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Board Members

370,892 Global Supporting Members

Executive Council
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Shekhar Annambhotla, BAMS, MD-Ayurved, LMT, ERYT-500, AD, RAD, DAM,  
Founder & President & Chairman of the Board
Pennsylvania, USA
Shekhar Annambhotla, who was trained in India and has been practicing and teaching ayurveda worldwide since 1988. Ayurveda is not just a system of alternative system of healing, but is actually a comprehensive and ancient science of health. It is Shekhar’s belief that due to the open nature of ayurveda and its timeless principles, it is a boon to those of us living in the modern, stressful world. Shekhar’s mission is to educate and help people live healthier lives with Ayurveda. Shekhar has the opportunity to serve at Maharishi Vedic Schools and Universities in The Netherlands, Austria, Hungary, Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland, Great Britain, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Belgium, Trinidad, Guadeloupe, Jamaica (Caribbean Island), Colombia (South America), Peru, Costa Rica, Canada, Mexico and the U.S.A.  He has taught ayurveda courses in many prestigious universities in the United States including University of Pennsylvania (UPENN), University of Medicine & Dentistry in NJ (UMDNJ), Hershey Medical School, Jefferson Medical School, University of Penn Nursing School, and others.

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Michelle Costantini, R.A.H.C., R.A.P., R.F.N.C.,
Secretary
Denver, USA

Michelle Costantini received her Ayurveda Food & Nutrition Consultant certificate from the International University of Yoga & Ayurveda, Florida, USA. She studied for the Ayurveda Lifestyle Consultant certificate at the Centro Ayurveda in Genoa, Italy and at the Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat Hospital in Connor, Tamil Nadu, India. Michelle is an Ayurveda Food & Nutrition Consultant at the Twin Ponds Integrative Health Center in Pennsylvania. Presently she is living in Erie, Colorado offering various training and consultations on food and nutrition. She offers consultations on food choices and cooking alternatives, and suggests simple lifestyle changes that will improve your health by allowing your body to better digest the food you eat and thus assimilate its nutrients. Michelle also offers cooking demonstrations and workshops for individuals or small groups.

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Radha Dutt, B.S. (Math), B.S. (Computer Information Systems)
Treasurer
Pennsylvania, USA

Radha Dutt and  her family immigrated to the U.S. in 1970 with two young children. While raising a family, she provided years of service to her community through volunteering and working. In 1985, she joined Empire Medicare Services and served for 22 years as a business and systems analyst, retiring in 2007. She is a grandmother to 5 beautiful second-generation Indian Americans, and is committed to a life of peace, simplicity, daily prayer and reflection.

Board Members
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Richaritha Joy Gundlapalli, MD, ABIHM, AFMCP
Board Member
Texas, USA

Dr. Richa Joy Gundlapalli, MD, ABIHM, AFMCP is a rare blend of Board-Certified Integrative practitioner, expert on Bio Energetics and an internationally sought-after speaker/thought leader. Dr. Joy studied Family Medicine & Pediatrics at University of Illinois, Chicago where she was also the Chief Resident. She completed her AFMCP Certification from Institute of Functional Medicine and received Advanced Nutrient Therapy (ANT) training for Brain health under Dr. William Walsh. A Certified Biological Medicine practitioner, Dr. Joy received her training in Biological Medicine at Paracelsus Clinic, Switzerland under Dr. Thomas Rau. She has further trained under Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt & Dr. Ralf Oettmeier for specialized therapies. Dr. Joy is also Certified in Bio Energetics & Energy medicine from Wegamed Academy, Germany where she was personally trained under Dr. Peter Mölleney. She also studied Information Medicine at Timewaver Academy in Germany. Her professional sabbaticals have included oriental trainings & study of Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Anthroposophical medicine & related Mind-Body modalities which she effectively blends into her practice.

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Zide Mooni, A.P., O.M.D., R.A.P, R.A.H.,
​Board Member

Florida, USA

Zide Mooni is an NCCA-certified practitioner who works closely with patients to make sure that they are receiving the best treatment possible for their problems. For at least 18 years, Zide has been practicing the healing sciences of India and China, but for the past 10 years Ayurveda has been his priority, to practice more and to create more awareness with his esteemed teachers. Born in Trinidad of Rajastani – Indian and Malaysian heritage, Zide studied martial arts with family members since he was 12 years old and at nineteen migrated to the US, with astrological and intuitive guidance from his grandmother. In the US at 20 years of age, he started studying Shaolin Eagle Claw martial arts with Grandmaster Fu Leong and Sifu Nee, and continued his in-depth study of Daoism and meditation practices. He then furthered his studies of Taoist Tai Chi as well as Chi Gung with Taoist masters and mentors from the US and Mainland China for about seven years which included an apprenticeship in Acupuncture, Nutrition and Chinese herbal medicine.

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Paul Dugliss, M.D., I.A.D.
Board Member
Maine, USA
Dr. Paul Dugliss, M.D., Maine, USA – practices Ayurvedic Medicine, Ayurvedic Counseling and Internal Medicine. He also is an acupuncturist and practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He is the former director of Oakwood Healthcare System’s Complementary & Alternative Medicine Center in Westland, Michigan, USA. He also directed the Maharishi Vedic Medical Center in Lexington, KY and the Center for Enlightened Medicine in Ann Arbor, MI. He began studying Ayurvedic Medicine in the mid-1980s and has trained both in this country at Maharishi International University and in Europe at Maharishi Vedic University, Valkenberg, Holland. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association. He is the author of several books including Ayurveda – The Power to Heal, Enlightened Nutrition, Capturing the Bliss: Ayurveda and the Yoga of Emotions, The Myth of Cholesterol, and Yoga & Ayurveda. Dr. Dugliss is the Director and Academic Dean of New World Ayurveda, an organization providing training in this comprehensive system of natural medicine. He has a master’s degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology and is currently focusing his practice of medicine on Ayurvedic Medicine and Ayurvedic Counseling.Dr. Paul Dugliss received Atreya Award 
for excellence in practice of  Ayurveda in North America from Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America in 2012.

Membership Director
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Priyatarssini Balamurugen, BAMS, MSc (Psychology), LMT, RAAP
Membership Director
New Jersey, USA

Priya is an integrative wellness practitioner specializing in Endocrinology and pain management through Ayurveda, Marma, Naturopathy, Yoga & Reflexology. Research scientist at the WISE-World Institute of Scientific Exploration working on Ayurvedic traditional medicine therapies, consciousness, Ayurvedic psychology and energy healing. Master and Instructor in Simplified Kundalini Yoga (Vethathrium), a scientific system of conscious living directed towards Individual peace leading to World peace.

PACE - Professional Ayurvedic Continuing Education Director
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Somesh Kaushik, B.A.M.S., N.D., M.P.H., M.P.A., E-R.Y.T.-500
​PACE (Professional Ayurvedic Continuing Education) Director

Connecticut, USA
Somesh N. Kaushik is the Ayurvedic specialist/consultant at the Institute. After completing B.A.M.S., a 6½ years of Ayurvedic training in 1983 from Kurukshetra University, India. He worked as an Ayurvedic Medical Officer before moving to U.S. He earned M.P.H. and M.P.A. from University of Alabama, Birmingham and N.D. from the University of Bridgeport, where he taught Ayurvedic medicine and Public Health courses and worked as the Director of Admissions for the College of Naturopathic Medicine. Before moving to Connecticut, he worked as an Epidemiologist and Director of HIV/AIDS sero-surveillance with Alabama Department of Public Health while maintaining an Ayurvedic practice. He has been a faculty member with the University of Bridgeport, Division of Health Sciences since 2001 He has over 26 years of experience as an Ayurvedic physician. He offers seminars and lectures on Ayurvedic medicine. Dr. Kaushik brings a unique experience as an Ayurvedic college trained Ayurvedic physician and a Naturopathic doctor with experience in public health and health education. He is also an experienced registered Yoga teacher. Dr. Kaushik joined the Institute for Ayurvedic And Naturopathic Therapies in Fair field, CT in 2006. Dr. Kaushik offers courses, workshops and training in Ayurvedic medicine. He offers lectures on Ayurvedic medicine at National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland, OR and various National and International symposiums/events. He also holds medical camps in India to offer free medical care to under served population and would like to expand that service to other countries.

Academic Board Members
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Andhrika Kondeti, B.A.M.S., L.M.T., R.A.D., F.A.A.P.N.A., B.C.R.A.D., R.Y.T., M.H.
​Academic Board Member

Virginia, USA

Andhrika is also a Licensed Massage Therapist and a Registered Yoga Teacher. She is certified as Master Herbalist and Nutritional Consultant After she completed her degree program in Ayurveda she had the pleasure of working with several clients in India, US. and from other parts of the world for the past twenty four years! Often times we address disease once it has made itself present in the body. As an Ayurveda practitioner, she offers Ayurveda Consultations and educates people about how to prevent disease and improve their overall quality of life in a natural way. By working with them on eating habits, lifestyle and aligning with the changes of season, a more organic and wholesome lifestyle is achieved. As a licensed Massage therapist, she incorporates Ayurvedic Massage Therapies, shirodhara and Panchakarma therapies in her regular practice. She worked as a Yoga Teacher, training students for Registered Yoga Teacher program at Lotus School of Integrated Professions in Virginia, for over three years. As an experienced Yoga Teacher, she offers group and private sessions based on individual Dosha types. Andhrika is very passionate about the positive effects of Yoga and Ayurvedic Massage therapies on the body, mind and spirit along with diet and lifestyle changes to maintain health, build immunity, prevent disease and promote longevity! Education: Ayurveda degree, five years and six months including one year internship from N.T.R. University of Health Sciences, India. B.A.M.S. 1990-1995, Licensed Massage Therapist 600 hour program from Lotus School of Integrated Professions, LMT. 2014, Registered Yoga Teacher, 200-hour program from Bodhi Yoga Institute, India, YA registered school, RYT 200, 2015 Certifications: NC., Nutritional Consultant, MH., Master Herbalist, Member and Director, Virginia, AAPNA, Member, Continuous Education Provider, Yoga Alliance, Member, Alternative Balance.

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Vishwanath Guddadar, B.A.M.S., R.A.D., 
​Academic Board Member

Florida, USA

Vishwanth grew up in Pune, India which is hub of traditional Ayurvedic gurukul teachings, following the principles of Ayurveda as part of his culture. He has dedicated his career over the past 1 ½ decades to the science of Ayurveda. Vaidya Vishwanath received his bachelor’s degree in Ayurvedic medicines and surgery after completing five and a half years of training from Bangalore University. He is specialist in panchakarma (Physical and Mental Purification Therapy) and preventive cardiology. He has completed his post graduate diploma in panchakarma and preventive cardiology from Pune, India. He is also certified spine health specialist from Maharashtra university of health sciences, Nashik, India. Vaidya Vishwanath completed his yoga and meditation teacher training program from Swami Vivekananda Yoga and Anusandhana Samsthana. He has worked with Dr Deepak Chopra, one of the world’s foremost authorities on mind-body balance, holistic harmony, and physical wellness. He is dedicated to spreading the ancient wisdom of this science of life to the world keeping it truly traditional and authentic. His main fields of interest are Mind – Body medicine. At present I am working with Kottakkal Ayurveda USA as a director of education. 

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Snehalatha Dornala, B.A.M.S., M.D.(Ayu), PhD., (Ayu)
Academic Board Member
New Delhi, USA

Snehalatha is currently working as professor and head of department at VYDS Ayurved Mahavidyalay khurja, UP completed her PG and Ph D from National institute of Ayurveda Jaipur and also did her post graduate diploma in child rights law from National law school of india University benguluru. Received Ayurvisharada award, Best paper awards and also She has received Kashyapa Award for Excellence in Ayurvedic teaching in by AAPNA in 2015. She is instrumental in developing course healthy happy mother and baby programme for Maharishi european research institute Netherlands.She also developed vocational and para medical course cirricullum for National institute of open schooling, ministry of HRD. she is visiting professor at MERU switzerland & USA. She authored 4 books. She is having 18 yrs of clinical experience in dealing with different health issues related to children. She is guide for post graduate students. Her area of specialization are preventive medicine, Nutrition and children. 

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Meenakshi Gupta, B.A.M.S., M.D.Ayurveda
Academic Board Member
Texas, USA

Meenakshi Gupta, an Ayurvedic Specialist, trainer and teacher of international repute, pursued her Masters Degree in Ayurveda from The National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, India. She is a gold medalist and has done intense 3 years of research in Ayurveda. She has more than 12 years of extensive international experience in design & delivery of Ayurveda courses as Ayurveda Cosmetology, Ayurveda Herbology, Yoga, Panchakarma therapy. She organizes regular workshops on various topics of Ayurveda, training workshops for hands on training in Panchakarma courses. She has authored several papers and writes regular column in several e-magazines, health magazines along with various Radio talks & newspaper articles.

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Sushant Sud, B.A.M.S., M.D. (Ayu)
Academic Board Member
Gujarat, India

Completed his Graduation from Shri Gulabkunverba Ayurved Mahavidyalaya-Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar & Post Graduate in the subject of Rasashastra from SDM College of Ayurved, Udupi-Rajeev Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore. He did his fellowship in Multidisciplinary approaches in Osteoarthritis management from the Federation of Royal College of Physicians of United Kingdom. He is a Diploma holder in Hospital Management from the National Institute of Health & Family Welfare, New Delhi and a certified Health safety consultant from the Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Presently working as Head & Asso. Professor in the Department of Agad Tantra Vyavahar Ayurved (Toxicology and Jurisprudence) at Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurved, Jamnagar, having Professional experience 10 years in the subject of Agad Tantra. He is working as a Co-Principle investigator in 2 projects funded by the Ministry of AYUSH, GOI, New Delhi. He has been a Resource person/panellist in many International seminars-conferences and webinars. He has appeared as a Guest speaker in various talks for DCC Sikka, TCL Mithapur, Essar/Nayara Oil Refinery, Maharishi Patanjali Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy Education and Research, Sashastra Seema Bala, KD Ambani Vidyamandir Reliance, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Dhootpapeshwar Pharmaceuticals etc, related to Ayurved and Lifestyle related disorders. He has published more than 40 papers in different peer-reviewed international journals and conference proceedings. Around 5 articles were published in peer-reviewed international magazines. He is the author of 3 books on Ayurved. More than 20 presentations were done at international and national levels seminars/conferences. He is a recipient of the Charak Award as Excellence in Ayurvedic Teaching by AAPNA (Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America, Inc.), USA. Felicitated by the Lions Club of Jamnagar (East) for the Ayurvedic health services and amenities towards the society. Felicitated with Bharat Vikas Award for the Loyalty, Diligence & Outstanding Performance in the field of Ayurveda Aushadha Nirmaan Shastra in the National Seminar on “Diversity of Cultural & Environment” in Bhubaneswar on the occasion of “Citizen’s Day". He is working as Vice President for Gujarat (Saurashtra) Association of Teachers of Ayurved, Nominated as Gujarat State Director for AAPNA (Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America, Inc.), USA. He is an Editorial Member and Peer Reviewer of many Ayurvedic International Peer review Journals.

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Shripathi Acharya,  B.A.M.S., M.D.(Ayu), PhD (Ayu)
​Academic Board Member

Karnataka, India

Shripathi Acharya is presently working as Director Academic in Muniyal Institute of Ayurveda Medical Sciences Manipal India . He has guided more than 15 PG scholars in Kaya Chikitsa department and authored 14 books and more than 150 scientific and research papers which were published so far. He had presented papers in Philadelphia USA, Washington USA, Glasgow UK, Beijing China, Milan Italy, Singapore , Colombo ,Sri Lanka , Dhaka, Bangladesh , Chiang Mai, Thailand . He has done oral presentations in webinars held in Sydney ,Melbourne ,Hongkong, Taipei, Bangkok, Johannesburg , London ,Manchester ,Paris, Zurich, and Washington . He is also member of ISPOR, New Jersey , SFE, Kolkata , Vigyan Bharathi , New Delhi and SVAK, Bangalore.

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Jorge Torres, PhD
​Academic Board Member

Puerto Rico, USA

Jorge Torres director of the Sanatan Dharma Society of Puerto Rico. I am a registered vedic astrologer and AAPNA member. Also I am a disciple of BA Paramadvati Maharaj and active member of the Worldwide Vrinda Mission. I am running the first Vedic astrolgy Course in Puerto Rico as a Registered AAPNA school in Sadhana Healing arts in San Juan. Last year we invited Light and Bryan Miller to give the first Ayurvedic Practitioner course on the island and helped the students take 50 contact hours of Jyotish. Jorge graduate of the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (BBA) with 25 years of business experience in a multinational environment, occupying different management positions. As part of my educational experience I also have a PhD in Vaishnavism as part of my spiritual training in the seminary. My main interest is show the link between Ayurveda and spiritual development. I am collaborating with a team of MD’s and other professionals to set up an interdisciplinary group with the University of Puerto Rico to give palliative care. I am also a vaishnava chaplain. I am very much interested to collaborate to the best of my knowledge with AAPNA and its mission here in the Caribbean and elsewhere.

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 Ashlesha Raut, B.A.M.S., MD-Ayu, RAD
 Academic Board Member

 Normal, Illinois, USA

 Ashlesha Raut is passionate about teaching and promoting Ayurveda and is   an   Ayurveda faculty   at many colleges in North America. She has been presented by the North America award of “Charaka” in recognition of her excellence in Ayurvedic teaching in 2012. She is a ‘Second degree Reiki healer’. Vaidya Raut was also awarded a prestigious ‘Shiromani Award’ by Indian Board of Alternative Medicines for her contributions towards the integrative medicine in the industry. Vaidya Raut is an integrative Ayurvedic practitioner, Nutritional consultant and a holistic health educator. She is a third generation Vaidya who is classically trained in Ayurveda from Mumbai University, India. She earned the distinctive honor and a gold medal for her post graduate dissertation work. She has been practicing Ayurveda for more than a decade and has been an integral part of the Ayurveda healing community with a mission towards providing a Holistic Path for Wellness and Optimal Health through Ayurveda and integrative medicine. Vaidya Raut has been an authorized teaching faculty for CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and lay responders and First Aid training programs at the American Red Cross Heartland Chapter in IL, USA and has won recognitions for her voluntary contributions on community health and safety at the American Red Cross. She has conducted a large number of workshops, authored publications, participated in talk shows, and presented research papers in the field of Ayurveda. She is a Life time member of NIMA (National Integrated Medical Association-India), founder and core member at CAC (Counsel for Ayurveda Credentialing) and holds many advisory positions in various Ayurveda holistic health organizations.  She is a Director of Ayurveda at Main Street Yoga, Bloomington and founding Director of Ayurveda for Healing and is actively involved in practicing and promoting Ayurveda in the country.

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 Drashti Parikh,  B.A.M.S., M.D. (Ayu), R.A.D., D.A.M., P.G.D.Y.N.
 Academic Board Member
 New Jersey, USA

Drashti Parikh is an Ayurvedic doctor and the owner of Shree Vaishvanar Ayurveda LLC.  Drashti is a Board of Director (BOD), Academic Board Member, and Global Ambassador of AAPNA. Drashti is actively practicing Ayurveda in the United States and She is the recipient of "Jiwak Award '' for her academic excellence. Drashti has completed her BAMS with multiple gold medals and also has completed her Master's Degree in Kaya Chikitsa from IPGT&RA – one of the prestigious universities in India. Drashti holds a postgraduate diploma in Yoga & Naturopathy as well from the same university. Drashti has authored the book ‘Manual of Kayachikitsa (part-1)’, and she is also an author of various articles and researches on Ayurveda. Throughout her academic career, Drashti had the honor and privilege to participate in several national & international conferences as a guest speaker.

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 Shunmathi Gurumoorthy,  B.A.M.S., P.G.D.Y.T.
 Academic Board Member
 Ohio, USA

Ayurvedic practitioner with focus on diet, yoga and holistic lifestyle. Helping individuals heal for over 5 years with controlling symptoms and improving health. With an interest in Obstetric, Gynecology and Infertility, served as an ayurvedic health and lifestyle consultant and yoga therapist for couples with fertility issues by addressing their concern, counseling and prenatal yoga therapy for pregnant women to prevent any complications related to pregnancy and postpartum. I have been awarded as an outstanding service in clinical care by Mamallan Indian Medical Foundation, Chennai, India. Received my B.A.M.S degree from Dr. M.G.R Medical university, Chennai. Registered Indian medicine practitioner from the Tamil Nadu board of Indian medicine. Post Graduate Diploma in Yoga Therapy from SVyasa University, Bangalore. Also Internationally certified yoga instructor with specialized Certification in antenatal and postnatal yoga therapy.

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 Dhanada Kulkarni, B.A.M.S,
 Academic Board Member
 Texas, USA

 Dhanada Kulkarni, BAMS and Master Yoga Therapist, Founder of Soham-  AyurYoga, LLC,   Vedic Astrologer and Vastu Consultant, has been very active in promoting ayurveda and other ancient Indian sciences at various forums in the USA over the last 15 years. She serves on the executive board of several organizations like AAPNA and CAC (Council for Ayurveda Credentialing). She has been on the faculty of many ayurveda and yoga organizations.  Dhanada has also been an international keynote speaker, presenter and integrated medicine panel expert at many conferences. She is known for presenting ayurvedic solutions on various media groups such as radio Azad, Funasia, EBC Radio, Radiozindagi, and Asia TV. She is a co-founder and Director of Texas’s first ayurveda school- AIA (American Institute of Ayurveda, LLC).

Clinical Board Members
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Jaya Daptardar, B.A.M.S., M.H.A., R.A.D.
Clinical Board Member

Connecticut, USA

Jaya Daptardar is an internationally renowned Ayurveda expert, writer, entrepreneur, healthcare executive, speaker, licensed Esthetician, and leader. She is an Ayurvedic doctor and has a Master's in healthcare administration & Management in the USA. She is an author of four books, passionate about beauty care in Ayurveda. She is a recipient of the Dharma Award from the Association of Ayurvedic professionals of North America for her work in Ayurveda and wellness. She has been practicing and teaching Ayurveda in the USA for 25 years. Besides her work in Ayurveda and the wellness world, she also serves multiple boards and works with non-profit organizations. Received a lifetime achievement award in the healthcare service field by the doctor’s association in Connecticut, USA

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Anjum G Nadaf, B.A.M.S., L.M.T., R.A.D., F.A.A.P.N.A.
Clinical Board Member

New Jersey, USA

Anjum Nadaf, International Speaker, Registered Ayurvedic Doctor, Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Nutritionist -Level 2, RYT -200 HRS, Certified Therapeutic RYT, Certified Panchakarma Technician, PGDP-India, Recipient of Atreya Award 2020- Excellence in Clinical Practice from AAPNA, Director OF New Jersey AAPNA, She is a founder of Anjum Ayurveda LLC, Practicing and teaching Ayurveda 15 plus years in the US. She holds a Bachelor of Ayurvedic medicine and surgery degree from Rajiv Gandhi University, Bangalore. Area of expertise includes pain management, chronic health conditions: healthy weight management, digestive imbalances, women’s health, kid's health, and anti-aging therapies. Actively participating in many organizations and dedicating her contribution towards the spread of Ayurveda in the west. She is calm, composed, compassionate, empathy that makes her stand out.

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Gauri Junnarkar, B.A.M.S., M.S., R.D., L.D., C.D.E., R.A.A.P.,
Clinical Board Member

Dallas, Texas, USA

Gauri Junnarkar is the founder of ‘Ayurnutrition’, an integrative nutrition practice. She is an Ayurveda Specialist and a Registered/Licensed Dietitian. She earned her BAMS - Bachelor of Ayurveda degree from the University of Mumbai. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University. Her expertise includes Ayurveda, Panchakarma, Nutrition and Diabetes education. She integrates Ayurveda principles with Nutrition in her daily practice. Ms. Junnarkar teaches nutrition courses to undergraduate students and works as a Certified Diabetes Educator at diabetes center in Dallas Fort Worth area. Ms. Junnarkar’s background in Ayurveda inspired her to do her master’s thesis research on “Dietary Curcumin (phytochemical in Turmeric) and its effect in Melanoma (skin cancer)”, which was selected at the national conference on Experimental Biology under “Diet and Cancer” and also at the Texas Dietetic Association conference. Ms. Junnarkar has given a number of presentations on Ayurveda to faculty and students at Texas Woman’s University and various dietitian associations in Dallas. She is a faculty member at International University of Yoga and Ayurveda. Ms. Junnarkar is a committee member for AAPNA (Ayurvedic Professionals of North America). She also writes articles on Ayurveda and nutrition.

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Vaishali Verma, B.A.M.S, N.D.
Clinical Board Member
Seattle, Washington, USA

Vaishali Verma was born and raised in India. I grew up running the halls of my father’s integrative medical practice and I was inspired by him to pursue medicine. I studied Ayurvedic medicine for 5.5 years in India. During my final year in school, I assisted my father in his clinic, which helped increase my clinical skills. After the completion of my education, I worked as an OB/GYN resident in a hospital in India and gained hands on experience in midwifery and women’s health. I moved to United States in 2006 and decided to continue my clinical education by pursuing 4 year ND degree through Bastyr University. I draw out from modalities such as Ayurvedic medicine, Botanical medicine, Physical medicine, Homeopathy, Nutrition, and Hydrotherapy in my practice. I developed special interest in Pediatrics after the birth of my daughter. She has taught me to be a better doctor and still teaching me every day about childhood development. I focus on preventative care in my practice relying on an individual’s complete medical history, family history, social history, mental health, genetics, known environmental exposures, diet and lifestyle to inform our work together. I work with my patients using an integrated Ayurvedic and Naturopathic approach to create a unique treatment plan for them. I am passionate about educating people on the importance of nutrition, healthy diet, and lifestyle, and guiding them to make healthy lifestyle choices. My goals are to facilitate healing in my patients, help them achieve optimal health, and maintain wellness for a lifetime. Outside of work I enjoy cooking healthy meals for my family, listening to music, dancing, exploring the city with friends, and teaching my daughter to enjoy nature.

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Smita Pankaj Naram
Clinical Board Member
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Founder of the Ayushakti Group Companies and a world-renowned pulse reader and detoxification specialist and master trainer of the Practitioner. Ayushakti has helped 150,000 people worldwide in more than 108 countries. There are 150 clinics across the world. Published Research papers in peer view journals on depression, anxiety, dermatitis, Arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and infertility. Published a book “Your Health in your Hand” and 9 booklets. I have given one on one more than 200,000 consultations.

Research Board Members
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Sathya N. Dornala, BAMS, MD-Ayurved, MS, PhD-Ayurved.
Research Board Member

New Delhi, India

Dr. Sathya N. Dornala, B.A.M.S., M.D (Ayurvedic Internal Medicine/Gold medalist), M.S. (Psychotherapy & Counselling)., Ph.D (Panchakarma) from National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur., Vaidya-Scientist Fellowship form University of Transdisciplinary Health Sciences and technology, Bengaluru; Post Graduate Diploma in Hospital & Health Management – PGDHHM from Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi. Presently working as “Panchakarma Specialist” at Swami Vivekanand Ayurvedic Panchkarma Hospital, Dilshad garden, Delhi, India.

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Rammohan Rao, Ph.D., C.A.S., R.A.P., R.Y.T.,
Research Board Member
California, USA

Rammohan Rao comes from a family of ayurvedic practitioners and Vedic teachers in India tracing back to the illustrious Vedic-Acharya Rishi Kaundinya. Ram completed the academic training at the California College of Ayurveda and presently teaches in their Nevada city location. Ram is a dedicated Hatha yoga practitioner and is a R.Y.T. from Yoga Alliance USA. Ram has published several articles in major Yoga/Ayurveda journals and recently was awarded the Vagbhata Award for Excellence in Ayurvedic Teaching by AAPNA. Ram holds a doctorate degree in Neurosciences and works as a Research Associate Professor at the Buck Institute for Age Research, Novato, CA, on various aspects of age associated neuro-degenerative diseases.

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Pooja Sabharwal, Ph.D (Ayu), P.G.D.H.M., P.G.D.Yoga, P.G.D.A.S.T., C.F.N.
Research Board Member
New Delhi, India

Pooja Sabharwal is an Ayurveda academician, Practitioner and Researcher, working in Ayurveda field since 2006.At present she is Assistant Professor of Ayurveda & Consultant at Choudhry Brahm Prakash Ayurveda Charak Samsthan (CBPACS), New Delhi, Government of India. She has a vast experience in India and abroad for practicing and propagating Ayurveda. For propagation of Ayurveda she has visited Latvia, Germany and Malaysia. She was invited by Embassy of India for Latvia & Sweden for promotion of Ayurveda from 19th March to 1 April 2014. As a part of the campaign to promote Ayurveda, she participated in the dialogue with various prominent doctors, oncologists, academicians & regulators from Ministry of Health, Education & Agriculture of the Republic of Latvia along with various stake holders from industry and general public. She is author of an Ayurvedic book on Yoga Chakras and its relation to Ayurveda. She has presented and/or published over 35 abstracts at national and international meetings. Dr Pooja Sabharwal is engaged in extensive research in cancer treatment through Ayurveda. She has received National Human Rights award from All India Human Rights Association. She has been International coordinator for International Ayurveda conferences. She is serving International Academy of Ayurveda as faculty member. She worked as Consultant/Assistant Medical Superintendent at Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College and Dabur Hospital Chandigarh. She has also served as Ayurveda consultant in Germany on deputation From Dept of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India.

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