Abstract

Despite remarkable advances in biomedical science, the global burden of chronic diseases continues to rise, highlighting the limitations of a predominantly disease-centered healthcare model. While conventional medicine has achieved extraordinary success in diagnosing and treating established diseases, less emphasis has been placed on preserving and restoring the body's intrinsic ability to adapt to physical, metabolic, environmental, and psychosocial stressors. This presentation introduces Adaptive Medicine as a new scientific framework that complements conventional, traditional, and integrative medicine by focusing on restoring adaptive capacity—the fundamental biological property that enables organisms to maintain resilience, recover from stress, and sustain health throughout life. Drawing upon advances in systems biology, redox signaling, immunology, and network pharmacology, Adaptive Medicine integrates key adaptive regulatory networks, including Nrf2, NF-κB, mitochondrial function, endothelial health, neuroendocrine regulation, and microbiome. These interconnected pathways provide a common mechanistic basis through which diverse interventions—including medicinal plants, phytochemicals, nutrition, physical activity, fasting, mind-body practices, and other traditional therapies— promote resilience and healthy aging. Rather than viewing these interventions as isolated therapeutic modalities, Adaptive Medicine proposes that many exert their clinical benefits by enhancing adaptive biological responses and improving the organism's capacity to respond to changing internal and external challenges. This system-based perspective bridges traditional healing wisdom and contemporary molecular medicine, offering a unifying framework for disease prevention, health promotion, and precision integrative healthcare. By shifting emphasis from symptom management to restoring adaptive capacity, Adaptive Medicine provides a conceptual foundation for the next generation of personalized, preventive, and resilience-based healthcare. 

Biography

Dr. Kevin KF Ng is a physician-scientist and thought leader in systems biology, inflammation, and longevity medicine. His work focuses on integrating molecular pathways, particularly redox regulation, mitochondrial function, and the balance between the NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways, into a unified framework of health and disease. Trained in cardiovascular and pharmacological sciences, Dr. Ng was mentored by Nobel Laureate John R. Vane, contributing to foundational insights into vascular biology and inflammatory signaling. He is the originator of the Adaptive Medicine model, which emphasizes restoring biological resilience through upstream regulation rather than downstream disease suppression. Dr. Ng is actively involved in medical education, research, and global thought leadership, with a growing international audience through lectures, publications, and digital platforms. His work aims to redefine modern medicine toward prevention, personalization, and longevity.

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of irreversible central vision loss in older adults and has a profound impact on independence, quality of life, and psychological well-being. Despite advances in ophthalmic care, therapeutic options remain limited for the nonexudative form of AMD, creating a need to explore safe and potentially complementary approaches within an integrative care model. This presentation provides an updated overview of the scientific literature on acupuncture in AMD, with particular emphasis on recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Available clinical studies suggest that acupuncture may have beneficial effects on visual function and macular parameters, including best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness. However, the current evidence remains limited by methodological heterogeneity, small sample sizes, and overall low or very
low certainty of evidence. Recent reviews continue to identify promising signals while emphasizing the need for well-designed, adequately powered randomized controlled
trials.

Against this scientific background, the presentation introduces an integrative clinical approach combining body acupuncture, auriculotherapy, and the AcuNova/eye acupuncture method developed by John Boel. The rationale, treatment strategy, and practical integration of these techniques in the management of patients with AMD will be presented.
Particular attention will be given to the potential role of acupuncture as a complementary—not substitute—approach to conventional ophthalmologic management. The presentation will discuss current evidence, possible mechanisms of action, clinical perspectives, and the research priorities needed to further evaluate acupuncture and auriculotherapy in AMD. By bringing together emerging scientific evidence and clinical experience, this session aims to provide an accessible, evidence-informed perspective on the potential role of acupuncture and auriculotherapy in the integrative care of patients living with age-related macular degeneration.

Biography

Dr. Diane van der Vliet is a medical doctor and recognised expert in Acupuncture and Auricular Acupuncture, with a special focus on supportive care in oncology. Based in Lyon, France, she specialises in acupuncture and Chinese energetic techniques to help cancer patients manage treatment-related side effects and regain balance, energy, and quality of life. Dr van der Vliet has reinforced her expertise by a training in Clinical Oncology at the prestigious Gustave Roussy Institute in France. Her clinical expertise is enriched by a solid background in pharmaceutical research and global clinical trials, having served as Director of Clinical Development for over a decade. She has authored numerous scientific publications and regularly contributes to medical conferences and regulatory work. In addition to her clinical and scientific credentials, Dr van der Vliet is deeply committed to integrative, patient-centred care. She regularly leads group acupressure workshops at the Centre Ressource in Lyon, a supportive care centre for individuals living with or recovering from cancer. These workshops empower patients to use self-acupressure techniques to enhance vitality, reduce anxiety, and better manage common side effects of cancer treatments—promoting autonomy and well-being throughout the healing journey. At the 16ᵗʰ Global Webinar on Traditional and Integrative Medicine, Dr Van Der Vliet will share a comprehensive evidence-based review of acupuncture’s role in oncology supportive care, drawing on her dual expertise in Clinical Science and Acupuncture. Her work exemplifies the fusion of rigorous scientific inquiry with compassionate, integrative healing practices.

Abstract

Background: The menopausal transition extends beyond ovarian hormonal decline and involves interconnected neuroendocrine, autonomic, metabolic, inflammatory, and psychosocial processes. Sleep disturbances, anxiety, chronic stress, pain, mood changes, and vasomotor symptoms frequently coexist, substantially affecting women’s quality of life. Emerging evidence also associates menopause with changes in epigenetic regulation, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA expression, suggesting an additional molecular layer linking hormonal transition, aging, environmental exposures, and cellular adaptation.

Objective: This presentation explores current evidence on the biological mechanisms through which acupuncture and photobiomodulation (PBM) may influence interconnected regulatory networks relevant to women during the menopausal transition, with particular attention to neuroimmune, neuroendocrine, mitochondrial, and emerging epigenetic pathways.

Discussion: Acupuncture produces peripheral sensory stimulation capable of engaging central and autonomic neural circuits and modulating neuroendocrine, nociceptive, and inflammatory signaling. PBM initiates photochemical and redox-sensitive cellular responses that influence mitochondrial function, signaling pathways, transcription factors, and gene expression. Although these interventions act through distinct primary stimuli, emerging experimental evidence suggests potential convergence at downstream pathways involving inflammation, cellular metabolism, neural plasticity, and gene regulation. Epigenetic mechanisms—including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA regulation—represent a promising, but still developing, field for understanding how physical interventions may induce longer-lasting biological responses.

Conclusion: Acupuncture and PBM should not be viewed as substitutes for indicated hormonal or conventional therapies, but as potential components of evidence-informed integrative care. Understanding their effects through systems biology and molecular mechanisms may help shift integrative medicine from isolated symptom management toward personalized modulation of interconnected biological networks affecting women’s health.

Biography

Amanda Frade-Barros is a Brazilian pharmacist-biochemist, clinical researcher, and specialist in Integrative Medicine. She earned her Master's degree in Clinical Analysis from the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of São Paulo (FCF-USP), followed by a PhD in Sciences (Immunogenetics) at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (FMUSP). She completed two postdoctoral fellowships in genetics, epigenetics, and biomarker research through collaborations between FMUSP and Aix-Marseille University, France. She is the Co-Founder of LUMO Life Sciences – Institute of Science and Technology, where she develops interdisciplinary research connecting life sciences, translational medicine, innovation, and evidence-based integrative health. With more than two decades of experience in biomedical research and patient care, Dr. Frade-Barros combines scientific investigation with clinical practice as an Integrative Clinical Pharmacist. Her work focuses on biomarkers, immunogenetics, clinical trials, photobiomodulation, Traditional Chinese Medicine, phytotherapy, aromatherapy, and complementary and integrative health approaches supported by scientific evidence. She has presented her research at international scientific meetings and is dedicated to building bridges between conventional biomedical science and integrative medicine to advance personalized, evidence-based healthcare.

Abstract

At a time on our planet where wrong is right and right is somehow wrong or dismissed there is always Love as the violin in the background. I know that Love has not always been in the background as it seems to be in present history. Grief brings life's impermanence into full bloom and we are then forced to look for life’s true Value. Karuna Reiki helped me to feel, and sense that much needed undercurrent of lies true worth. At a time that I was not sure how I could continue onward.

What is Karuna Reiki? In general Karuna Reiki is an art and practice of not only intuitive impression but also learning how to accept, understand and forgive as one travels thru ones life.
Karuna Reiki is more focused on this aspect and allows the practitioner to go deeper than in other healing art forms with meditations and use of symbols to help connect with ascendant masters, high frequency angels and Archangels. The Karuna Reiki form of healing system was developed by William Lee Rand and Reiki Master in 1995 with the help of some of his faithful students. The word Karuna itself is of ‘Sanskrit’ origin. It’s meaning relates to unconditional love, and compassion.

When we begin to understand that we are all ONE, things become more clear. Compassion for oneself and others flows easier. When we can heal our own wounds we become more freed to understand and able to serve others.

What is grief?
There are different levels and kinds of grief. For loss of loved ones or of situations, loss of childhoods. Some levels of loss of which we each can recover from more quickly and with less
severe sadness than other losses. There are deeper levels of grief that flow much more profoundly when we have lost someone or something more profound, such as a traumatic childhood. The loss I address today is a loss of a close loved one who feels as if they were a part of us.
Is there anyone here today who has had a dramatic loved one loss in your life?
My heart is with you. As this is so hard to travel through. I lost my daughter of 38 years old. It was sudden and unexpected. There were so many things
she didn’t share with us that made this loss so much harder to process. The entire family was in a state of shock. I felt as if I had lost a part of my very blood flow. In fact I did end up in the hospital with heart issues due to this intense loss. A traumatic loss can also be so dramatic and unexpected that your own energy pattern is disrupted. That is the very aura of energy around you is weakened. This can cause situations such as heart conditions, illness, and digestive issues and other physical problems to develop if you stay in this disrupted state for an extended period of time. Your energy field needs to be strengthened as soon as possible. This is where Karuna Reiki can be of help. I had been a Reiki practitioner and when the grief would not let up I felt I needed to return to Reiki for help. I asked to be added to a class for Karuna Reiki, the next level up in this healing artform of healing. I was happily added.

I found that Karuna Reiki strengthened my energy field. I continued to have the deep sorrow and grief from this tremendous loss. So many others were helpful in letting me know that I just had to go through the process and let the tears flow when they needed to flow. The Reiki however, helped me to realize that I was surrounded by a loving universal force that would not let me go through this journey alone. When others might be hinting at telling me it was time to move on this loving universal energy was still there for me. Tapping into Karuna Reiki is much like a deep prayer that unites one with Divine Will. A constant flow of love that connects us to all of life and to one another.

One of the symbols of Karuna Keiki helps you to free yourself from negative old mental patterns by creating a clear path of energy and determination. I needed this so much. Since I was lost in the terrible “What if’s” I had done this or that might she still be with us? Blamming myself for her loss. This happens all too often to people who lose someone especially in a tragic way. Then we all need that help and determination to move forward in our own life. We each will most likely face at some point a deep penetrating loss in our lives. We can count
on the Love and compassion of others Prayers or of Reiki to help to get us through the tunnel of  grief. There was a reason in the past that those who were grieving wore black for a year. It was to let others know to give extra care and love to them. We no longer witness this practice in general. Especially in the United States. I was afraid to go out in public especially the first 9 months because I would sob at the drop of a pin. I would not be able to stop myself. It was so awful. It’s now a year and a half later and I feel more stable. It takes more to stimulate those unstoppable flowing tears. So to all of you out there, remember to nurture others who have had a deep loss in their life. For what you give you will ultimately gain back upon yourself. For we are all ONE. We are connected.

Some call this energy Chi, some call this loving force, God.
I call it Universal Love
We are all connected by this powerful divine, loving energy.
We are not separate, We are ONE...

Biography

Abstract

Birth rates in the US and Europe have decreased significantly over the past 25 years. In the US, the average age of first time mothers has increased from 21 years of age in 1970 to approximately 27 years of age in 2023. In the past quarter century, first time mothers between 35-39 y/o increased 4 fold, and 6 fold in first times mothers aged 40-44 y/o. In the US, similar trends have been seen in percent of mothers that remain childless over the past quarter century with over a two and a half-fold rise in women remaining childless between 30-34 years old, two-fold rise in women aged 35-39 years old, and approximately 80% rise in women aged 40-44 years old. Delayed childbearing and decrease birth rate are theorized to have a significant effect on the global economy, and as a result many governments have taken notice and instituted policies in an effort to increase fertility rates. 

Peak fertility is between 25-30 years of age, correlated with peak oocyte quality. Fertility rates begin to decline slowly and take a steep decline between 35-37 y/o, and a drastic decline after 40 years old. Much data on fecundity is from historical cohort studies, which have limitation of homogenous populations and do not account for potential changes in coital frequency as couples age. A recent time to pregnancy study revealed that pregnancy rates up to 12 cycles range between 82%-87% in ages 30-35 y/o, 71%-76% in ages 36-39 y/o, and 48%-54% between ages 40-44 y/o. Genetic data reveals increasing oocyte aneuploid rates with increasing age, with rates approaching 50%-100% between 42-46 y/o. Following IVF, embryo aneuploid rates reached 80%-90% at 43-45 y/o. Mirroring decreasing fecundity rates with increasing age, miscarriage rates increase with advanced maternal age with rates reaching 50%-60% between ages of 43-45 y/o. Studies reveal that knowledge on reproductive aging and availability of fertility preservation are suboptimal amongst reproductive aged men and women. A survey by ACOG of US OBGYNs revealed that 75% of physicians stated that limited time was a barrier to counseling on reproductive aging and fertility preservation, and 40%-50% state that limited knowledge was a barrier to counseling. 

The first baby born following oocyte cryopreservation was in 1986. In 2013 the experimental label for oocyte cryopreservation was removed by the American Society for Reproduction Medicine (ASRM), however, it was not condoned for elective use. In 2018, ASRM advocated its use for elective reasons and gave the term planned oocyte cryopreservation. Since its experimental use was removed in 2013, oocyte cryopreservation in the US increased approximately 6 fold.  Advancements in vitrification, ICSI, increased insurance coverage, and media coverage likely contributed to its increase in usage. Studies have shown that IVF success rates for oocyte cryopreservation are similar to that of fresh oocytes. A meta-analysis of planned oocyte cryopreservation revealed the average age at which women undergo planned oocyte cryopreservation is approximately 37 y/o, with an average return rate of ~ 11.0%, and live birth rate of ~ 28%. A study following patients out 10-15 years following oocyte cryopreservation revealed a higher return rate of 38.1%. Success rates depend on number of oocytes cryopreserved and age at which cryopreservation occurred. Complication rates are relatively low with an overall 0.3% complication rate. Although limited by short term follow up, data reveals no increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities, adverse obstetrical outcomes, or congenital anomalies to babies born following oocyte cryopreservation.

In conclusion, there is an increasing number of women delaying childbearing resulting in a decline in birth rates and increasing rates of infertility. This may have a global and economic impact, and many governments have started to take notice. There is a lack of knowledge regarding reproductive aging and oocyte cryopreservation and the OB/GYN community is on the forefront to provide this counseling. Oocyte cryopreservation can increase the chances of having a genetically related child particularly if childbearing is postponed towards the end of their reproductive lifespan. 

Biography

Dr. Rani Fritz is double board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr. Fritz completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital in N.Y., N.Y. Following residency, Dr. Fritz worked for four years as a general Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was then awarded an NIH sponsored Women’s Reproductive Health Research (WRHR) scholarship at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, where he focused on placental related research. During his time as a WRHR, Dr. Fritz also earned a PhD in Physiology with a concentration in Reproductive Sciences. Dr. Fritz then completed his fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in N.Y. He continues to be active in research and academia having published over 30 peer-review publications. He has won numerous research awards including the Prize Paper at 2017 ASRM national convention, and President’s Presenter Award at the International Society for Reproductive Investigation in 2014 in Florence, Italy. Her was the invited keynote speaker at the 2024 ACOG District XII meeting lecturing on reproductive aging. Currently, Dr. Fritz is a practicing REI and the Division Director of REI at Northwell Health South Shore University Hospital and Medical Center in New York.

Abstract

For years, the case for acoustic resonance technology rested on pharmacokinetics: 12x to 18x increased bloodstream levels for berberine, curcumin, and ashwagandha compared to standard extracts, at identical labeled dose. That data answered the absorption question. It left open a harder one: does more compound in circulation actually change what tissue does.

Two new controlled trials now begin to answer it. FemHealQA, a six-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 78 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, paired an acoustically-tuned Boswellia serrata extract (AKBA-QA) with fenugreek, bromelain, vitamin K2-7, and magnesium. The two-capsule arm produced a placebo-controlled increase in DEXA-measured bone mineral density, a 53-point WOMAC improvement in joint function, and significant reductions in Menopause Rating Scale and Greene Climacteric Scale scores, all with zero adverse events over six months. NerviTheraQA, tested head-to-head against vitamin B12 in 60 adults with type 2 diabetes and diabetic neuropathy, produced a significantly greater reduction in malondialdehyde, a direct marker of oxidative stress in nerve and vascular tissue, alongside within-group improvements in neuropathic symptom burden and quality of life.

Read together across two unrelated tissue systems, bone and peripheral nerve, the pattern is the same: higher circulating levels of acoustically-tuned actives now line up with outcomes that require the compound to be doing something at the cellular and structural level, not simply circulating. This webinar walks through that pharmacokinetics-to-physiology arc, what the data does and does not yet establish, and what it means for how practitioners think about dosing bioavailability-limited botanicals.

Biography

Dr. Chris Meletis is an educator, international author, and lecturer with over 33 years of clinical practice. His mission is “Changing the World’s Health One Person at a Time.” Dr. Meletis has authored 18 books and over 200 national scientific articles in journals, including those in PubMed. Dr. Meletis served as Dean of Naturopathic Medicine and Chief Medical Officer for seven years at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine (now the National University of Natural Medicine). The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians awarded him the Physician of the Year for his work helping the underprivileged and spearheading the creation of 16 free natural medicine healthcare clinics in the Portland metropolitan area of Oregon.

Abstract

Ayurveda offers a unique approach to health based on the understanding that each individual has a distinct constitutional makeup, known as Prakriti. At the heart of this approach are the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—which represent different patterns of physiological and psychological functioning.

But what does knowing your dosha actually mean for everyday life?

This presentation will introduce the three doshas in a practical and accessible way, exploring how constitutional differences may influence digestion, energy, sleep, temperament, stress responses, and overall well-being. Participants will learn how to recognize common characteristics associated with Vata, Pitta, and Kapha and gain an understanding of how Ayurvedic practitioners traditionally determine an individual's constitution.

The presentation will then focus on the practical application of dosha knowledge. We will explore how understanding one's constitutional tendencies can inform dietary choices, daily routines, exercise, sleep habits, stress management, and seasonal lifestyle practices. Examples will illustrate how the same food, activity, or lifestyle practice may affect different constitutional types in different ways.

Particular emphasis will be placed on the Ayurvedic principle that health is not one-size-fits-all. Rather than simply asking, “What is healthy?”, Ayurveda encourages us to ask, “What is healthy for me?” Understanding one's constitution may provide a framework for recognizing individual patterns, making more personalized lifestyle choices, and developing greater awareness of the factors that support or disrupt balance.

The presentation will conclude by considering how this traditional constitutional model might contribute to contemporary conversations around personalized wellness and preventive health, while acknowledging the need for further scientific research to evaluate and validate Ayurvedic concepts.

Biography

Amita Jain is a Doctor of Ayurveda and founder of Vedic Health Ayurveda Center near Washington, DC, where she helps people with chronic and complex health conditions. She is also the founder of Vedic Yoga, a yoga studio dedicated to classical Hatha Yoga and meditation practices specifically for her patients. With over 30 years of experience, Amita has witnessed thousands of success cases with Ayurveda, and now offers free clinics, classes and seminars serving low income communities to make holistic care and Ayurveda education accessible for everyone.