Speakers of the Ayurveda Symposium 2021

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, MD (Ayu), Padma Shri, is Secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, and internationally regarded as one of the most influential contemporary representatives of Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine. As physician, educator, researcher, healthcare strategist, and visionary leader, he has played a historic role in bringing Ayurveda into global healthcare dialogue and modern integrative medicine.

Before his appointment as Secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH in 2017 — as the first non-bureaucratic Ayurveda expert appointed to such a position in India — Dr. Kotecha worked for many years in clinical Ayurveda, research, higher education, and international cooperation. He also served as Vice Chancellor of Gujarat Ayurveda University, Jamnagar, one of the world’s most important Ayurveda universities.

Under his leadership, the Ministry of AYUSH significantly expanded international cooperation, scientific research, education, digital innovation, and the global visibility of Ayurveda. He actively contributed to collaborations with WHO and international institutions and strongly advocates prevention, resilience, lifestyle medicine, and integrative healthcare solutions for chronic diseases and public health challenges.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Kotecha played a major role in coordinating nationwide AYUSH prevention and immunity programmes and strengthening integrative healthcare approaches within India’s public health response.

For his outstanding contribution to Ayurveda and medicine, he received several prestigious honours, including the Padma Shri Award for Medicine (2015) — one of India’s highest civilian distinctions — the Global Ayurveda Physician Award (2007), and the Ayurveda Ratna Award (2008).

Known for his visionary yet deeply practical leadership style, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha is regarded today as one of the key architects of Ayurveda’s modern international development and integration into contemporary healthcare systems.

At the Ayurveda Symposium 2026, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha will contribute perspectives on the global future of Ayurveda, integrative healthcare systems, prevention, resilience, and the growing role of traditional medicine in modern society.

Prof. Dr. Tanuja Nesari, MD (Ayu), PhD, is Director of the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar, one of the world’s leading academic and clinical institutions for Ayurvedic Medicine. Internationally, she is recognised as one of the leading voices for evidence-based Ayurveda, integrative medicine, and the strategic development of Traditional Medicine within modern healthcare systems.

Before joining ITRA, Prof. Nesari served as Director of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, where she significantly expanded international collaborations, interdisciplinary clinical research, and integrative healthcare initiatives. Her work strongly focuses on connecting classical Ayurveda with modern biomedical science, public health, preventive medicine, and translational research.

Prof. Nesari is particularly respected for building international academic and scientific networks linking Ayurveda universities, WHO-related initiatives, research institutions, and global health organisations. She actively contributes to international dialogue on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM), including collaborations related to the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar and the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034.

Her scientific work includes research and publications in the fields of Rasayana, neurocognition, medicinal plants, chronic diseases, resilience, preventive medicine, and integrative healthcare. As editor and author, she contributed to international scientific publications and landmark works on evidence-based traditional medicine and global health. Together with Kerstin Rosenberg, Prof. Nesari also published the successful German Ayurveda book “Ayurveda heilt”, which has become one of the best-known German-language works on Ayurvedic nutrition therapy and integrative health promotion.

Her current research initiatives at ITRA also include innovative projects in geriatric medicine, longevity research, and integrative veterinary Ayurveda.

At the Ayurveda Symposium 2026, Prof. Nesari will speak on “Rasayana and Longevity in Ayurveda – Prevention, Regeneration and Mental Stability” as well as “Cholesterol, Metabolism and Ghee – Ayurvedic Perspectives on Lipid Regulation”, contributing her profound expertise in Rasayana therapy, metabolism, prevention, and integrative health sciences.

Prof. Dr. Shivenarain Gupta, MD (Ayu), FRAV, is one of India’s most respected Ayurveda physicians, professors, and academic leaders. As Vice Chancellor of the Maganbhai Adenwala Mahagujarat University (MAM University), Gujarat, he plays a key role in shaping modern Ayurvedic education and academic exchange internationally. He also serves as Head of the Academic Advisory Board of the European Academy of Ayurveda (REAA), Germany.

After completing his doctoral studies at the renowned Gujarat Ayurved University in Jamnagar, Prof. Gupta specialised in Ayurvedic Internal Medicine and Panchakarma therapy. Today, he heads the Department of Internal Medicine at the P. D. Patel Ayurveda Hospital and serves as Professor at the affiliated J. S. Ayurveda College in Nadiad.

Over many years, Prof. Gupta has built one of India’s most respected integrative Ayurveda and Panchakarma clinics, where patients from India, Europe, and many other countries receive treatment. His work combines profound classical Ayurvedic knowledge with extensive clinical experience and a remarkable ability to translate Ayurveda into modern medical and educational contexts. Alongside his clinical work, Prof. Gupta has been actively involved in Ayurvedic research, particularly in the field of chronic kidney disease and renal insufficiency, where he has explored integrative Ayurvedic treatment approaches for complex chronic disorders.

For his achievements in Ayurveda education, research, and clinical practice, Prof. Gupta has received numerous honours, including the IASTAM Award for Excellence in Teaching in Ayurveda, the title Fellow of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (FRAV) awarded by the Ministry of AYUSH, and the “Ayurveda Shiromani” Award from the All India Ayurveda PG Association. He also serves as Vice President of IASTAM (India).

At the European Academy of Ayurveda (REAA), Prof. Gupta has been one of the most important senior teachers and academic mentors for many years and has significantly shaped Ayurveda medical education in Europe.

At the Ayurveda Symposium 2026, Prof. Gupta will speak on: “The Importance of Understanding Dharma, Artha and Kama in Daily Life for the Prevention of Modern Health Disorders” and contribute his profound clinical and philosophical perspectives on resilience, psychosomatic medicine, and the deeper principles of Ayurveda.

Practitioner of alternative medicine
Hans Heinrich Rhyner, MD, PhD (Alternative Medicine), Dipl. NHP Ayurveda Medicine, is a recognized expert and pioneer of Ayurvedic medicine in Europe. He lived in India for 25 years and ran his own clinic in Bangalore. He looks back on 40 years of clinical experience and is the author of textbooks on Ayurveda. He applies his knowledge in his swiss clinic in Teufen, in Munich, Vienna and on Mallorca as well as in his manufacture of Ayurveda products in Austria.

Doctor and Ayurveda specialist
Dr. med. Kalpana Bandecar is a doctor and specialist for Ayurvedic medicine and yoga therapy. She completed her training with Dr. S.N.Gupta in Nadiad/India and the REAA in Birstein. For many years she has been working successfully in her own practice in Berlin and Hanover. She is also a journalist and writes for various professional journals. As a book author she has published 2 books: "Ayurveda for Children" with Kerstin Rosenberg and "Absolutely Hot and Healthy". She is currently working on her online magazine "AlltrueSecrets", which will be published in late autumn.

Master of Science in Ayurvedic Medicine, certified educator, alternative practitioner
Oliver Becker has been practicing Ayurvedic medicine in his own clinic for many years. At the European Academy of Ayurveda, he works as a lecturer, module leader, educational coach and interpreter in the Ayurvedic Medicine course. In addition, he teaches in various other training courses of the Academy. His professional focus as a lecturer includes pharmacology and internal medicine of Ayurveda. In addition to Ayurvedic medicine, he has profound knowledge of yoga, Vedic knowledge systems and Sanskrit.

Practitioner of Natural Medicine, Co-President VEAT e.V.
Anja Berger is a qualified social scientist and alternative practitioner and has successfully completed her studies in Ayurvedic medicine at the European Academy of Ayurveda as a validated partner of Middlesex University, London. She works in her own clinic in Baden-Baden with a focus on Ayurvedic medicine, nutritional advice and gynecology/consultation for natural hormone therapy. As deputy chairwoman of the Professional Association of European Ayurveda Doctors and Therapists (VEAT) and a member of the Ayurveda training group of the Ayurveda Dachverband Deutschland e.V. (ADAVED), Anja Berger has also been committed to quality assurance in Ayurveda clinics in Germany for many years.

Dr. med. Ananda Samir Chopra is Head of the Ayurveda Department at the renowned Habichtswald Clinic Kassel and one of Germany’s most experienced physicians in the field of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. His work combines classical Ayurvedic Medicine with modern scientific medicine in a holistic and patient-centred therapeutic approach.

Dr. Chopra studied Medicine and Indology at Heidelberg University. After receiving his medical license, he spent one year in Kolkata, India, studying Ayurveda intensively. Since 1996, he has served as leading physician of the Ayurveda Clinic Kassel and has played a major role in establishing Ayurveda within integrative inpatient medicine in Germany.

From 2009 to 2011, he worked as scientific researcher in a project on the modern history of Ayurveda at Heidelberg University. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Chopra remains scientifically active in the field of medical history. He is also Chairman of the German Medical Society for Ayurveda Medicine (DÄGAM e.V.).

Known for his profound knowledge, clinical clarity, and authentic teaching style, Dr. Chopra represents a deeply humanistic understanding of Ayurveda as a medicine of body, mind, and consciousness. Since childhood, he has also studied and practiced classical Indian music (Hindustani Sangit).

At the Ayurveda Symposium 2026, Dr. Chopra will speak on “Treating Chronic Inflammation with Āyurveda – A Promising Perspective”, exploring integrative Ayurvedic approaches for chronic inflammatory disorders and their relevance for modern healthcare.

Ayurveda nutrition and health consultant, founder of "Tasty Katy
Katharina Döricht is a holistic Ayurvedic nutrition and health advisor, consultant in intestinal health and yoga teacher. Since 5 years she runs the blog "Tasty Katy", has a podcast "Naturally Healthy" which is all about holistic health. She is also the author of the book "Modern Ayurveda" and studies nutrition therapy at the HS Anhalt.

Graduate ecotrophologist
Dr. Astrid Gerstemeier has been self-employed for over 20 years in her own practice for holistic classical and Ayurvedic nutritional advice and coaching. From 2001-2006 she was also head of the nutrition department of the outpatient neurodermatitis therapy centre Schwelmer Modell. In 2010 she founded the Sonnenberg Health Centre in Wiesbaden, which she still runs today. In holistic coaching sessions she accompanies clients in the development of new behavioural patterns to improve their quality of life. As an experienced lecturer and specialist, she trains professionals and patients in Ayurvedic and classical dietetics. She holds a doctorate in oecotrophology, is an Ayurvedic nutrition and health consultant (European Academy of Ayurveda), certified nutritionist (VDOE), nutritional expert for allergology (DAAB) and coach for holistic personality coaching (Academy for Holistic Leadership).

Specialist in orthopaedics and rheumatology
Hedwig H. Gupta, MD, is a specialist in orthopedics and rheumatology with a focus on Ayurveda and therapeutic yoga. She first studied Ayurveda in the Gurukula system with Dr. OP Tiwari. From 1999 she did post graduate studies of Ayurveda at BHU (Banaras Hindu University). Studied Sanskrit and Yoga there as well. Today she is based in Asperg. Head of the vidya sagar academy for Ayurveda and yoga therapy, 2nd chairwoman of DÄGAM e.V. (German Medical Society for Ayurveda Medicine) and 2nd chairwoman of DeGYT e.V. (German Society for Yoga Therapy).

Practitioner of alternative medicine, author
Manuela Heider de Jahnsen is an alternative practitioner, lecturer and author. In addition to her training in traditional medicine in India and Vietnam, she studied tropical medicine and Indology in Berlin. She teaches and works in the Middle East, Asia and Eastern Europe. Manuela Heider de Jahnsen teaches Ayurveda-Yoga Therapy at the European Academy of Ayurveda (Rosenberg), where she completed her Ayurveda Master of Science degree. Her Ayurvedic-Yogatherapeutic focus areas in practice and teaching are rehabilitative medicine, urban panchakarma, trauma, childbearing.

Ayurveda doctor
Dr. Jategaonkar, MD (Ayu) and MA Sanskrit, comes from a well known family from Pune, which is dedicated to Ayurveda. Both parents have been Ayurveda doctors for over 30 years. Dr. Jategaonkar learned Ayurveda in the traditional way from his father who is a student of the late Vaidya Ashok S. Bhat - a great personality in the field of Nadi (Pulse) testing. His final thesis on MD Ayurveda treats Triphala as a research topic. The work contains one of the largest compilations of references about Triphala not only from the Ayurvedic literature but also from almost all other Sanskrit texts from Vedas and Puranas. Currently Dr. Jategaonkar is practicing Ayurveda in three clinics in Pune.

Ayurveda cook and nutrition coach, founder of "Prana up your life".
Jasmin Jeß is a Mindfulness & Ayurveda Coach and founded 'Prana up your life' together with her sister Josephine. In their podcast, book & workshops of the same name they talk about a simple & undogmatic holistic lifestyle, nutrition and the mind-body connection. Ayurveda & Mindfulness are the basis for their work, with which they have already inspired over 500 women in their online coaching, courses and membership.

Practitioner of alternative medicine, Ayurveda specialist
Vanita Kansal completed six years of Ayurvedic medicine with a focus on Panchakarma therapy in India with distinction. Afterwards she worked as a lecturer and Ayurveda physician at several clinics in India. In addition, she gave lectures on Ayurveda topics in Germany, Switzerland, China and India. Since 2010 she has been working as an Ayurvedic doctor in the Ayurveda Parkschlösschen, Traben-Trarbach. Well-founded expertise in Panchkarma-cure guidance, nutritional science, Ayurvedic lifestyle, herbal medicine and meditation. In the meantime she has acquired the title of alternative practitioner in Mainz.

Senior physician, researcher, Indologist
Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Christian S. Keßler, MA, MSc (Ayur. Medicine - Middlesex) is senior physician and research coordinator at Immanuel Hospital Berlin and is scientifically active at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin with a focus on Ayurveda. He has led and published various studies on Ayurveda in recent years. His master's degree in Indology enables him to explore Ayurveda comprehensively and in its academic depth. Christian Kessler is Chairman of the Board of the German Medical Association for Ayurveda DÄGAM and a member of the Executive Committee of the Ayurveda Dachverband Deutschland, ADAVED e.V.

Ayurveda doctor, former general director of the All India Institute of Ayurveda
Prof. Dr. Abhimanyu Kumar MD (Ayu) MSc PhD is Vice Chancellor of the Uttarakhand Ayurved University in India. Previously, he was Executive Director of the All India Institute of Ayurveda in New Delhi, the new Excellence Initiative of the Indian Ministry of Health AYUSH for Postgraduate Education and Specialist Medicine in Ayurveda. He also holds the position of Director General of the CCRAS Central Councils for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences for several years. Prior to that, he was active for many years as Head of the Department of Ayurvedic Pediatrics, NAI, Jaipur. He holds a PhD in Pediatrics and a Master in Applied Psychology. He has also published three books and more than 60 scientific articles.

Specialist in general medicine, additional qualification in naturopathy
Study of Ayurveda medicine in Germany and India. During his further training as a specialist in general medicine and neurology, he worked for many years in the field of integrative medicine, including classical European naturopathy under Prof. Dobos at the Knappschaft Hospital in Essen and Ayurveda under Prof. Przuntek at the Protestant Hospital in Hattingen. Currently working in the integrative medical fasting clinic Buchinger-Wilhelmi. Research on the role of the bacterial intestinal flora in neurodegenerative diseases while working in Hattingen as well as in the master's program at the European Academy of Ayurveda. Training in classical European naturopathy in Bad Wörrishofen, obtaining the additional title of naturopathic medicine, as well as various further training courses in the field of integrative medicine and nutritional medicine.

Ayurveda cook and entrepreneur
Volker Mehl, born in Mannheim in 1976, grew up in Lorsch in southern Hesse. After stopovers in Munich, Berlin, Wuppertal and Kassel, he has now returned to his home town, where he runs his cooking school and Ayurveda Academy in Heppenheim. With his 10 books published since 2011, two of which were awarded as the best India cookbook in Germany, he is one of the most successful Ayurveda authors in Germany.

Indologist and religious scholar
Prof. Dr. Martin Mittwede is head of the Master of Science in Ayurveda Medicine at the European Academy of Ayurveda. The indologist and religious scholar habilitated already in 1996 with a research project on Ayurveda and has many years of experience in further medical training. He also teaches at the University of Frankfurt/Main and has published numerous works on Ayurveda medicine.

Dr. med. Antonio Īśvara Morandi, MD, PhD, is physician, neurologist, Ayurveda expert, and one of Europe’s most influential pioneers of Integrative Ayurvedic Medicine. For more than three decades, he has dedicated his work to building bridges between classical Ayurveda, modern medicine, neuroscience, psychotherapy, and consciousness-based healing approaches.

As Co-Founder and Co-Director of Ayurvedic Point Milan, one of Europe’s leading Ayurveda institutions, he helped create an integrative model combining clinical practice, scientific research, education, and international collaboration. Through longstanding partnerships with India — especially with the SNA Oushadhasala Institute in Thrissur, Kerala — he has contributed significantly to authentic Ayurvedic education and intercultural exchange between India and Europe.

Dr. Morandi is internationally respected not only for his scientific work, but also for his deeply humanistic understanding of Ayurveda as a medicine of consciousness, resilience, adaptation, and inner transformation. His work focuses particularly on psychosomatic medicine, healthy ageing, meditation, neurocognition, and the relationship between body, mind, and awareness.

He has served as consultant to the World Health Organization (WHO) in expert groups related to Ayurveda terminology, training standards, and Traditional Medicine. For his contributions to Ayurveda research and international collaboration, he received several honours, including the title Āyurveda Acharya and the prestigious IASTAM Zandu Award for Research in Ayurveda.

As lecturer, author, and keynote speaker, Dr. Morandi is appreciated worldwide for his inspiring and deeply reflective teaching style, which makes complex Ayurvedic principles understandable and relevant for modern life.

At the Ayurveda Symposium 2026, Dr. Morandi will speak on “The Art of Living Longer through Better Adaptation”, exploring resilience, adaptability, consciousness, and healthy ageing from both Ayurvedic and modern scientific perspectives.

General practitioner and Ayurveda physician
Since 1998, Dr. med. Annette Müller-Leisgang has been working with her own practice for Ayurveda and nutritional medicine in Munich. In addition, she specializes in travel and occupational medicine. She has more than 30 years of experience in Ayurveda and heads the Ayurveda Institute Munich.

Ayurveda doctor and researcher, director of Ayuwave
Dr. Vijayendar Murthy is an internationally recognized Ayurvedic physician and researcher. He is the Director of Ayuwave London, UK, and Visiting Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southampton. Murthy received his diverse medical education and clinical practice in India, New Zealand, Australia and England. He lives and works in London. His healing methods attract a wide range of health seekers and patients, including stars and the British Royal Family. Dr Murthy also runs an innovative radio show called "Unlock your Health".

Dr. med. Kalyani Nagersheth is a specialist in Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, medical psychotherapist, Ayurveda physician, and one of Germany’s most experienced experts in integrative Ayurvedic phytotherapy. For more than two decades, she has combined modern medicine with classical Ayurvedic diagnostics, therapy, and herbal medicine in a holistic and patient-centred approach.

After studying medicine in Frankfurt, Dr. Nagersheth completed extensive studies in Ayurvedic Medicine in Germany and India. Since 2000, she has been practising as an Ayurveda physician in Frankfurt am Main. From 2009 onwards, she headed the Ayurveda Department at the renowned Habichtswald Clinic Kassel and significantly contributed to the development of integrative inpatient Ayurveda medicine in Germany.

Today, she leads her own Ayurveda medical practice in Frankfurt and serves as senior consultant for Panchakarma therapies at the Rosenberg Ayurveda Health & Treatment Centre in Birstein. Her work focuses particularly on psychosomatic medicine, women’s health, chronic disorders, rehabilitation, and the integration of Western medicinal plants into Ayurvedic phytotherapy.

Dr. Nagersheth is internationally active as lecturer, author, and educator. Her books and publications focus on Ayurvedic phytotherapy, psychosomatics, nutrition, medicinal plants, and integrative medicine. With her recent book “Ayurveda Medicine with Native Plants”, she has become one of the leading experts bridging Western herbal medicine and Ayurveda.

As a senior lecturer at the European Academy of Ayurveda (REAA), she has shaped Ayurveda education in Europe for many years through her profound clinical experience and practical teaching style.

At the Ayurveda Symposium 2026, Dr. Nagersheth will speak on “Hormones and Women’s Health – The Effects of Hormone-Stimulating Plants on Body and Mind” and contribute her extensive expertise in Ayurvedic phytotherapy and integrative women’s health.

Ayurveda Physician
Dr. Sandeep Nair is a research associate and Ayurvedic physician in the Department of Neurology and Complementary Medicine at Augusta-Kranken-Anstalt Hattingen, Germany since September 2011. He is working with Univ. Prof. Dr. med. Przuntek on various research projects such as the influence of Vasthi and Ayurveda diet on microbiomics and the influence of Nasya on hyposmia of Parkinson's disease patients. His main responsibilities include diagnosing and treating patients with extrapyramidal movement disorders and other neurodegenerative diseases using complementary methods, training neurologists, therapists, and nurses on complementary medicine, and conducting clinical trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews of various treatment approaches for Parkinson's disease. Dr. Nair is a former assistant professor of panchakarma at MVR Ayurveda Medical College Kannur, Kerala. He completed his BAMS and MD in Panchakarma at Government Ayurveda College Trivandrum, his MSc in Neurorehabilitation Research at Danube University Krems, Austria, and his specialization in Clinical Research and ICH GCP at Pharma Academy Leipzig, Germany. Dr. Nair is one of the board members of IFAD (Indian Professional Association of Ayurveda Germany).

Ayurveda Physician
Manish Patel MD (Ayurveda), PhD in Kayachikitsa, works as Professor and Head of the Postgraduate Department of Kayachikitsa, J. S. Ayurveda College, Nadiad, India, where he works closely with Prof. Dr. S.N. Gupta. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience and has been actively teaching since 2007. Among other things, he gives practical/clinical training to students of the European Academy of Ayurveda and other institutions from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Numerous publications about his research in areas that were only sporadically present in Ayurvedic clinical research, such as chronic renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, liver cirrhosis, ulcerative colitis, diabetic neuropathy and Parkinsonism.

Pharmacologist
Cornelis Peters studied pharmacology and physiology at Utrecht University of Applied Sciences and became a research associate at several leading hospitals in the Netherlands. Among them is the famous Dutch Cancer Institute, Antony van Leeuwenhoek. During a sabbatical in India, he came across Ayurveda and became fascinated with this healing method that he studied to become an Ayurveda doctor. He founded the Europa Ayurveda Centre in the Netherlands with his late wife, Dr. V.P. Mohana Kumari, and son Vighnesh M. Peters. Together they are the inspiring driving force behind this institute. Europa Ayurveda Centre (EAC) is an agricultural estate with treatment and research facilities. The center is actively involved in research projects with Ayurvedic medicinal plants grown on 10 ha of land owned by the center.

Europa Ayurveda Centre (EAC) is an agricultural estate with treatment and research facilities. The centre is actively involved in research projects with Ayurvedic medicinal plants grown on 10 hectares of land owned by the centre.

Specialist in general medicine, additional qualification in emergency medicine, Medical Ayurveda Specialist (REAA)
Christian Rackwitz, MD, studied medicine at the Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin and now works in a general practice in Fulda. He acquired his ayurvedic medical expertise at the European Academy of Ayurveda and. At the REAA he is currently working as a research coordinator, among others in cooperation with the All India Institute of Ayurveda in New Delhi.

Ayurvedic pediatrician at the AIIA
Dr. Rajagopala Shrikrishna MD (Ayu) PhD is specialized in Ayurveda pediatrics. After completing his PG training he served for 4 years at the undergraduate colleges in Karnataka. During his more than 15 years at Gujarat Ayurveda University he was lecturer and course coordinator for the BAMS study program exclusively for foreigners according to ICAS (International Centre for Ayurveda Studies). He has more than 28 years of professional experience and more than 15 years of exclusive teaching and research experience at postgraduate level. He currently works as Associate Professor and Head, Dept. of Kaumarabhritya (Ayurveda Pediatrics) at the All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi.

Ayurveda doctor and pharmacologist
Dr. Rammanohar Puthiyedath MD (Ayu) is a doctor of Ayurvedic medicine and specialised in Ayurvedic pharmacology. He is currently working as Director of Research at Amrita School of Ayurveda, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, Kollam, Kerala. He is a Visiting Professor at Southern California University of Health Sciences, USA and Co-Chair of the Special Interest Group (SIG) for Ayurveda, Society for Integrative Oncology. He is a part time member of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine, Government of India. He serves as Research Advisor for Indian National Science Academy and Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Government of India. He is particularly interested in Integrative Medicine as well as Psychology and spirituality from an Ayurvedic perspective.

Practitioner of alternative medicine, Ayurveda physician, physiotherapist
Stefan Ries is a non-medical practitioner with a degree in Ayurveda medicine (certified Ayurveda specialist), physiotherapist, yoga teacher, lecturer and trainer for Ayurveda. With his holistic knowledge he enriches the cures and retreats at the Rosenberg Ayurveda Health and Spa Centre. In addition, he runs his own naturopathic practice in Heidelberg according to Ayurvedic principles.

Kerstin Rosenberg is one of Europe’s leading experts in Ayurvedic nutrition, dietetics, psychology, and culinary practice. She is a co-founder and senior lecturer at the European Academy of Ayurveda (REAA) and has played a key role in shaping the teaching of Ayurvedic nutrition, health counselling, psychology, and lifestyle medicine in the DACH region.

With more than 30 years of practical experience, she specialises in translating classical Ayurvedic principles into contemporary therapeutic and everyday applications. Her work focuses on the therapeutic use of nutrition, the strengthening of digestive fire (Agni), and the connection between food, psyche, constitution, and long-term health.

Kerstin Rosenberg is the author of numerous books on Ayurveda, nutrition, women’s health, and holistic living, including “Die Ayurveda-Ernährung,” “Das große Ayurveda-Buch,” “Ayurveda kompakt,” “Ayurveda für alle,” “Ayurveda heilt – Ernährung als Medizin,” and “Mit Ayurveda durch die Wechseljahre.”

She is also the initiator and conceptual developer of the India study program “Food as Medicine”, an immersive learning journey connecting participants with the roots of Ayurvedic nutrition, cooking, and clinical application in India.

At the Ayurveda Symposium 2026, Kerstin Rosenberg will speak on the role of Agni in the context of longevity, showing how digestive intelligence, dietetics, and Ayurvedic psychology can support vitality, resilience, and sustainable health.

Mark Rosenberg, Dr. h.c. (MAM University, India), is one of the leading pioneers and thought leaders for Ayurveda education and integrative health concepts in Europe. He is the founder and director of the European Academy of Ayurveda (REAA) in the DACH region and the Rosenberg Ayurveda Health and Treatment Centre in Germany, institutions that have played a key role in establishing high-quality Ayurveda education and clinical practice in Europe.

The Rosenberg Ayurveda Health and Treatment Centre has received international recognition for its integrative approach and high standards of care, including the DACH Spa Award.

For more than three decades, he has been actively involved in the development, professionalisation, and international networking of Ayurveda. His work focuses on building bridges between classical Ayurvedic knowledge and modern healthcare systems, with a strong emphasis on quality standards, education, and clinical application.

Mark Rosenberg serves as Visiting Professor at the Faculty of Vedic Sciences, MAM University, India, and was awarded an honorary doctorate (Dr. h.c.) in recognition of his contribution to the international development of Ayurveda. In addition, he is a sought-after lecturer in the field of Vastu and holistic architecture, as well as a consultant and developer of integrative healing health retreat concepts, combining Ayurveda, environment, and conscious design.

Through his teaching, publications, and international collaborations, he continues to shape the development of Ayurveda in Europe and beyond.

Theresa Sita Rosenberg, HP, MSc Ayurvedic Medicine, B.Sc. Equine Science, is Ayurveda practitioner, Heilpraktiker, lecturer, and one of Europe’s leading experts in Ayurvedic Veterinary Medicine. Growing up within the family of the founders of the European Academy of Ayurveda (REAA), Ayurveda became part of her life from early childhood and continues to shape her integrative medical and educational work today.

Alongside her postgraduate studies in Ayurvedic Medicine, academically validated by Middlesex University London, she completed her training as Heilpraktiker and specialised in veterinary Ayurveda, nutrition, and holistic therapy concepts for animals and humans. She also studied Equine Science and completed scientific work on “Ayurveda for Horses” and Ayurvedic tongue diagnosis in dogs.

Today, Theresa Rosenberg runs her own Ayurveda practice for humans and animals and works as medical Panchakarma consultant, lecturer, and course director at the Rosenberg Ayurveda Health & Treatment Centre and the European Academy of Ayurveda (REAA). Her work focuses on Ayurvedic nutrition, psychosomatic balance, preventive medicine, manual therapies, and veterinary Ayurveda.

A major focus of her international work lies in the field of Ayurveda for animals. She is developer and director of the REAA training programmes for Ayurveda Animal Health Coaches and Ayurveda Animal Therapists and serves as General Secretary of the International Association for Veterinary Ayurveda (IAVA) in India, supporting the international advancement of Ayurvedic Veterinary Medicine.

Theresa Rosenberg is also author of the books “Tierisch Ayurvedisch” and “Ayurveda für Tiere”, in which she presents holistic Ayurvedic approaches for dogs, cats, and horses.

At the Ayurveda Symposium 2026, Theresa Rosenberg will contribute practical perspectives on women’s health, nutrition, Agni, resilience, and integrative preventive medicine.

Ayurvedic doctor
Dr. Shubhangee Satam is an Ayurvedic physician specializing in Dravyaguna. She has extensive experience in Ayurvedic Pharmacy as well as clinical practice. She also consults leading Ayurvedic pharmaceutical manufacturers at the international level and conducts seminars in the US and Europe.

General practitioner and Ayurveda expert
Janna Scharfenberg, MD, is a general practitioner, Ayurvedic expert, best-selling author, yoga teacher, and health and nutrition coach. With her diverse training and further education offers, Books and weekly Podcast she wants to inspire as many people as possible to simply live a healthy life.

Ayurveda doctor
Vaidya Rajat Sharma is an expert in pulse diagnosis and has worked for Maharishi Ayurveda for 12 years. He holds a bachelor's degree in Ayurveda and Medicine from Punjab University and is a 4th generation descendant of a traditional Vaidya family. He has supplemented his studies with advanced training in Diet, Nutrition - Health Education, Naturopathy and Yoga, Medical Astrology and Panchakarma. He has also studied the health effects of climate change at Harvard University.

Vaidya Rajat Sharma's main interest is managing gut health as it is the basis of most health problems. He currently treats chronic diseases such as respiratory, digestive and reproductive diseases, blood sugar, blood pressure, obesity and high cholesterol, liver and kidney problems, hemorrhoids, skin problems, allergies, immunity, joint pain, improving the quality of life of cancer patients, stress and sleep problems, etc.

Ayurveda doctor
Dr. Ram Bhartendu Shukla MD (Ayu) is Assistant Professor at the Post Graduate Department of Panchkarma at Govt. Akhandanand Ayurveda College, Ahmedabad (Gujarat), where he is also Principal Investigator of a research project in Thalassemina. As of 2021, he has twelve years of teaching experience in the field of Panchakarma, including eight years of teaching experience in the Postgraduate Department of Panchakarma. So far, he has supervised ten postgraduate theses of post-graduate research scholars in the Department of Panchakarma. He has huge experience in treating Covid-19 and Mucormycosis patients.

Win Silvester, MA, MSc Applied Psychology, Medical Ayurveda Specialist, is psychologist, mental coach, lecturer, and one of the best-known communicators and translators of Ayurveda in Europe. With his unique combination of applied psychology, resilience training, Ayurveda, and leadership coaching, he has accompanied executives, elite athletes, special forces personnel, therapists, and healthcare professionals for more than 25 years.

He holds a Master’s degree in Health Management and an MSc in Applied Psychology and is trained as Medical Ayurveda Specialist, WingWave coach, hypnosis coach, and Tai Chi teacher. His work focuses on resilience, mental strength, emotional intelligence, consciousness, and the integration of ancient wisdom traditions into modern life and professional environments.

Over the years, Win Silvester developed from fitness and health trainer into an internationally respected mental coach in elite sports and corporate health management. He has coached world champions and Olympic athletes and works with high performers from business, healthcare, police, and military environments.

As lecturer and course director at the European Academy of Ayurveda (REAA), he has helped many Ayurveda professionals successfully build their own professional paths and practices. He is particularly appreciated for his authentic, humorous, and deeply human teaching style, which makes complex psychological and Ayurvedic concepts accessible and practical.

At the Ayurveda Symposium 2026, Win Silvester will lead the workshop “Mamsa Dhatu & Longevity – How Muscles Slow Ageing Processes and Protect the Mind”, exploring the relationship between muscular strength, resilience, healthy ageing, and mental stability from an Ayurvedic perspective.

Dr. Mrunmayee Jategaonkar has a postgraduate degree in Ayurvedic Samhita and Siddhant (study of the basic principles and texts of Ayurveda) and in Sanskrit. She completed her practical training in Ayurveda with her father Atulchandra Thombare, who is a highly respected vaidya in the field of Panchakarma Chikitsa and has been working in Ayurveda for over 35 years.

Dr. Mrunmayee Jategaonkar practices in two private clinics in Pune. She has special experience in the field of infertility, pre- and postnatal treatment and consultation. She treats patients with both Panchakarma (Shodhan) and Shamana.

Specialist in neurology, Ayurvedic physician
Dr. med. Nadine Webering worked for a long time in a leading position in acute neurolgy in various clinics before she decided to study traditional Indian medicine at the Chair of Naturopathic Medicine at the University of Duisburg-Essen. Most recently, she worked in the Department of Neurology and Complementary Medicine (Ayurveda) at the Protestant Hospital in Hattingen as a senior physician. Today, she runs her own online company where she offers Ayurveda consultations online, among other things, making Ayurveda accessible to people who do not want to travel far to see an expert. Her main focus is the treatment of neurological diseases with Ayurveda and her first book "Migraine holistically treated with Ayurveda" was published on this topic. She is also a lecturer in Ayurvedic medicine.