Autoimmune diseases are rising rapidly worldwide, and leading specialists in Ayurveda and modern medicine are urging closer scientific collaboration to improve prevention, diagnosis and long-term care. Kshamatvam 2026, the 6th International Conference on Translational Ayurveda in Autoimmune Disorders, will bring these experts together at the Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda, Hospital and Research Centre (SDMCAH & RC) in Udupi from September 30 to October 1, with a pre-conference workshop on September 29 focused on practical and research-oriented approaches.
Medical specialists say autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells, producing chronic inflammation that can affect multiple organs and often requires lifelong treatment. While modern medicine has made major advances in identifying the molecular and cellular drivers of these diseases, most current therapies focus on suppressing immune activity and managing symptoms, usually through prolonged medication and close monitoring.
Ayurveda offers a complementary perspective that stresses restoring the body’s natural balance and strengthening resilience through personalised diet, lifestyle, metabolic interventions and rejuvenation therapies. “The idea is not simply to suppress immunity but to understand why this imbalance develops and help restore equilibrium through personalised approaches involving diet, lifestyle, metabolism and rejuvenation therapies,” said Dr Prasanna N Rao, Director of SDM Ayurveda Institutions, SDM Education Society, Ujire, Karnataka. He pointed to classical Ayurvedic concepts such as Vyadhikshamatva, Bala and Ojas as frameworks for preserving and enhancing the body’s inherent defence capacity.
Organisers say Kshamatvam 2026 aims to create an evidence-based forum where Ayurveda, immunology, biomedical sciences and integrative medicine can exchange data, test hypotheses and identify collaborative research priorities. Professor Prasanna N Mogasale of the Department of Roga Nidana at SDM College of Ayurveda, Udupi, and organising secretary of the conference, noted that autoimmune conditions-once considered uncommon-are now being diagnosed more frequently across all age groups. He attributed the trend in part to changing lifestyles and environmental factors.
Mogasale highlighted contributors such as irregular sleep, persistent psychological stress, sedentary patterns, processed food, environmental pollution and disruptions of biological rhythms. “Many patients require lifelong medication that controls symptoms but does not necessarily correct the underlying immune imbalance. This is where meaningful dialogue between Ayurveda and modern immunology becomes important,” he said, stressing the need for rigorous clinical research.
Associate Professor Arhanth Kumar A, another organising secretary, said the conference programme will include keynote lectures, scientific sessions, paper and poster presentations, panel discussions and hands-on workshops covering research models, Panchakarma procedures, Marma Chikitsa and drug surveys related to autoimmune disorders. Dr Mamatha KV, Principal of SDM College of Ayurveda, Udupi, added that the event will provide a key academic platform for researchers, clinicians and students to present original work and build interdisciplinary evidence. Dr Nagaraj S, Academic Vice Principal, noted that Ayurveda’s focus on preserving health remains especially relevant as autoimmune disorders grow more common.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/07/19/bridging-ayurveda-and-modern-medicine-for-auto-immune-care/
Category: SUNDAY FEATURE
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-07-19 06:19:00
