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Integrative Oncology with Ayurveda and Culinary Medicine

This workshop explores the integration of Ayurvedic principles into oncology care, focusing on the culinary applications of Ayurvedic herbs and spices. With a growing body of scientific evidence supporting the role of diet and gut microbiome in cancer symptom management, this session will provide both theoretical insights and practical applications. Participants will engage in hands-on learning and discussions on how Ayurvedic dietary principles, including the pharmacological properties of herbs and spices, can support personalized symptom management, improve nutritional intake, and enhance quality of life (QoL) for patients undergoing and recovering from cancer treatment.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the foundational principles of Ayurveda, while introducing the diagnostic perspective and its clinical applications in culinary medicine.
  2. Assess evidence-informed impacts of Ayurvedic herbs, spices, and food combinations on inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota.
  3. Tips on integrating Ayurvedic culinary practices into oncology care to support symptom management and improve patient outcomes.

Target Audience:

Everyone interested in Ayurveda and its applications in integrative oncology.

Facilitators:

Dr. Shraddha Ravani integrates extensive experience in cancer biology research with Ayurveda and integrative oncology. Her work bridges modern science with traditional healing, focusing on whole-system strategies for better patient well-being and outcomes. She is a Co-Chair of the Ayurveda Special Interest Group, Society for Integrative Oncology. Dr. Ravani has co-authored peer-reviewed publications and presented her work at national and international conferences. With a strong commitment to advancing evidence-based research, Dr. Ravani brings together traditional wisdom and modern biology to enhance personalized well-being.

 

 

Dr. Manohar S. Gundeti is the Research Officer (Ayurveda) at Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, since 2009. He holds a postgraduate degree in Ayurveda from the University of Mumbai and a diploma in Epidemiology. With over 25 years of experience in clinical practice, teaching, and research, he has led clinical projects and authored publications. Dr. Gundeti, a principal investigator in cancer care and research, leads clinical and preclinical studies in collaboration with Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai. He is a member of several professional organizations, including SIO, and holds editorial roles with multiple journals.

 

 

Dr. Santhosshi Narayanan is a Clinical Associate Professor of integrative medicine at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, USA. She co-chairs the Global committee and is a board member of the Society of Integrative Oncology. Dr. Narayanan co-founded and serve as the associate director of the MD Anderson Onco-hospitalist fellowship program in 2015. In 2018, she transitioned to the integrative medicine center, focusing on incorporating diet, exercise, and mind-body approaches into cancer treatment plans. A co-author of several peer-reviewed publications, she presents her work internationally and is dedicated to advancing Integrative Oncology through clinical practice, research, and education.

 

 

Dr. Rammanohar P is the Director of Amrita Centre for Advanced Research in Ayurveda and Research Head at Amrita School of Ayurveda, Kerala, with 34 years of experience. He serves as a Research Advisor for the Indian National Science Academy and is a member of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine. Dr. Rammanohar is Co-Chair of the Special Interest Group, Society for Integrative Oncology. He has published research in peer-reviewed journals, conducted global research visits, and serves on editorial boards of various journals. He has received several awards, including the Ayurved Ratan Award from the UK Parliament.

 

 

Herbert Newton, MD, FAAN, is a Neuro-Oncologist and Medical Director of the Neuro-Oncology Program at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center. He earned his medical degree from SUNY Buffalo and completed neurology training at the University of Michigan, followed by a Neuro-Oncology fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Newton founded the Division of Neuro-Oncology at The Ohio State University, where he became a Full Professor and Esther Dardinger Endowed Chair. His interests include chemotherapy, molecular therapeutics, and clinical trials. He has authored over 220 scientific publications and co-edited 12 books. Previously, he led the Neuro-Oncology Center at Advent Health Cancer Institute.