Presentation: The Body Within the Mind: Understanding our Psyche Through the Lens of Ayurveda

Workshop: Exploring the Relationship Between Mental and Physical Health and How Gut Health Impacts Overall Well-Being - A Practical Guide to Healing from the Inside Out

Dr. Sudha Kailas is a pioneer in the field of Holistic Psychiatry, with over fifteen years of experience integrating concepts from Ayurveda, Neuroscience, and Pediatrics into her practice. Her extensive education and training at the University of Chicago, Tulane University School of Medicine, and Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan give her a foundation of discipline and dedication that allow her to explore and expand upon the knowledge of East Indian Vedic Studies. She has worked with spiritual leaders, legislators, attorneys, fellow physicians and their families, alongside the greater community in an effort to balance and harmonize the psyche at large. Dr. Kailas resides and practices in Santa Fe, New Mexico, amongst the aspen and juniper, which inspire her daily.

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Ayurveda, the knowledge of life (from Sanskrit, Ayur - life; Veda - science/knowledge), is a natural system of ancient medicine that allows understanding of the physical form at an elemental level. Within the teachings of the Vedas, the Koshas, or layered sheaths of the mind, explain how the physical body serves as a vessel for the inner workings of the psyche. In essence, everything manifesting in physical form arises from the mind.

This presentation will serve the audience by helping them understand the psyche through the lens of ancient Ayurvedic medicine.

We are living with a global prevalence of depression and anxiety. More than 1 in 10 youth face mental health challenges that severely impair their ability to function. It is common for people of all ages to look to social media to understand their symptoms and diagnose themselves. The jargon of our mental health industry has permeated day-to-day vocabulary, such that people commonly diagnose and label themselves without even being seen by a professional. There seems to be a global renaissance and desire to create a harmonious existence between the 8.1 billion people and the natural world. This presentation addresses mental and physical health and broadens our understanding of the psyche and underlying interconnectedness.

Workshop Preview:

Concerns over dietary benefits vs adverse effects of food are nearly universal. Information regarding diets, supplements, probiotics, prebiotics, and vitamin needs and the impact of medication on the gut biome are highly sought after but are often confusing and conflicting. Concerns are increasing about the adverse effects of diet & nutrition, drugs, and environmental contaminants and their impact on epigenetics. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting diet is a factor in psychological disorders. This workshop will take a broad look at this field and discuss the role of diet as an adjunct to mental and physical health management.  

The workshop will be led by a distinguished panel of experts, including Doctors of Gastroenterology, Psychiatry, and Naturopathic medicine. Their collective knowledge and experience will guide us in exploring the impact of psychotropic drugs, antibiotics, pre- and pro-biotics, and diet on the gut microbiome, with a specific focus on its role in depression and mental health.

Through this workshop, you will gain practical insights into how specific tests can help identify and treat disruptions in the gut microbiome. We will also delve into the effects of different diets, including Ayurvedic diets, on mental and physical health, equipping you with valuable knowledge for your personal health journey.

As part of this unique workshop, you will have the opportunity to actively engage in relaxation techniques for the mind, diaphragm, and abdominal organs. This experiential, guided component will enhance your understanding and application of these techniques, contributing to your overall mind and body health.