International Conference in Integrative Medicine ICIM – 2020

International Conference Integrative Medicine – 2020 was organised from September 04 to 06, 2020 by Union Yoga Ayurveda (Singapore) and Central Council of Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (India). The theme of this conference was “Challenges and Opportunities for Integrated Remedies for Cancer”. Integrative remedies is an inclusive approach of practicing medicine in a way that selectively incorporates elements of alternative medicine into comprehensive treatment. It can help people with communicable and non-communicable diseases such as cancer, (1,2) persistent pain, (3) diabetes management (4) and many other conditions to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Integrative medicine has healing-oriented approach that can give a wider and wholesome perspective towards the disease and its relation to human body. Another role of integrative medicine is preventing future health issues before they arise and setting the foundation for overall positive health. ICIM welcomed distinguished experts from various streams of healthcare in this conference and shared their experience and understanding as per their respective system of medicine under one roof.

Neurotherapy Intervention: A novel approach of healing

Background: Neurotherapy is an alternative and complementary medicine originated in India. It is drugless holistic treatment founded and developed by Sh. Lajpatrai Mehra respectfully called “Guruji” by using ancient knowledge of ‘Nadi Vigyan’ (knowledge of nervous system), Ayureveda and principles of Anatomy and Physiology. Summary: t uses the finding of medical physiology but views them from a uniquely and refreshing approach, one that negates the use of medicines or drugs. Supported by basis of physiology, Dr. Lajpatrai Mehra (Guruji) has combined these palpations with symptoms and related them with various health conditions. Key message: The therapy acts on root-cause of the disease. It uncovers the root cause of the disease and cures the same in a sophisticated manner without the use of drugs or medication. It is simple therapy with potential to normalize or revive the functioning of the organs

Confronting the potential role of Yoga in the molecular profile of rural high-risk women for Diabetes: a pilot study

Background and purpose: Yoga has been shown to have established beneficial impact through many previous studies. The mind-body practices like Yoga have an ameliorating effect on diabetes and prediabetes. The majority of prior published literature focused their attention on the glucose parameters in diabetic and prediabetic pathology. The purpose of the present pilot study is to explore the effect of AYUSH-approved Diabetic Yoga Protocol (DYP) on selected angiogenesis and neurogenesis markers in high-risk rural women for Diabetes. Methods: Total 15 high-risk women for Diabetes were selected from rural area of Chandigarh, for a 3-month DYP intervention. The pre-post single group experimental research design was implemented in the study. The changes in angiogenesis, neurogenesis parameters, and leptin were assessed at baseline and after 3 months after DYP intervention. Results: The result of the present study revealed that after 3 months of DYP intervention the statistically significant improvements were noticed on serum VEGF levels (p = 0.039). The improvements in angiogenin and BDNF levels were also seen after DYP practice. Conclusion: The results highlight the potential role of DYP on cellular growth and neuronal survival. Keywords: Diabetic Yoga Protocol, Indian Diabetes Risk Score, Prediabetes, angiogenesis, neurogenesis.

Case Study of a 22-year-old student suffering from crippling migraine attacks

A 22 year old patient with symptoms of intense migraine with history of headaches that sometimes lasted upto 2 days have made her bedridden completely. The patient ignored the mild headache which were started 4 years back. Slowly the episodes started increasing in intensity and duration ultimately culminating in a fear psychosis as the attacks did not have any fixed pattern and could strike anywhere at any time. The patient consulted many consulted several doctors for many months and had even tried acupressure but failed to find any relief from the headache. The patient approached Rudraksh Ashtang Yoga Center and enrolled herself for Yoga therapy. After 6 months of Yoga intervention the patient was back to her normal routine life.

COVID-19 prevention and management: Potential applications of humic substances

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has forced the human population to rethink over the lifestyle and food habits being followed by them. During the current scenario, when cases of more virulent new strain are emerging and specific treatment are still underway, we must look back to the Darvin’s theory of “Survival of the fittest” and in order to sustain the pandemic, we must follow the rule “Prevention is better than cure”. Traditional Medicinal System can bring possible solution including prevention and control of COVID-19. Humic substances have been used for antiviral activities, signifying that it has potential applications in the management and prevention of infectious diseases. Summary: Present article is focused on the assessment of the naturally occurring humic substances, which are major constituents of Shilajit, being used in traditional system of medicine and can be used against for the prevention of COVID-19. Key message: Humic substances not only improve the immune system, but also have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral activities against human RNA viruses. Therefore, while the entire world is preparing to deal with alarming threat of community spread of COVID-19, Humic substances may play a vital role in improving the innate immunity for prevention and management of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Agnihotra as an inexpensive method to treat HIV/AIDS – A pilot study

Background: Despite four decades of searching, no vaccine exists yet for HIV/AIDS, and it is still a big problem in many countries of the world. Purpose: Finding a simple method which is affordable, and which could help avoid side effects which the commonly used antiretroviral drugs often show, is the need of the moment. Method: A group of HIV positive children have been performing daily sunrise/sunset Agnihotra themselves under supervision for two years. Data were collected on viral load and CD4 counts before and after that. Repeated measure ANOVA was employed to find out the effectiveness of Agnihotra on reduction of viral load and increase in CD4 count. Results: Data shows general health improved measurably as viral load went down and CD4 values increased. Conclusion: These preliminary results show good potential of Agnihotra for HIV/AIDS patients and a randomized controlled trail is suggested.

Role of Integrative Medicine in Oncology for longevity and Quality of life: A Case Report

A patient with Adenocarcinoma of lungs diagnosed in (Sep 2014) without any co-morbidity like –DM-2, HTN. Patient received 5 cycles of Chemotherapy and 10 sessions of Radiotherapy followed by oral hormonal therapy for 2 yrs which shows significant reduction in size of nodule in lungs. In 2016 PET scan showed lung nodules have increased in size and new lesions were found in brain, shoulder and L5 region with symptoms of pleural effusion, imbalance in walking, difficulty in breathing and pain in left shoulder and lumbar region. In Dec 2016, he underwent naturopathy treatment like mud therapy and acupressure with vitamin supplements B17, B15, zinc, Tibetan medicine and Ayurveda medications significant improvement in symptoms. In Sep 2017 participant was admitted in Oncology Department of Arogyadhama with present history of generalized weakness, severe shoulder and back pain as well as change in walking gait due to weakness of lower limbs, breathlessness, insomnia and anorexia. He was advised Integrative Oncology treatment module which consists of yoga, Naturopathy, Ayurveda and Holistic Diet along with conventional medicine. There was significant improvement in breathlessness, muscular strength in lower limb, quality of life (QOL) and reduction in pain in shoulder and back, Improvement in walking gait after the 1 month of treatment. The present case study is an attempt to provide integrative medicine (yoga Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Conventional Medicine) for the promotion of positive health and management of pulmonary Adenocarcinoma.

Integrated Medicine a solution to COVID-19 – A Case Report

More than 213 countries are effected by the global pandemic of COVID-19, which has caused death of more than 500 thousand people around the world. Even after taking all the precaution, one can still get infected with COVID-19. The whole world is working to find a vacation, where as in alternative system of medicine is focusing on Immunity Boosting helping COVID-19 effected people. The case report shows how Yoga and Ayurveda has helped a COVID-19 positive 84 year’s old man to recover.

Diabetes management with practice of Yoga Asanas and 2 spoons of Amla Juice and Turmeric for 90 days

This case study is of a Diabetic person who works as an IT software engineer in Bangalore. Yoga Therapy Workshop was organized for 3 weeks (15 working days) in IT Company. The person showed interest in implementing the yoga therapy protocol for a longer duration to control her Diabetes. Her sense of well-being improved within one week of following the protocol which included Asanas, Meditation, Pranayam and Home Remedies such as Amla juice with Turmeric. She practiced yoga regularly and consumed 2 tablespoons of Amla Juice with 1 gram of Turmeric on an empty stomach for 90 consecutive days. She was not on any medication since she was diagnosed as a diabetic. Yoga has shown significant improvement in reversing the patient’s diabetes condition and returning her blood sugar levels to normal range.

Thalamic Gamma Aminobutyric Acid Level Changes in Major Depressive Disorder After a 12-Week Iyengar Yoga and Coherent Breathing Intervention

Although yoga is considered as a science for spiritual growth of mankind, many studies have shown that various streams of yoga render many physical as well as psychological benefits to the practitioners. Studies based on Yogic intervention (YI) on Major Depressive disorders (MDD) have shown extremely positive outcomes in recent times (1,2). The antidepressant medications which target the monoamine framework were unable to answer to the neurobiological mechanisms of MDD. Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), an amino acid neurotransmitter is known to be an important factor in the pathophysiology of mood disorders (3). In this US based study the design was to track the changes in GABA in MDD through a Yogic Intervention based on Iyenger yoga tradition. The study reports that YI does influence the change in GABA level through the stimulation of parasympathetic response.