International Meet in Udupi to Weigh Ayurveda’s Role in Autoimmune Diseases
As autoimmune diseases emerge among the fastest-growing public health challenges worldwide, researchers are increasingly looking beyond conventional therapies to understand why the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. An international conference scheduled for September in Udupi, Karnataka, will examine whether Ayurvedic principles can complement modern immunology in managing these complex conditions.
The sixth International Conference on Translational Ayurveda in Autoimmune Disorders, ‘Kshamatvam 2026’, is set to take place 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.
“Autoimmune disorders such as 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 still require lifelong treatment, prompting interest in complementary approaches focusing on prevention, immune regulation, and quality of life,” said Dr. Mamatha K.V., Principal of SDMAHRC.
The conference will focus on “translational Ayurveda” – an emerging field that examines 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 support integrative healthcare.
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 will deliberate on 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 healthcare industry representatives.
The programme includes keynote lectures, invited talks, panel discussions, oral and poster presentations, pre-conference workshops, and research and trade exhibitions. International speakers include Christian Kessler from Germany, Antonio Morandi from Italy, and Jorge Luis Berra from Argentina. 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 grows 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 depend on robust clinical evidence – an issue likely to be at the centre of discussions.
