Abstract
Indigenous civilizations around the world have long utilized psychoactive herbs, plants that have the ability to change perception, mood, and consciousness. These herbs are well-known for their capacity to affect the mind and soul, frequently offering therapeutic advantages that go beyond physical well-being. Today the usage of psychotropic plants provides a natural and comprehensive way to enhance well-being and promote spiritual development in a society where mental health is becoming more and more important.
In Ancient Greece in a period before medicine was purely physical or biochemical, treatments for ailments of the body were believed to be found through divine intervention and also in accessing hidden / repressed trauma in the mind and / or soul.
The most direct route to reaching information on the true reasons why disease was present and achieve health was found to go through rituals which were taking place in the Asclepius temples, known as Asclepieia. These were more than just temples, they functioned as early hospitals with holistic treatment approaches, including dream interpretation (incubation), herbal remedies, bathing, and surgeries. The most famous Asclepieia were located at Epidaurus, Pergamon, and Kos.
In this presentation I will focus on what is known about these rituals and the plants and substances that where involved in the ancient healing tradition of dream incubation.
Biography
Dr. Matina Chronopoulou was born in Sparta, Greece. Today, she is a practicing Naturopathic Doctor, Homeopath, Acupuncturist and Bioresonance Therapist. She has been involved in natural therapies since the late 1970s. Since 1995 she has been the director of the Center for Natural Medicine and Acupuncture in Athens, with an emphasis on physiotherapy, nutritional medicine, lifestyle modification, herbal medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, flower essences and energy medicine. She practices private practice, lectures and teaches. Additionally, she specializes in educational workshops and seminars for professionals. She shares her knowledge about the traditional Mediterranean therapeutic diet, herbal walks and herbal retreats in the Greek countryside. She has presented scientific papers around the world and has regularly contributed articles to natural health journals, newspapers, television and radio talk shows for the past 25 years. Dr. Matina Chronopoulou is a columnist for the Huffington Post and Director of the Naturopathy and Complementary Medicine program and a member of the Board at Warnborough College Ireland.
Abstract
In a world where health challenges are often met with the label of "patient," Dr. Folker Meissner invites you to explore a transformative journey that redefines your identity from "patient" to "happy me." Join him for an enlightening presentation that challenges the traditional paradigm of illness and introduces a revolutionary approach to wellness through "Magic Medical Coaching." Discover the power of choice in your health journey. It's time to break free from the confines of being a "patient" and embrace the vibrant, joyful identity of a healthy, happy person. This talk will delve into the importance of shifting your mindset and identity, emphasizing that you are not defined by your health challenges. Instead, you have the power to reclaim your life and happiness, regardless of your current health status. He'll explore the advantages of letting go of the old paradigm that insists you must feel like a patient when your health is compromised. Learn how to focus on stopping the illness in its tracks and rapidly returning to robust health, all while maintaining a positive, empowered outlook. "Magic Medical Coaching" is your key to this transformation. It offers a holistic, empowering approach that supports your journey from "patient" to "happy me." Through personalized medical coaching, you'll discover the tools and strategies needed to embrace a new identity, f illed with vitality and joy. Join him as he redefines what it means to be healthy and happy. It's time to make the choice: to be or not to be a patient. Choose happiness, choose health, and choose "Magic Medical Coaching" for your transformative journey.
Biography
Folker Meissner has been a physician since 1979 and has worked in the fields of complementary and alternative medicine, as well as in mind and body medicine for 30+ years. As the founding president of the German Academy for Energy Medicine and Bioenergetics he has been working scientifically in the realm of consciousness, energy and information medicine. An author of two fundamental books about mind and body medicine and self-healing, he developed HOLAR Medicine™ as a compilation of evidenced based and clinically proven modalities.
Abstract
Modern endocrinology is evolving at break-neck speed, and clinicians need concise, evidence-driven updates to translate new discoveries into better outcomes. Recent Breakthroughs in Endocrinology: The Latest Skinny on 11 Key Hormones (2020 – 2025) distills five years of high-impact, peer-reviewed research into clear, practice-ready guidance.
This fast-paced session spotlights 11 hormones that shape metabolic, neurocognitive, and immune health:
- Testosterone – Landmark cardiovascular-safety trials and once-a-day oral formulations (e.g., TLANDO®, KYZATREX®) that sidestep first-pass pitfalls.
- Progesterone – Emerging neuroprotective and gut-microbiome roles, plus sleep-stage optimization, with clinical relevance post-hysterectomy.
- Thyroid Hormones – Novel Hashimoto’s strategies integrating the gut–thyroid axis, selenium adjuncts, and low-level laser therapy.
- Growth Hormone / IGF-1 – Long-acting analogs and tissue-specific delivery technologies.
- Cortisol – Hair-cortisol as a chronic-stress biomarker and its link to neurodegeneration.
- Insulin – “Smart” glucose-responsive analogs and first-generation oral insulins.
- DHEA – Target-tissue conversion insights and the rise of vaginal prasterone for GSM.
- Pregnenolone – Promising data in schizophrenia, cannabis-use disorder, and cognitive rescue.
- Prolactin – Metabolic signaling, immune modulation, and fatherhood-related brain remodeling.
- Melatonin – Mitochondrial rescue, oncostatic synergy, and the gut-brain-melatonin axis.
Objectives
- Integrate new pharmacologic and lifestyle interventions for hormonal disorders.
- Explain emerging mechanistic links between endocrine function and brain, gut, and immune health.
- Apply evidence-based pearls to enhance safety, efficacy, and patient engagement
Designed for physicians, nurse practitioners, PAs, and pharmacists, this presentation delivers the critical updates your audience needs—all in one engaging, data-rich hour.
Biography
William Clearfield, a 1978 graduate of the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, Des Moines, IA., completed a rotating internship and served as an OB/GYN resident at Metropolitan Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine after completing a Family Practice resident in 1982 at United Health and Hospital Services in Kingston, PA, Dr. Clearfield, since 1982, is a leading figure in family and integrative medicine. With graduate expertise in areas ranging from Cardiac Rehabilitation (the University of Wisconsin/Lacrosse) to Medical Acupuncture (UCLA, 1991), to Age Management and Non-Surgical Aesthetic Medicine, (fellowship-trained and diplomat status from the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine,) Dr. C is a leading authority on cutting-edge medicine in Northern Nevada. In 2016, Dr. Clearfield’s turned when, after meeting with several veterans who suffered traumatic head injuries while serving overseas, recognized some of the long term maladies experienced by these soldiers were hormonal consequences of their TBI’s. Research led him to study with and be certified by the Millennium-Warrior Angel Foundation Traumatic Brain Injury Program. Dr. C’s lectures on Traumatic Brain Injury and Hormone Replacement in general, have taken him to OMED, the American Osteopathic Association’s Scientific Convention, NOMA, the Nevada Osteopathic Association, the American Osteopathic Society of Rheumatologic Disease, and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Dr. Clearfield is the Nevada Delegate to the American Osteopathic Association’s House of Delegates and the Executive Director of the American Osteopathic Society of Rheumatologic Diseases.
Abstract
Peptides, whether naturally occurring or synthetic, are chains of amino acids that can function as signaling molecules. They bind to cell receptors and may initiate processes involved in repair, tissue healing, and overall cellular function. Their applications include wound healing, bone repair, nerve and eye repair, and neuron regeneration. Peptides help regenerate cells through mechanisms like activating growth factors (IGI-1, BMP-2), modifying the extracellular matrix, supporting stem cells, encouraging angiogenesis, and adjusting the microenvironment. Peptide therapy improves both lifespan and quality of life by restoring cells and tissue function.
Biography
Dr. Maria M Marco has completed his medical training in Caracas Venezuela with a master’s degree in Internal Medicine in 1998. After practicing medicine for over 10 years, Dr. Marco moved to Miami, Fl in 2001. She turned her interest to Holistic Medicine. In 2017 Dr Marco became NCCAOM Diplomate in Oriental Medicine, completing a Master in Oriental Medicine. She travelled to Kyoto, Japan in 2018 to learn Japanese style Acupuncture. Dr Marco is passionate about Medicine and she completed studies in Clinical Homeopathy in 2021, Bio decoding 2021 and Epigenetics 2023.
Abstract
Recall Healing (RH) is a holistic framework that interprets emotional traumas and cellular responses as interlinked determinants of health. By identifying subconscious memories tied to physical symptoms, RH guides non-invasive interventions aimed at restoring coherence between physiological processes and psychological well-being. RH posits that chronic illness often reflects unresolved emotional conflicts, and that resolving these conflicts can catalyze healing at the cellular, systemic, and behavioral levels.
This conference abstract synthesizes current evidence and methodological perspectives on Recall Healing, highlighting proposed mechanisms, clinical applications, and avenues for rigorous scientific inquiry. We explore how RH-informed interventions may modulate stress response pathways, autonomic regulation, and inflammatory processes, with emphasis on translational research and integrative care. While RH challenges reductionist paradigms, its interdisciplinary potential invites collaboration across psychology, neuroscience, immunology, and medicine to evaluate efficacy, safety, and patient-centered outcomes.
Biography
Michelle LaMasa-Dawson is the Director of Recall Healing USA and the Assistant Director of Recall Healing International Institute. An international educator and speaker, she leads research projects in Recall Healing, including dissertation work, and serves on the scientific advisory board for Recall Healing International. Michelle guides individuals to understand potential illness sources and teaches skills to access inner wisdom for self-care and transformation. She holds Master’s degrees in Psychology and Religious Studies and a Doctorate in Mind-Body Medicine from Saybrook University. Certified by the Center for Mind-Body Medicine with additional credentials in Neuroemotional Technique, NLP, Chakra Attunement, and Fascial Maneuvers, she practices in Ellijay, GA.
Abstract
In today’s high-pressure work environments, mental health challenges, emotional exhaustion, and creative stagnation are increasingly prevalent. Traditional wellness programs often focus on surface-level stress management rather than addressing the mind-body connection that underpins human performance. This presentation introduces The Mind-Body Workplace — an integrative framework that combines Emotional Intelligence (EI), aromatherapy, and movement-based practices to foster psychological resilience, creativity, and sustainable work-life balance.
Drawing from both neuroscience and traditional integrative medicine, this approach highlights how sensory and emotional regulation directly influence innovation and decision-making. The use of aromatherapy — such as citrus oils to elevate mood and cognitive clarity, lavender to reduce stress, and peppermint to enhance alertness — demonstrates measurable effects on workplace focus and creativity. Coupled with 20-minute walking or movement breaks and structured EI training for leaders, organizations can transform high-stress cultures into emotionally intelligent, energy-balanced ecosystems.
Biography
Ine-Mari Bredekamp is a seasoned wellness and leadership professional with over 25 years of experience in the fields of aesthetics, clinical aromatherapy, and emotional intelligence training. A CIDESCO-qualified therapist since 1997, she began her career in holistic skincare and advanced aromatherapy before founding and managing her own salon and spa from 2005 to 2013, where she specialized in integrative treatments that bridged beauty, well-being, and mind-body balance. From 2014 to 2023, Ine-Mari’s life as a pilot’s wife expanded her global perspective on resilience, adaptability, and cross-cultural connection—qualities that now define her work as a leadership trainer and mentor. Certified as an NLP Practitioner since 2020, she combines emotional intelligence principles with neuro-linguistic techniques to help individuals and teams enhance communication, focus, and personal growth. In 2024, Ine-Mari became a John C. Maxwell Certified Leadership Trainer and Corporate Emotional Intelligence Trainer for London Premier Centre (LPC), where she designs and delivers transformative programs in leadership, emotional resilience, and workplace well-being. Her unique background in clinical aromatherapy and mind-body medicine continues to inform her integrative approach to modern leadership and holistic corporate culture.
Abstract
Acupuncture can be a valuable tool in recovery, offering physical, emotional, and mental support during a challenging time. It can help people reduce cravings, manage withdrawal
symptoms, lower stress levels, improve sleep, and promote overall healing, which are all crucial for successful long-term recovery.
It is often used as a treatment modality alongside traditional recovery methods like therapy,counseling, and medication. Here are some of the main ways acupuncture helps those in recovery:
1. Reduces Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms
Acupuncture has been shown to help reduce for substances like alcohol, nicotine, and drugs. It works by stimulating certain points in the body that are believed to balance the nervous system and reduce the physical and emotional symptoms of withdrawal. This can make it easier for individuals to stay on track with their recovery.
2. Supports Detoxification
Acupuncture can assist in detoxifying the body by stimulating specific points that are believed to enhance the body’s natural ability to remove toxins. This can be especially helpful for individuals recovering from substance use, as it supports the body’s ability to recover physically from the effects of addiction.
NADA Protocol
There is a specific acupuncture protocol that has been successfully used since the mid-1970’s to treat those in recovery referred to as the NADA Protocol. Michael Smith, a medical doctor at Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx, New York, developed a simple technique for the treatment of substance use disorders. The points used in the NADA protocol are Sympathetic, Shen Men, Kidney, Liver, and Lung. Both ears are needled and retained for 30 - 45 minutes (it can be less for first timers and newcomers). Per the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, Acudetox, also known as acupuncture detoxification, is a form of acupuncture used to help people detoxify from substances like drugs, alcohol, or stress. It involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the ear (auricular acupuncture), which are believed to help balance the body’s energy and stimulate the healing process. Here are some more reasons why acudetox and acupuncture can be helpful to your population:
3. Promotes Relaxation and Reduces Stress
Recovery from addiction can be an incredibly stressful process. Acupuncture helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" system), which can induce relaxation, reduce stress, and calm the mind. This can be especially important for people in early recovery, as stress can be a major trigger for relapse.
4. Prevents Relapse
By helping to manage stress, anxiety, cravings, and emotional instability, acupuncture can play a role in reducing the risk of relapse. It supports overall well-being, which can strengthen an individual’s resolve to maintain their recovery and stay committed to a healthy, sober lifestyle.
5. Improves Sleep
Many people in recovery struggle with insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns due to withdrawal symptoms, stress, or anxiety. Acupuncture can help improve the quality of sleep by calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation, which is essential for healing and overall health.
6. Improves Mental and Emotional Health
Recovery is not just physical; it also involves healing emotionally and mentally. Acupuncture is thought to help regulate mood and alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and emotional instability, which are common in those recovering from addiction. The release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters during acupuncture can improve overall mental well-being.
7. Boosts Overall Health and Well-being
Addiction can take a significant toll on a person’s physical health, and acupuncture helps support the body’s healing process by boosting circulation, strengthening the immune system,
and promoting overall wellness. This holistic approach supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
8. Enhances Mind-Body Connection
Recovery is a journey that involves reconnecting with oneself and one's body. Acupuncture encourages mindfulness and can help individuals in recovery develop a deeper awareness of their body, emotions, and triggers. This improved connection can make it easier for individuals to navigate the challenges of recovery.
9. Supports a Holistic Recovery Approach
Acupuncture works well as part of a comprehensive recovery plan. Many people in recovery choose modalities like acupuncture alongside traditional treatments. This holistic approachaddresses not just the addiction itself but also the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of recovery. To sum up, acupuncture is beneficial for people in recovery as it helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, promotes relaxation, and lowers stress. It can improve mental health by alleviating anxiety and depression, enhance sleep quality, and support detoxification. Additionally, it boosts overall health, strengthens the mind-body connection, and can reduce the risk of relapse. As part of a holistic recovery plan, acupuncture supports both physical and emotional healing, making it a valuable complementary treatment in recovery
Biography
Dr. Shaweta “Shay” Vasudeva, DAc., LAc., Dipl.Ac is an Acupuncturist, Professor, Author, & Coach. Her passion is to help people become the best version of themselves by using an interdisciplinary and holistic approach, bringing 10+ years of experience in Psychology, Personal Fitness Training, Corrective Exercise, Nutritional Coaching, Cranial Sacral Work, and teaching Karate & Tai Chi classes to her business. Acupuncture is an addition to her existing practice, called ShayTheCoachAcupuncture.
Abstract
Cupping has been one of the most famous traditional therapies used in the East for a long time. It has been used to heal stagnation via motivating the energy circulating, which is known in oriental traditional medicine as Qi. Cupping treatment comprises warming, massaging, cutting (in wet cupping), and positioning the cups on specific points which stimulate the treatment. The vibrating technique improves blood circulation, releases scar tissues and adhesions, promotes mobility, and dredges the channels. Cupping comprises applying a suction or heated cup to evolve a partial vacuum that agglomerates blood and boosts efficient healing. This therapy acquired attention and acceptance as a method that alleviates pain and helps treat sports injuries or even for body relaxation.
Biography
Dr. Wael Fawzi studied acupuncture and herbology in BC, Canada and he is a registered acupuncturist with the college of complementary health professionals of BC, Canada. He received a diploma of Doctor of Acupuncture from the Indian Academy of Acupuncture Science , and he also received a membership from that academy. He is practicing Acupuncture in BC, Canada and he also teaches international students Acupuncture, Cupping and Tui Na. Dr. Wael studied western Herbal medicine in BC, Canada. He is an expert in Quantum Therapy, Low level Laser Therapy, EHF Therapy (Extremely High Frequency Therapy), Electro- Pulse &; Air-Ions Therapy, and Vibro-acoustic therapy. Dr. Wael is also interested in using technology for the visualization of acupuncture points.
Abstract
Decolonizing the Self: Reclaiming Embodied Knowledge Through Nature-Based Inquiry invites a return to the sacred relationship between body, land, and ancestral memory, where knowing arises through presence rather than possession. Drawing on Indigenous epistemologies, ecological psychology, and integrative medicine, Dr. Valerie Simonsen’s work weaves science and spirit into a living framework of remembrance, an embodied process she calls “cOMing hOMe to the Nature of YOUr Nature, YOU kNOW MORE.” Through poetic inquiry, relational narrative, and cross-cultural reflection, exploring how colonization has dismembered this inherent wisdom and how decolonizing practices of breath, ritual, story, art, and attunement to elemental rhythms to restore coherence between the human organism and the Earth. Integrating perspectives from cellular biology, somatics, ancestral cosmologies, and environmental protection, it illuminates the profound reciprocity between planetary and personal ecology; the health of the Earth mirrors the integrity of our inner terrain. To protect the environment, we must also safeguard the waters, soils, and air within; the body as biosphere. Decolonizing the self is thus not a theory but a way of being. A radical remembering that knowledge is relational, sovereignty is somatic, and healing the planet begins by honoring the body as sacred Earth.
Biography
Visionary physician, humanitarian, and impact-driven entrepreneur, Dr. Valerie Simonsen illuminates paths toward nature’s sanity and humanity’s innate wisdom. With over four decades of global healing, she blends ancient knowledge with modern insight, cultivating resilience, regeneration, and cultural renewal. Founder and volunteer president of the Hawaii-based nonprofit You Know More, she offers restorative care to first responders, healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders. An international speaker and lecturer, she guides hearts and communities to remember their authentic essence, rediscover intrinsic valYOU, and reweave the threads of connection; within themselves, among each other, and across the living web of life.
Abstract
As healthcare continues to embrace more integrative and holistic approaches, there is growing interest in combining ancient modalities with modern vibrational therapies to create more comprehensive healing outcomes. This presentation explores an innovative multisensory method that integrates acupressure with sound therapy, light frequencies, and aromatherapy to enhance physical, emotional, and energetic balance. Drawing from Traditional Chinese Medicine, energy medicine, and sensory healing principles, this approach leverages the synergistic potential of combining pressure on acupoints with vibrational and aromatic stimuli. Sound frequencies can help retune the body's energy fields, light therapy stimulates cellular repair and balances circadian rhythms, while essential oils o er targeted support for emotional release and nervous system regulation. When these therapies are applied together, they amplify the e ects of acupressure by stimulating multiple sensory pathways and energetic centers simultaneously. This leads to deeper relaxation, improved energy flow, reduced stress, and accelerated healing. Clinical case studies and experiential insights will be shared to illustrate the practical application of these methods in both professional practice and self-care settings. Attendees will learn how to incorporate this multimodal system into their own practices, whether they are acupuncturists, energy healers, or wellness professionals. The goal is to provide a repeatable, accessible, and non-invasive framework that enhances client outcomes and supports holistic transformation.
Biography
Beverly Lawrence, Ph.D., L.Ac. is a renowned international speaker, author, and pioneer in the field of traditional and integrative medicine. As a licensed acupuncturist and NCCAOM Diplomate in Acupuncture, she brings decades of experience and a deeply holistic approach to healing that blends ancient wisdom with cutting-edge practices. Dr. Lawrence is certified in a wide range of modalities, including medical astrology, medical hypnotherapy, neuropathy, essential oils, aromatherapy, sound therapy, light therapy, energy healing, and shamanic practices. Her comprehensive expertise allows her to support deep transformation on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. She is the founder of the Dancing Bear Healing Center and the Dancing Bear Enlightenment Academy, where she empowers practitioners and seekers alike through transformational programs and certifications. She is widely recognized for her Free OM for Success program and the Wu Shen Holistic Healer Certification, both of which integrate Eastern and Western traditions for profound healing. In addition to her clinical and teaching work, Dr. Lawrence is the host of the Holistic Transformation weekly podcast and organizes two annual global summits: the Holistic Transformation Summit and the Healing Mastery Summit, bringing together thought leaders from around the world. Passionate about raising global consciousness and promoting integrative wellness, Dr. Beverly Lawrence continues to inspire individuals on their healing journeys while bridging the worlds of science, spirituality, and ancient medicine.
Abstract
Reiki, a form of energy healing developed by Dr. Mikao Usui in 1920s Japan, is considered a complementary and integrative health therapy. It involves the transfer of universal energy through the practitioner’s hands to promote emotional or physical healing. Fungi can store stress priming experiences as a form of cellular memory, which enhances their responses to subsequent challenges and can be transmitted to the first generation of offspring, the conidium. We hypothesized that Reiki during mycelial growth would induce stress resilience in conidia. Either Reiki or a sham treatment (control) was given to conidia of the insect-pathogenic fungus Metarhizium robertsii in Petri dishes for 10 min daily from day 2 to day 5. Then the conidia were tested for tolerance to oxidative and osmotic stress, heat (45 °C), and UV-B radiation. Reiki-treated conidia displayed significantly enhanced heat tolerance compared to the control, as well as moderate increases in tolerance to osmotic stress and UV-B radiation. Oxidative stress tolerance remained unchanged. Heat stress experiments were repeated, and the results were reproducible, confirming the consistency of the Reiki-induced heat tolerance effect. Our findings indicate that Reiki application during fungal growth can modulate stress tolerance phenotypes in M. robertsii conidia—particularly for heat stress. The reproducibility of the heat tolerance effect indicates a potential phenotypic influence of Reiki, warranting further investigation into energy-based interventions in fungal biology. As far as we know, this is the first study to demonstrate Reiki-induced priming in a fungus, highlighting the novelty of this approach.
Biography
Amanda Frade Barros is a pharmaceutical biochemist and currently works as an integrative clinical pharmacist. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Analyses, a PhD, and completed a postdoctoral degree in Sciences at FMUSP/Université Aix-Marseille (France). With over 20 years of basic and clinical research experience in national and international laboratories, she served as professor and researcher in the Bioengineering Program at Universidade Brasil and led high-impact multicentric projects. In clinical practice, she applies integrative protocols of Chinese medicine, photobiomodulation, and laser therapy to address chronic pain, emotional disorders, intestinal health, and women’s health, translating scientific evidence into personalized, effective care.
Abstract
Stress has become one of the most pervasive challenges of modern society, undermining health, relationships, and overall well-being. While conventional approaches to stress management often focus on symptom reduction, Yoga (which includes the science of breath, meditation, relaxation) offers a more integrative paradigm, addressing not only the physiological manifestations of stress but also its subtle psychological and emotional roots. Yoga is not merely a practice of postures or breathing exercises, but a multidisciplinary framework rooted in ancient wisdom and increasingly validated by modern scientific research. It encompasses the study of consciousness, subtle physiology, psychoneuroimmunology, and lifestyle integration. When applied systematically, Yoga offers effective strategies to prevent and manage stress In fact, during my presentation I will also point out that Yoga is a scientific and holistic path toward self-awareness, resilience, and emotional harmony and therefore through Yoga we access a multidimensional approach that addresses body, mind, and spirit simultaneously. I will evidence the modern scientific studies - studies that are on the rise to confirm the true interest in this field - validating the efficacy of Yoga in stress reduction and management, emotional response modulation, and restoration of psychophysiological balance – all this leading to a better quality of life.
Biography
Eleonora Medici Sarasvati is the Founder of Rifugio Corpo & Spirito – Yoga Center, Rapallo Liguria-Italy, She is a passionate Yoga teacher, Ayurvedic naturopath, and explorer of the inner world. Her over 30 year path has always been guided by the desire to unite body, mind, and spirit in harmony with nature and ancient wisdom. Her Yoga journey began as personal transformation and evolved into a life vocation.
She holds many advanced international certifications including:
• E-RYT (1550+ hours) – World Yoga Alliance
• Certified Yoga Teacher Trainer and Yoga Therapy – World Yoga Alliance
• Certified Meditation Teacher Trainer – World Yoga Alliance
• Certified Yin Yoga Teacher Trainer – World Yoga Alliance
• Yoga and Meditation Teacher Diploma – Ananda Ashram
• Three-Year Yoga Teaching Diploma – Institute of Human Sciences, Rome
• Continuous Education Trainer for World Yoga Alliance
Her teaching combines Yoga Science with essential oils through her unique method, Yogarôme, emphasizing both its depth and emotional energy.
Her teachings are intuitive, feminine, and transformative, embodying her journey. At Rifugio Corpo & Spirito, sacred spaces foster reconnection, healing, and alignment with one’s true essence. Her motto emphasizes that yoga is a way of being, shared with grace, compassion, and deep presence.
Abstract
A recent survey by the French Association for Supportive Care in Oncology (AFSOS, 2024) reported that 70% of cancer patients use supportive care, mainly to manage treatment-related side effects but also to benefit from psychological support, including through acupuncture.
Multiple international studies confirm that acupuncture is a safe, feasible, and well-tolerated intervention. When integrated into conventional treatments, it improves patient comfort, reduces medication burden, and enhances quality of life, even in advanced stages of disease.
ASCO guidelines are based on moderate to strong evidence supporting acupuncture for several indications: fatigue, anxiety, depression, chronic pain (such as aromatase inhibitor-associated arthralgia and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy), nausea and vomiting, radiotherapy-induced xerostomia, and hot flushes.
Beyond these findings, integrative health emphasizes empowering patients in their own care. Self-administered acupressure exemplifies this approach, providing simple tools to improve daily symptom management. The MeTime Acupressure application will be presented as an example of patient empowerment and dissemination of accessible practices.
This oral communication will be delivered by Dr Diane van der Vliet, a medical doctor and recognized expert in acupuncture in supportive care, and actively engaged in teaching and promoting self-acupressure at the Centre Ressource in Lyon (France).
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
Whether looking at chronic fatigue, cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, hypertension, gut issues, or some other dis-ease there is always a reason as to why a person is manifesting a particular condition. Yes, you can argue it is genetic. Taking this knowledge into consideration we know that genetics do not have to be manifested. Using this information to make changes can positively impact the outcome. Diet plays a part, as does lifestyle, but what else?
In my presentation, I will be examining the role of emotions, especially the five cardinal emotions, in the manifestation and treatment of chronic illness.
Biography
Rachel Shackleton, founder of Green Key Personal Development & Green Key Health is a business trainer and corporate health specialist as well as practicing kinesiologist, medical herbalist and naturopath. She has over 30 years training experience in medium and large international organisations, providing solutions in leadership, customer excellence, and workplace wellbeing. A practicing medical herbalist, naturopath and kinesiologist, Rachel believes wellness and vitality will only be achieved when addressing the physical, emotional and spiritual history through treating the client holistically. Also addresses workplace wellbeing through the same light. Featured in Thrive Global, Up Journey, Authority magazine and The Entrepreneur!s Journey as well as interviewed on UK Health Radio and the" My Future Business Show”. September 2020 Rachel was a guest speaker at the 2nd International Health Congress in Geneva on NonCommunicable diseases.
Abstract
The advent of antibiotics in 1928 revolutionized the treatment and control of pathogenic bacterial infections. However, in less than a century, these once-considered "magic bullet" drugs have become less effective and, in some cases, completely ineffective, due to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and contributed to a further 4.95 million deaths. Forecasts suggest that AMR could cause up to 39 million deaths between 2025 and 2050. This alarming trend is driven by the continued emergence and spread of resistant pathogens and the slow pace of new antibiotic development. In parallel, ethnopharmacological practices that employ medicinal plants and plant-derived compounds for the treatment of infectious and non-infectious diseases remain in widespread use across many regions. An expanding body of experimental and clinical evidence supports the antimicrobial potential of plant extracts and isolated compounds, both as monotherapies and in combination can potentiate and resensitise the efficacy existing antibiotics. Given the diminishing effectiveness of current therapeutic options and the limited antibiotic pipeline, the systematic integration of rigorously validated phytobiotics into evidence-based medicine warrants consideration as a safe and comprehensive strategy to mitigate the global burden of AMR.
Biography
Originally trained as a medical doctor, Dr Situ then obtained a PhD in Medicine from Queen’s University Belfast (UK) and has since specialised in developing rapid immunodiagnostics for detecting and monitoring antibiotic residues. In recent years, Dr Situ has expanded this research to focus on the health benefits of natural products, with a particular emphasis on discovery and evaluation of antimicrobial phytochemicals from medicinal plants to address the urgent challenge of antimicrobial resistance within the One-Health framework. The group has established a systematic approach that spans from initial antibacterial screening to the isolation and characterisation of active compounds, cytotoxicity testing, and mechanistic studies, integrating microbiology, phytochemistry, and biotechnology to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions aimed at tackling the pressing global health threats.
Abstract
The obesity epidemic pushed fatty liver disease (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) to the forefront of the 21st century. Disease work-up is invasive with liver biopsy or noninvasive using elastography and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) liver enzyme biomarkers. There are no FDA-approved drugs on the market to treat the disease. Alternative medicinal treatments include altering intestinal microbiota, consuming anti-inflammatory, herbal-based, vitamin-based, and plant-based medications, and following a healthy lifestyle. In this study, databases including Biomedical Reference Collection: Comprehensive, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), Google Scholar, and PubMed were used to identify articles pertaining to fatty liver disease (FLD). Articles were less than 10 years old to ensure recent information. Peer review was confirmed using Ulrich’s web. In all 13 peer-reviewed articles used for this review, the diagnosis of FLD was most commonly done using ALT and AST and lipid profiles. Liver ultrasound, liver FibroScan, and liver biopsy were supplemental tools used. Anti-inflammatory, herbal-based, vitamin-based, and plant-based medications and healthy gut microbiota had beneficial and therapeutic effects in treating FLD when coupled with healthy lifestyle changes. All medicinal treatments lowered the ALT and AST liver enzymes, lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein), and liver steatosis scores in studies where ultrasound was used before and after treatment. There were no reported side effects of these treatments. The treatment options studied may have beneficial impacts in treating FLD patients and may be used in the development of future medications to combat the disease.
Biography
Suzanne Riskin completed her MD from the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine and residency training from the University of Miami, United States. She has been working as an Assistant Professor of the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (KPCOM), Nova Southeastern University (NSU), United States since 2019. She has published in reputed journals and has been serving as a journal editor at The Cureus Journal of Medical Science.
Abstract
This presentation explores autoimmunity from a psycho-spiritual perspective, where theoretical causation is the energetic disconnection from the True Self. Auto Immune conditions are long thought to be the self not recognizing the self, but from a spiritual perspective the True Self is the all-knowing, compassionate and wise self that exists beyond physical ailments. This abstract explores the positive and negative impact of spirituality on immune parameters in various autoimmune conditions. On the positive, studies show mindfulness meditation based stress reduction improved outcomes in patients with psoriasis undergoing photo therapy. (Kabat-Zinn, Jon PhD et al. 1998). And as well specifically religious activity has been shown to decrease inflammatory markers. (nature.com/articles/s41598-024-62801). One can assume the decrease of stress and the increase in positive emotions such as gratitude and compassion, has a positive outcome for individuals with autoimmune conditions. On the negative, studies demonstrate that having a difficult relationship with God and spirituality such as religious struggle, religious guilt and doubt, impact the mental health of individuals and elevate IGG, SSA and SSB in individuals with Sjögren’s syndrome. (nature.com/articles/s41598-024-62801) The health of the spirit/soul through spiritual beliefs and practices, may enhance treatment outcomes for those with autoimmune disorders.
Biography
Dr. Alexia Georgousis ND, SD has been in private practice since 1999. She has an extensive background in naturopathic medical education as faculty, clinical supervisor and associate dean of clinical studies. Alexia’s passion for mysticism, consciousness, spirituality, and energy medicine prompted her to become certified as a Spiritual Director, mediation/soul awareness guide and Qi Gong instructor. Currently, in addition to her naturopathic practice, Alexia works as a Spiritual Life Coach, Conscious Awareness Facilitator, and teaches Qi Gong.
Abstract
Plaque psoriasis, a persistent autoimmune skin condition marked by elevated, reddened, and flaky patches on the skin's surface, shares resemblances with Ek Kuṣṭha in Ayurveda. classification based on its clinical appearance.
This study primarily aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a personalized traditional Ayurvedic treatment protocol in managing plaque psoriasis in a 49-year-old male patient. The approach involved bio purification through therapeuticemesis and purgation, coupled with oral and topical Ayurvedic remedies. Assessment of treatment effectiveness was based on the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index [PASI] score, Subjective criteria, and photographic evidence before and after the intervention. Results indicated a remarkable 95% decrease in the PASI score, an 82% enhancement in Subjective criteria, and noticeable photographic improvements. These positive outcomes can be attributed by the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the ayurvedic medications, supported by the facilitating impact of the therapeutic bio-cleansing processes. Consequently, this innovative personalized Ayurvedic strategy can holds promise for the management of plaque psoriasis.
Biography
Dr. Shivani Sanjeev Gavande is Ph.D. in Ayurveda, Masters in Kayachikitsa-Ayurveda and aBachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery. She has received Hari Ananta Gold Medal for her research work under Ayurvidya, New Delhi. She is the Principal and Professor in the department of Kayachikitsa at Late Kedari Redekar Ayurvedic Mahavidyalaya,Gadhinglaj,District Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India and had been faculty and examiner of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nasik. She has 23 years of clinical and academic experience. She is PhD guide at Faculty of Ayurved Parul University. Dr. Shivani Sanjeev Gavande has been resource person in various Ayurveda workshops and national and international seminars. Also she has shared her valuable clinical experiences and Ayurvedic concepts in various national and international conferences. She has published her 19 research articles in peer reviewed national and international journals. She was invested Ph.D. for her work in Enhancement of quality of life in patients having cancers of female genital organs. She has been worked for teenagers since last 23 years and socially active for women empowerment and environmental awareness. She is healer and councillor of mindfulness program, satwavajaya Chikitsa also volunteer of Aniruddha Academy of Disaster management.
Abstract
Introduction: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Fascial Counterstrain (FCS) is a manual therapy purported to reduce inflammation and neuroexcitation. We hypothesized that a course of FCS treatment that specifically targets the SNS will result in a decrease in the severity of PTSD symptoms.
- Materials and Methods: 24 volunteers with a baseline Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) score ≥ 11 were randomized to either a treatment group (n=13) or waitlist control group (n=11). Changes in PTSD symptoms were assessed after three 1.5-hour FCS treatments in 11 subjects in the treatment group and compared to 11 waitlist controls. Changes in self-reported symptoms, life satisfaction, and subjective measure of overall improvement were also assessed.
- Results: Three 1.5-hour treatments administered over an average duration of 19.5 days [95% CI (15.2-23.8)] resulted in a significantly greater reduction in PTSD symptom severity in the FCS treatment group compared to the control group [CAPS-5 scores. Compared to controls, the treatment group also had statistically significant decreases in self-reported symptoms in addition to increases in self-reported overall improvement and life satisfaction.
- Conclusion: This study is the first to demonstrate that manual therapy targeting the SNS resulted in a statistically significant reduction in PTSD symptom severity, as well as patient-reported symptoms. Large, randomized studies in PTSD should compare the effectiveness of FCS manual therapy to evidence-based psychotherapies or pharmacotherapies to evaluate its potential as a rapid, cost-effective, and scalable public health intervention.
Biography
Kristin Barnes is a Naturopathic Doctor and acupuncturist in Port Townsend, WA, USA. She completed a 23-year career in Naval Service as an officer and Naval Aviator. Post-retirement, she completed a doctoral in Naturopathic Medicine and a Masters in Oriental and East Asian Medicine. She works as a primary care physician providing Naturopathic and Fascial Counterstrain therapy in the management of chronic pain. Dr Barnes also volunteers for several non-profits that provide education, resources and therapy for military Veterans and First Responders struggling with PTSD.
Abstract
Spinal Cord Stimulation has been known to decrease neuropathic pain symptoms for Post-Surgical Pain Syndrome, Radiculopathy, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and other neuropathic pain conditions. In 2015, the FDA approved 10kHz for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy and the SENZA-PDN study from 2021 highlighted the efficacy of this treatment modality, which is underutilized worldwide. The prospective, multicenter randomized clinical trial assessed 187 patients and followed their progress for 6 months; control group proceeded with conservative medical management (CMM) and the treatment group underwent SCS placement in conjunction with CMM. The mean Visual Analog Score (VAS) within the control decreased by 0.1 at six months and the treatment decreased by 5.9, demonstrating a remarkable resolution in symptoms. Furthermore, investigators noticed neurological improvements with sensory, motor and reflex testing.
The typical Diabetic Neuropathy treatment algorithm includes optimizing glucose control and prescribing pharmacological therapies, such as Gabapentin and Duloxetine but these medications at high dosages are not benign. In addition, these conservative measures have been ineffective in complete resolution of symptoms in patients that have been symptomatic for over 5 years. 10kHz SCS should be implement more for these patients, especially given the improvement in neurological symptoms. Restored sensation decreases risk of pressure injuries/diabetic ulcers, hence decreasing the risk of amputation. As medical providers we must anticipate a disease course and treat effectively for optimal outcomes in the future.
Biography
Christopher James, MD Dr. James is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation trained physician who worked in Brooklyn, NY treating patients within inpatient rehabilitation. He noticed a trend that pain was the limiting factor in his patients’ overall progress and mortality. He is a current fellow Interventional Fellow at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey. He believes that Neuromodulation for Pain is the gold standard modality for patients with severe neuropathic symptoms.
Abstract
What does it mean to feel love when your brain no longer aligns with your emotions? This autobiographical case study, “The Girl at the Mental Stop II: A journey through Emptiness and Emotional Contradiction” (Torres-Caro, 2025) examines the phenomenology of emotional attenuation and affective disconnection as long-term sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Twenty years after the initial injury, I, the patient, presents with amygdala-related dysfunction, resulting in emotional emptiness, loss of affective resonance, and recurrent episodes of cognitive blankness. These manifestations are not indicative of a primary psychiatric condition but rather of disrupted limbic-cortical communication.
From a clinical challenge: patients exhibiting emotional flatness or detachment are often referred to psychiatry and prescribed antipsychotic or antidepressant treatments. Such interventions, when misapplied to neurological rather than psychiatric phenomena, may further alter neural network communication, exacerbate cognitive-emotional disconnection, and compromise cerebral function. Correct diagnostic differentiation between mental and brain health disorders is therefore essential to prevent iatrogenic effects and ensure appropriate neurorehabilitative management. From a neurophenomenological perspective, the paradox of “loving without feeling love”; “not fear”; “not too much over thinking” reflects the dialectical interplay between affective void and existential meaning. In this context, subjectivity becomes a fragmented territory in which reflective consciousness remains active, yet emotional resonance—the basis of connection with both the environment and the body—is attenuated or dissociated, revealing the neurobiological impact of injury on emotional experience and the continuity of the self.
Disruption in amygdalar and fronto-limbic circuitry underlies these alterations in emotional awareness and regulation (Kim & Jung, 2006; Calhoon & Tye, 2015; Leal et al., 2017) Individuals may intellectually recognize emotions such as love—yet fail to experience their emotional warmth, producing what can be conceptualized as “affective emptiness.” By integrating clinical narrative, phenomenology, and neuroscience, the study proposes that emotional emptiness is a dynamic space in which the presence and absence of love coexist, shaping the reconstruction of identity and relational meaning. The tension between clinical observation and lived experience is emphasized, highlighting the invisibility of emotional suffering and its subtle manifestations in language, mind, and brain, integrating neurobiological assessment with a qualitative understanding of the patient’s affective subjectivity
Biography
Laura Torres is currently realizing her PhD in the Department of Medicine and Linguistics, Literature, and Translation at the University of Malaga, UMA, Spain. Her academic journey includes English teaching studies at Maria Inmaculada, CAMMIA, Spain, and earning a master's degree in bilingual teaching from Francisco de Vitoria University in Madrid. Laura served as a teaching assistant in UK during seven years and is actively an English teacher in various Spanish schools since 2017. She is a published author, with a novel titled "The Girl of the Mental Stops, 2023", and has three chapters in scientific books, with a possible potential paper this year.
Abstract
Health care professionals and administrators are consistently under stress and exposed to secondary trauma. Bodies reflect events in our lives. This interactive session will guide you through an embodiment practice for self-care and body connection to help regulate and decompress. It will include seated body-based movement, sensory awareness, and breath work.
Biography
Christine Paul is a licensed professional counselor, somatically-trained yoga instructor, and yoga therapist in training. She combines her passion and training in integrative health, mind-body medicine, and yoga to provide a unique and experiential understanding of stress management. She is owner and founder of Back To Your Body, a small business focused on mind-body integration therapies. She specializes in sharing yoga and mind-body integration therapies with health and human service professionals and people with chronic illness and disability.
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