As autoimmune diseases emerge as one of the fastest-growing public health challenges worldwide, researchers are increasingly looking beyond conventional approaches to understand why the body’s immune system turns against itself. An international conference slated to take place in September in Udupi, Karnataka, aims to examine whether principles from Ayurveda can complement modern immunology in addressing these complex disorders.
The sixth International Conference on Translational Ayurveda in Autoimmune Disorders, ‘Kshamatvam 2026’, will be held at the Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda, Hospital and Research Centre (SDMAHRC), Udupi, from September 29 to October 1, 2026. The event will begin with pre-conference workshops on September 29, followed by two days of scientific deliberations.
“The conference comes at a time when autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis, are being diagnosed with increasing frequency across the world. Although advances in immunology have led to improved therapies, many patients continue to require lifelong treatment, prompting interest in complementary approaches that focus on prevention, immune regulation, and quality of life,’’ Mamatha K.V., principal, SDMAHRC, said.
The meeting will focus on “translational Ayurveda”— an emerging field that seeks to examine traditional Ayurvedic concepts using contemporary scientific methods. Rather than positioning Ayurveda as an alternative to modern medicine, the emphasis is on generating evidence that can facilitate integrative healthcare.
The scientific discussions will explore classical Ayurvedic concepts such as vyādhikṣamatva (the body’s resistance to disease), ojas (vital essence associated with vitality and immunity), bala (strength), agni (digestive and metabolic functions), prakṛti (constitutional type), and rasāyana therapies, alongside current understanding of immune dysregulation and chronic inflammation.
Experts from India and abroad are expected to deliberate on various topics, including immunity and autoimmunity, integrative medicine, panchakarma, medicinal plant research, herbo-mineral formulations, lifestyle interventions, and evidence-based Ayurvedic practice. The organisers expect participation from clinicians, biomedical researchers, Ayurveda scholars, academicians, policymakers, students, and representatives from the healthcare industry.
The programme includes keynote lectures, invited talks, panel discussions, oral and poster presentations, pre-conference workshops, and research and trade exhibitions. International speakers scheduled to participate include, Christian Kessler from Germany, Antonio Morandi from Italy, and Jorge Luis Berra from Argentina, while the Indian experts include Bhushan Patwardhan, Sanjeev Rastogi, and Rammanohar Puthiyedath.
The organisers expect between 1,500 and 2,000 delegates, making it one of the largest international meetings dedicated to Ayurveda and autoimmune disorders.
“The conference will provide a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, encourage high quality clinical and translational research, and strengthen the evidence base for integrating Ayurveda with mainstream healthcare where supported by scientific validation,’’ Dr. Mamatha said.
“As interest in personalised medicine and holistic care continues to grow globally, meetings such as Kshamatvam 2026 reflect a broader effort to examine how traditional systems of medicine can be investigated using modern research methodologies. Whether these approaches can contribute meaningfully to the prevention or management of autoimmune diseases will ultimately depend on robust clinical evidence — an issue that’s likely to be at the centre of discussions,’’ Dr. Mamatha said.
Published – August 11, 2026 04:52 pm IST