Nutrition, Ayurveda, and the Epigenetic Connection with Virender Sodhi, MD (Ayurveda), ND, from the NANP 2024 HEALCon. Take this quiz to earn 1.5 CECs.

Dr. Virender Sodhi became an Ayurvedic doctor in 1980 and worked as an Ayurvedic Medical professor until 1986 before becoming the first Ayurvedic and Naturopathic physician in the United States in 1988. He is credited with founding Ayush Herbs and pioneering the introduction of Ayurvedic botanicals and knowledge to the United States.

His experience with Ayurvedic and Naturopathic medicines has resulted in extensive lecturing worldwide on these subjects. He is the author of Ayurvedic Herbs: The Comprehensive Resource for Ayurvedic Healing Solutions. He currently practices at the Ayurvedic & Naturopathic Medical Clinic in Bellevue, Washington, with a focus on Oncology.

Presentation Description:
Ayurvedic philosophy, one of the world's oldest holistic healing systems, offers valuable insights that can significantly contribute to the field of environmental medicine. This system of traditional medicine emphasizes the profound connection between humans and their environment, a principle that is mirrored in our modern understanding of epigenetics and how the environment influences epigenetic processes. Ayurveda has considered the environment an essential causative factor in both human health and human illness through its effects on the various Dosha of the body. Additionally, Ayurvedic texts discuss essential changes that can affect the entire lifespan as a result of these environmental influences. Today, epigenetics continues to elucidate some of the same concepts discussed millennia ago in Ayurveda. At its core, Ayurveda perceives health as a balance of the three "doshas" - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, each representing a combination of the five fundamental elements of the universe. The balance of these doshas is believed to be responsible for the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of an individual. This philosophy aligns well with the essence of epigenetic medicine, which recognizes the influence of environmental factors, including diet, stress, and lifestyle, on the functioning of genes. Given how much of Ayurvedic philosophy is supported by the science of environmental medicine and epigenetic changes, what more can we learn from this 5000-year-old system of medicine? By understanding Ayurveda and modern epigenetic theory, we are able to draw conclusions not only to prevent negative epigenetic changes but treat current conditions that stem from environmental and epigenetic factors. This lecture will review the crossroads of environmental medicine, genetics, and classic Ayurvedic philosophy and aid participants' understanding of unique approaches to treating the whole person and combating the current stressors put on us by the current state of the environment, food supply, and social stressors.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, attendees will be able to: 

1. Understand the basics of epigenetic changes, their role in health, and the current medical literature understanding clinical applications of epigenetics, including foundational concepts such as DNA methylation and histone phosphorylation or acetylation.
2. Achieve an understanding of the mechanisms by which the environment (air, water, food chain, and other socio-economic factors) creates epigenetic impacts. 
3. Understand the parallels and differences between the Ayurvedic understanding of epigenetics and its effects, including Dosha disturbances, Ama accumulations, Dhatu (tissues) affected, and in what sequence. 
4. Be introduced to the modern concept of “Ayurgenomics” – the body of research looking to link Ayurvedic recommendations with epigenetics in modern genetic understanding. 
5. Contextualize the body/mind/spirit aspects of Ayurveda and the current evidence that supports this approach in the medical literature. (For instance, Meditation has been associated with health benefits, but moving meditations created better epigenetic changes per a microassay analysis of global mRNA).
6. Apply various Ayurvedic strategies and expand their Materia medica with an understanding of both the herb’s utility from an Ayurvedic lens as well as its modern molecular understanding, including epigenetic influences where adequately documented.