a mantra. The opening speech was delivered by Sadhguru via an online platform. The distinguished guests included Dr. Danny Gaekwad and Senator Dennis Baxley from Florida. The conference also featured renowned speakers such as Dr. P. Nambi Namboodiri, Vd. Partap Chauhan, David Frawley, Vd. Nitin Kochar, Dr. John Douillard, and chef Divya Alter. The event was sponsored by Sachin Nayyar of LybL.

The pre-conference roundtable session was brimming with insightful deliberations on contentious subjects, encompassing the entire process of importing herbs from cultivation to harvesting, authentication, storage, customs, and packaging, ensuring their safe importation into the USA. Additionally, the discourse shed light on the significance of tangible and observable elements as "scientific evidence" within our world, as well as the imperative of incorporating Ayurveda, Yoga, and personal mental growth into mainstream universities in the USA.

The primary program showcased a series of 10 engaging discussions known as Sambhasha, each lasting for 90 minutes; covering a wide range of topics including the legal and policy aspects of ayurveda, the concept of scientific evidence, the historical significance of vijayaa as one of the five sacred plants in Ayurvedic medicine, the role of Ayurveda in treating incurable diseases and cancer, women's health concerns, the cultivation and import of Ayurvedic herbs, the integration of Ayurvedic education into mainstream practices, and the mastery of entrepreneurial skills in the field of Ayurveda.

During the main program, attendees were treated to a series of 18-minute TED-style talks that delved into the intricacies of Ayurvedic medicine. These talks covered a wide range of topics, from practical advice on how to incorporate Ayurvedic principles into your diet to more specialized subjects such as the use of bhasmas for cancer treatment and the science of Ayurvedic anesthesia. Other talks explored the relationship between healthy soil and human health, strategies for mental wellness, and the importance of regular purging for overall well-being. Additionally, attendees learned about clinical trials of Ayurveda with cancer patients, the new AI - Ayurveda Intelligence, and whole health approaches for veterans.

During the event, attendees were able to participate in various experientials and demo-lectures, such as leech therapy, music as medicine, yoga asana, and experiential pranayama. Additionally, the book-signing event showcased more than 20 authors of Ayurveda. Dr. Abhimanyu Kumar, an Ayurvedic pediatrician and former Director General of the CCRAS, released a White Paper Report on the Status of Ayurveda in the United States, which utilized AI and vetting by ayurvedic doctors. Dr. Jeffrey White of the NIH/NCI presented the Survey of U.S. Ayurvedic Medicine Professionals Regarding Helping People with Cancer, which was launched live and attended from Friday evening through Sunday evening. Lastly, lifetime awards were presented to Dr. Gopal Bashisht, Dr. Pratima Raichur, and Dr. Abhay Kumar Pati.

For nearly a quarter of a century, the Ayurvedic community in the United States has endeavored to unite practitioners in the pursuit of a professional approach to a medicinal system that addresses the body, mind, spirit, and senses. A remarkable lineup of physician speakers, scientists, and experts stepped forward unapologetically to discuss Ayurveda's healing evidence to an enthusiastic and attentive audience. Noted author John Douillard remarked, "I have never been with a kinder group of experts or attended a better conference." Padmabhushan David Frawley demonstrated his commitment by sitting attentively from the moment he arrived until he departed.

Submitted by,

Bhaswati Bhattacharya, MPH, MD, PhD (Ayu)

Chair, NCAM Program Committee