Metabolic disorders are conditions that affect any aspect of metabolism. Examples of metabolic disorders include diabetes, Gaucher's disease, and hemochromatosis. Symptoms can include tiredness, weight loss or gain, and nausea and vomiting.
​Six common metabolic diseases: liver diseases such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, kidney diseases, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes/prediabetes, and type 1 diabetes.

Organizing Team

Dr. Shekhar Annambhotla

Organizing Director

Sudha Bulusu

Communication Director

Michelle Costantini

Organizing Secretary
Ayurveda & Metabolic Disorders

About the Conference

20.0 PACE (Professional Ayurvedic Continuing Education) Credits from AAPNA (Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America, Inc. USA
Ayurveda for Metabolic Disorders

Featured Speakers

Speakers Registration Form

Participants Registration Form

Tentative Conference Schedule

Featured Speakers

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Nancy A Smith, BA, LMT, RAP, RYT, New Jersey, USA  - Nancy Smith L.M.T. is the founder and director of Essence of Self Ayurveda Spa for Massage, Yoga and a Healthy Lifestyle. Nancy is also a Nationally Board Certified and Approved CEU Provider in addition to operating her Spa, teaching classes, taking advanced courses, and volunteering her services. She is a NJ licensed massage therapist with an Integrated Massage certification from the Lehigh Valley Healing Arts Academy (PA). She became a Panchakarma Massage Specialist at Greens Ayurvedic Hospital, Mahe, Kerala, India in 2007. This experience allows her to apply the essence of authentic Indian panchakarma massage modified for the optimal American experience.  Nancy has been actively practicing and teaching Yoga and Ayurveda since 1999. She received her Yoga and Ayurvedic certifications from the Kripalu Schools of Ayurveda and Yoga (MA). She is a Registered Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner through the Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America (AAPNA) and received her Marma certification (Ayurvedic Acupressure) from the Ayurvedic Institute (NM). She continues advanced Ayurvedic and Yoga studies.   Nancy is a Level III Holy Fire Reiki Master Practitioner and 1000 Hour Yoga Therapist. She has been a dedicated Yoga Instructor and Reiki Master Teacher since 2001.  In addition to running her Ayurveda Spa, Nancy gives massages for students at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck.  She teaches for the yoga club at Ramapo College and special need yoga at Lakeland High School. She also ministers as a Seton Associate through the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station, NJ providing services to people with AIDS, cancers and Special needs.
Practical Demonstration: Yoga for Your Body Type
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Pandit Neil Sahil Parmeswar, Pennsylvania, USA  - Vedic Pandit, has been studying scripture for many years. He has more than 10 years experience in Vedic understanding and chanting, Traditional Yoga as revealed by the ancient sages, and meditation techniques, studying under his gurus. He has also had experience in scriptures from other faiths, including the Bible and the Quran. He performs poojas & yajnas (Vedic prayer ceremonies) and teaches mantra recitation as well as traditional yoga.
Topic: Mantras for Metabolic Disorders
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Shekhar Annambhotla, BAMS, MD-Ayu, RAAP, RDAM, ERYT-500, LMT, FAAPNA, Pennsylvania, USA  -  who was trained in India for 9 years ayurvedic medical education and has been practicing and teaching ayurveda worldwide since 1988. Ayurveda is not just a system of alternative system of healing, but is actually a comprehensive and ancient science of health. It is Shekhar’s belief that due to the open nature of ayurveda and its timeless principles, it is a boon to those of us living in the modern, stressful world. Shekhar’s mission is to educate and help people live healthier lives with Ayurveda. Shekhar has the opportunity to serve at Maharishi Vedic Schools and Universities in The Netherlands, Austria, Hungary, Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland, Great Britain, Ireland, Scotland, Portugal, Spain, Belgium, Trinidad, Guadeloupe, Jamaica (Caribbean Island), Colombia (South America), Bahamas, Peru, Bermuda, Costa Rica, Canada, Mexico and the U.S.A.  He has taught ayurveda courses in many prestigious universities in the United States including University of Pennsylvania (UPENN), University of Medicine & Dentistry in NJ (UMDNJ), Hershey Medical School, Jefferson Medical School, University of Penn Nursing School, and others.
Topic: Weak Agni on Metabolic Disorders
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Lisa D Bryan, MA, ERYT-500, Pennsylvania, USA  - is a Kripalu Professional Level Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 500), Spiritual Director, and Reiki Level III practitioner (master).  Offering wellness practices for 18 years, her passion is to integrate holistic health & spirituality from India & the West.  Her group Yoga classes and individual sessions are comprehensive, nurturing, and spiritually uplifting. They focus on combining the prana/energy of the present moment to the timeless skills of the past. Kripalu methodology is her primary style  with influence from kundalini, Bikram, and Iyengar lineages.
Lisa is currently teaching at area churches, and at studios in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania: Westend Yoga and Open Heart Yoga. Currently, she is a  member of the Kripalu Yoga Teachers Association, Yoga Alliance, and Spiritual Directors International.  In 2013, Lisa completed her MA Holistic Spirituality and certificate in Spiritual Direction from Chestnut Hill College. As part of her studies, she immersed in the Thirty Day silent retreat according to St. Ignatius of Loyola (Roman Catholic Jesuit spirituality). She has also studied Ayurveda (medical science related to Yoga) at a clinic in India and avidly practices and coaches students on ayurveda in daily living. In 2017, she pilgrimaged to sacred sites of the Kripalu lineage with Yoganand Michael Carroll (Dean of Kripalu Yoga). Lisa also holds a BA from Bates College (Music with French concentration) and was adjunct faculty at DeSales University for fourteen years (Hatha Yoga/PE260).
Practical Demonstration:  Yoga and Relaxation
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Michelle Costantini,  Pennsylvania, USA  -  Michelle received her Ayurveda Food & Nutrition Consultant certificate from the International University of Yoga & Ayurveda, Florida, USA. She studied for the Ayurveda Lifestyle Consultant certificate at the Centro Ayurveda in Genoa, Italy and at the Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat Hospital in Connor, Tamil Nadu, India. Michelle is an Ayurveda Food & Nutrition Consultant at the Twin Ponds Integrative Health Center in Breinigsville, PA. She offers consultations on food choices and cooking alternatives, and suggests simple lifestyle changes that will improve your health by allowing your body to better digest the food you eat and thus assimilate its nutrients. Michelle also offers cooking demonstrations and workshops for individuals or small groups.
Topic - Scientifically Proven Herbs and Spices for Diabetes
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Suzanne Ickes, RD, LDN, Pennsylvania, USA  - My expertise is the ability to help people understand complex nutritional concepts and then empower them to improve the quality of their lives. I have worked in hospitals, nursing homes, worksite wellness programs, private practice, government agencies, dialysis centers and with food service. I study both western and eastern nutrition. (I was introduced to Ayurveda 24 years ago at this very location.) I have worked with thousands of people and have the background and desire to present information in an engaging and fun manner. I currently work at Lehigh Valley Health Network as a clinical dietitian specializing in gastrointestinal disorders, intensive care patients, enteral and parenteral feedings.
Topic: Nutrition in Metabolic Disorders
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Manish Bhagat, PhD,  New Jersey, USA  - Manish did PhD in organic Chemistry, R&D Principal Scientist at Johnson & Johnson Skillman NJ from 2008. Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor (AWC)
Currently Learning advance Ayurveda, Growing ayurvedic herbs at New Jersey,  Brungaraj, Ashwagandha, Apamarga, Vasa, Brahmi, Bhumyamalaki etc.. Prepare simple ayurvedic formulations for family use Example: Hair oil, Mahashadbindu Oil, Yograj Guggal, Vanarivati, Sankh bhasma etc..
Topic:  How to Grow your own herbal garden at home
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Laxmi Parmeswar, MA, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Pennsylvania, USA  - Laxmi Parmeswar (a psychotherapist, & approved clinical supervisor/trainer) is a reputed educational and mental health consultant in the US/India. She is currently the President/CEO of Positive Outcomes,
Inc., a counseling, consulting and training company specializing in corporate training, organizational development for social service / educational organizations, and school based family counseling programs. Her current clientele includes public schools, social service organizations, educational institutions and small businesses in the US (including in the metro New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, and  Philadelphia / South Jersey area) and India. In 2007, Laxmi launched a state-of-the-art, first of its kind, school-based, independent Counseling Center in India. In November 2005, Laxmi was awarded a Proclamation from the City of Roswell, Georgia, recognizing her record of distinguished service to the community - November 30, 2005 was designated as “Laxmi Parmeswar Day”. Laxmi is also the former Executive Director of the North Fulton Child Development Association / North Fulton Human Service Center (NFCDA) and led the organization to achieve NAEYC accreditation from the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. Under her leadership, NFCDA also won the Audrey Nelson National Award for outstanding community development. Prior to joining the Child Development Association in 1999, Laxmi was the Vice President of Family Service of Burlington County a large non-profit counseling organization serving adults, children and families in New Jersey.
​Laxmi has over 30 years of experience in service organizations & educational institutions throughout USA. She has worked in social/educational organizations in many roles, ranging from direct service to senior level management to leadership & strategic planning. Laxmi has also served on prestigious boards
such as the Mental Health Outpatient Directors’ Coalition in New Jersey, the New Jersey Association of Community Providers, and the Atlanta Fulton Family Connection. Laxmi has a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Emporia State University, Kansas and another Masters in Applied Psychology from the University of Bombay, India. Laxmi is also a Licensed Professional Counselor in several states and nationally certified in USA by NBCC, a national board. Laxmi
is also a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Laxmi is married, and has two adult, married sons. Her husband, Ravi Parmeswar is a senior executive/consultant in several multinational corporations.
Topic: Emotional Trauma and Metabolic Disorders
Abstract - how emotional trauma is expressed within our bodies and how it reveals itself through physical / psychological symptoms and ailments. Ayurvedic
medicine teaches us about the connections between the body, mind, heart, energy, and soul. This lecture will help you understand your traumas and teach you strategies and practical tips to make peace with your wounds and move on to live a more harmonious & healthier life.
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Michelle DeFranco, Pennsylvania, USA  - a 200-hour Certified Kundalini yoga teacher who works in the insurance industry by day.  Born and raised in Suburban Philly I’ve also lived in Southern NH where I began my yoga path.  Yoga has helped me deal with challenges in life and I fulfilled a long time dream of getting certified as a teacher 2 years ago.  I enjoy the outdoors, spending time with family and friends (including my tuxedo cat fur baby) and traveling.
Practical Demonstration:  Experiential Kundalini Yoga
Abstract - We will move through a transformative yoga experience including warm ups, yoga Kriya, pranayama and mantra meditation.  Kundalini yoga is specifically designed to awaken the Kundalini energy at the base of the spine and move it up the chakras.  This energy travels through the crown of the head to connect with the Universal mind where all possibilities exist and we experience the true nature of time.
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Priyaa Balamurugen, BAMS, LMT, New Jersey, USA  - is an Ayurvedic doctor practicing Ayurveda in the US and India for the past twenty years. She completed her (B.A.M.S) Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery degree from the prestigious Dr. M.G.R Medical University, Tamil Nadu, India. She has a graduate degree in Psychology from the University of Madras, India and a Diploma in Yoga & Naturopathy. She also studied Acupuncture in Beijing, China. Priyaa's unique approach to health integrates the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, marma (energy points), Acupressure, Siddha with naturopathic cleansing, healing and relaxation through yoga & meditation. She is affiliated to SKY-Simplified Kundalini Yoga, New Jersey chapter, is the Membership Director of AAPNA-Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America and volunteers teaching Sushumna kriya yoga through her Non-profit Ashram center for wellbeing to the community.
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Priest Ganesan, Pennsylvania, USA  - Pandit Ganesan comes from the city of Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, India. Beginning at the tender age of nine, he attended the Veda Padasalai at Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. He received further training at the Sankaramadam associated with the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam at Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu. After nearly ten years of formal training at the above institutions, he was a practicing priest at Coimbatore for nearly twenty years. He joined the Gurukulam as a priest in 1997. While a student at the Vedic school associated with the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Pandit Ganesan had innumerable chances to be in the presence of Holiness Jagadguru Chandrasekarendra Saraswati Swamigal of Kanchi. The one moment he cherishes is the honor of receiving a shawl and a prize from the Acharya Swamigal on completion of his course of study at the school. 
Topic: Dhanwantari Homam (Fire Ceremony) - Practical Demonstration
Abstract: Dhanwantari an Avatar of Lord Vishnu and the King of Varanasi. He appeared during the Samudra Manthan (Great Churn) holding the Amrit Kalash (elixir). He is mentioned as the God of Ayurveda in the Puranas. Dhanvantari is also referred as the Hindu God of Medicine by the great Indian expert of medicine, Sushruta. Devotees worship Dhanvantari to seek His blessings for good health during Dhanteras.Traditionally, Dhanvantari is depicted as Lord Vishnu with four hands, carrying the Amrit-Kalash, Shankh, Chakra, and Jalauka (leech). Some texts also show him as holding a conch, medicinal herbs, Amrit Kalash, and Ayurveda Granth (Book).
Dhanvantari Homam is an important Homam performed to Lord Dhanvantari offering obeisance to him. Dhanvantari is invoked in a Kalash and Ahutis offered in the sacred fire. When you perform Dhanvantari Homam, it is believed to reverse the health problems.
Dhanvantari Puja is performed to attain health, wealth and success by invoking the blessing of Lord Dhanvantari who is known as the celestial healer. The Puja is performed to cure illnesses making mind and body strong and thereby return to full health.
Dhanvantari Homam is performed by chanting Dhanvantari Mantra using 108 different medicinal herbs during the Prayog. These medicinal herbs when burnt release gases with medicinal properties in the atmosphere thereby cleansing the air and alleviating the ailments.
The father of Ayurveda, Lord Dhanvantari is believed to have appeared on the day of Dhanteras with the pot of elixir. Hence, Dhanvantari Puja and Yagna are performed on Dhanvantari Trayodashi, celebrated two days before Diwali Puja. The day marks the appearance of Lord Vishnu in His divine avatar of Lord Dhanvantari.
Dhanvantari Homam is considered a very beneficial Homam in Hinduism and is the best way to get relief from any kind of serious illness.
Dhanvantari Puja Mantras:|| ऒं नमॊ भगवते वासुदॆवाय धन्वंतरये अमृतकलश हस्ताय |
| सर्वमायविनाशनाय त्रैलॊक्यनाथाय श्री महाविष्णवे नमः ||
 || OM namO Bhagavate vAsudEvAya dhanvaMtaraye amRutakalasha hastAya |
| sarvamAyavinAshanAya trailOkyanAthAya SrI mahAviShNave namaH ||
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Suddhatma Chaitanya, Pennsylvania, USA  - Since completing his course of Vedanta study in Bombay from 1980 to 1983, Suddhatma has served on the staff in all three Rishikesh, Coimbatore and Saylorsburg Gurukulams. He is well known for his perfect and resonating Vedic Chanting, and is currently teaching Vedic chanting and Sanskrit at the Gurukulam and co-ordinates Gita Vichara study group classes in Stroudsburg, PA . He is also in charge of the Gift-for-a-day program, Special events, housing and kitchen at the Gurukulam.
Topic: Spirituality in Day to Day Life

Arsha Vidya Gurukulam 
Conference Venue

Arsha Vidya Gurukulam Established by Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati in 1986, Arsha Vidya Gurukulam in Saylorsburg, PA is home to the Lord Dakshinamurthy temple. Lord Dakshinamurthy, a form of Lord Shiva, is considered the first teacher, and Arsha Vidya Gurukulam honors this tradition by providing a sacred space for all seekers  and holding classes on Vedanta, Bhagavad Gita, Ayurveda, Jyotisha, and Yoga. Located in nature in the beautiful Pocono mountains, Arsha Vidya also has a beautiful bookstore and Desiya, a fair-trade handicrafts store. 

Arsha Vidya Gurukulam is an institute for the traditional study of Advaita Vedanta, Sanskrit, Yoga, Ayurveda, astrology, and other classical Indian disciplines. The word Arsha means that which is from the Rishis – the great sages of ancient India. The word Vidya means knowledge. Gurukulam refers to a residential center for learning with the teacher. Thus, Arsha Vidya Gurukulam is a place where one learns the knowledge imparted by the Rishis. Established in 1986 by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the Gurukulam is patterned after the ancient gurukulams of India. The Gurukulam offers Indians and Westerners alike an opportunity to study the profound spiritual knowledge of the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Brahmasutras, and other classical Vedic texts in English in the USA. Located on 14 acres in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, a serene setting in the Pocono Mountains, the Gurukulam offers short- and long-term programs of study for guest and resident students of all ages. The campus is adorned by a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Dakshinamurti, considered the first teacher of Vedic knowledge. Apart from Vedanta, classes on Sanskrit, Vedic chanting, Vedic astrology, Ayurveda, meditation and Iyengar Yoga are also offered. There are ongoing meditation and Vedanta classes on weekends which anyone can attend without prior registration.​

We are honored and blessed to hold the 60th International Conference  "Ayurveda for Metabolic Disorders" May 3 - 5, 2024 at Arsha Vidya Gurukulam. For more information about Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, please visit their website at www.arshavidya.org