About the Conference

In Ayurveda, depression is primarily understood as Vishada or Avasada. Rather than viewing it strictly as a mental illness, Ayurveda considers depression a holistic psychophysiological imbalance involving the body's life force energy (Prana), the mental qualities (Gunas), and the bodily energies (Doshas). ​An Ayurvedic approach aims to restore balance through tailored lifestyle habits, dietary shifts, herbal supplements, and specialized therapies.

Ayurveda and depression conference should connect traditional concepts like Vishada (mental grief) and Manovaha Srotas (channels of the mind) with modern psychiatric research. 

An impactful conference agenda can be structured into five comprehensive tracks:

Track 1: Pathophysiology and Classical Psychopathology

Decoding Vishada and Unmada: Tracing the transition from situational mental grief (Vishada) to clinical depressive disorders in classical texts.

The Neurochemistry of Manas Doshas: Correlating fluctuations in Rajas (hyperactivity) and Tamas (inertia) with neurotransmitter imbalances like serotonin and dopamine.

The Gut-Brain Axis (Koshtha-Manas): Analyzing how Manda Agni (sluggish digestion) creates Ama (toxic metabolic waste) that impairs cognitive function.

Epigenetics and Prakriti: Investigating whether specific mind-body constitutions possess a higher genetic vulnerability to major depressive disorder (MDD).
Track 2: Clinical Interventions and Psychopharmacology

The Science of Medhya Rasayanas: Clinical efficacy and mechanisms of action for brain-tonic herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Mandukaparni, and Shankhapushpi.

Psychiatric Panchakarma: Reviewing detoxification protocols, particularly Snehapana (medicated ghee ingestion) and Nasya (nasal therapy) for clearing the mind channels.

Neuro-Modulatory Therapies: Optimizing Shirodhara (continuous head pouring) and Takradhara (buttermilk pouring) for resetting the HPA axis and reducing cortisol.

Herbo-Mineral Safety Profile: Best practices for manufacturing and prescribing Rasa Aushadhis (mineral formulations) in severe, treatment-resistant depression.
Track 3: Satvavajaya Chikitsa (Ayurvedic Psychotherapy)

Principles of Satvavajaya: Restraining the mind from unwholesome objects through traditional cognitive behavioral techniques.

The Panchakosha Model in Therapy: Layered counseling strategies addressing the physical, energetic, mental, intellectual, and blissful layers of existence.

Daiva Vyapasraya therapies: Evaluating the clinical psychology role of mantra, mindfulness, and spiritual counseling in modern mental health. 

Track 4: Diet, Circadian Medicine, and Prevention

Ahara as Medicine: Formulating Sattvic (pure/uplifting) diets to treat nutritional deficiencies linked to chronic low mood.

Circadian Biology (Dinacharya): Using strict daily and seasonal routines to synchronize biological clocks, improve sleep architecture, and fight seasonal depression.

Yoga and Pranayama Protocols: Evidence-based breathing exercises (like Bhramari and Anulom Vilom) tailored to down-regulate sympathetic nervous system dominance.

Track 5: Integrative Psychiatry and Public Health

Collaborative Care Models: Frameworks for smooth cross-referral between Western psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and Ayurvedic practitioners.

Managing Drug-Herb Interventions: Safely combining Ayurvedic therapies with conventional antidepressants (like SSRIs or SNRIs) to prevent serotonin syndrome.

Global Mental Health Strategy: Utilizing low-cost, community-level Ayurvedic lifestyle interventions to combat the rising global crisis of depression.
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88th International Conference (Online)
Ayurveda & Depression
​Featured Speakers

Saturday, March 27, 2027

Time
Topic
Speaker
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Value
Value
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Value
Value
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Value
Value
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Value
Value
3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Sunday, March 28, 2027

Time
Topic
Speaker
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Value
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm