Presented by Dr. Somesh N. Kaushik
Tuesday, April 12
7-8 pm
Registration is required. Register below or contact Donald, our Adult Program Coordinator, at adult@pawlinglibrary.org.
The respiratory system is the network of organs and tissues that work together to move oxygen throughout the body and clean out waste gases like carbon dioxide. It includes your airways, lungs and blood vessels. The muscles that power your lungs are also part of the respiratory system.
Each part of the respiratory system has many separate components. These include: mouth/nose, sinuses,
pharynx, trachea, and bronchial tubes. In addition, the diaphragm and ribs move the air in and out of the lungs. Other components that work with the lungs and blood vessels include: alveoli, bronchioles, capillaries, lung lobes; pleura, cilia, epiglottis, and larynx.
There are hundreds of different diseases and conditions – acute to chronic – that can affect the respiratory
system, ranging from common cold and flu to pneumonia and COPD. Some are: asthma, allergic rhinitis,
sinusitis, bronchitis, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, tuberculosis, pleural effusion, tonsillitis, whooping cough, and occupational respiratory disease.
Some causes of respiratory conditions are: environmental pathogens, air pollution, chemical sprays and fumes, smoke, bacterial and viral infections, autoimmune conditions, and genetics. Those with weak lungs and impaired immune systems are more vulnerable to respiratory infections. Some symptoms include: shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, hoarseness, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes.
Ayurveda’s approach is to strengthen the immune system so that the body can combat the toxins and heal
naturally. In this way, the body’s life force (prana) is enhanced.
About our presenter: Dr. Somesh N. Kaushik is the owner and chief medical practitioner of Dr. Kaushick’s Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Clinic in Cross River, NY.
With over 35 years’ experience as an Ayurvedic physician, Dr. Kaushik’s medical training is extensive. He is one of the most experienced Ayurvedic physicians in North America and is the recipient of the Dhanwantri Award, his profession’s highest honor. Dr. Kaushik recently founded the Institute for the Advancement of Ayurvedic Sciences, a research and teaching institution.
After completing the 6 ½ years of schooling for his Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) from Kurukshetra University, India, in 1983, Dr. Kaushik worked as an Ayurvedic Medical Officer for two years.
Upon moving to the United States in 1985, Dr. Kaushik received his Masters of Public Health (MPH) and Masters of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Alabama in 1988. He then worked as an Epidemiologist and Director of HIV/AIDS Sero-surveillance Program with the Alabama Department of Public Health in Birmingham while maintaining an Ayurvedic practice.
In 1999 he moved to Connecticut and received his Doctor of Naturopathy (ND) from the University of Bridgeport, CT in 2003. He taught Ayurvedic Medicine and Public Health at the College of Naturopathic Medicine, University of Bridgeport, as well as serving as the Director of Admissions there. He has been a faculty member with the University of Bridgeport, Division of Health Sciences since 2001. Dr. Kaushik co-founded the Institute for Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Therapies in Fairfield, CT in 2006.
Dr. Kaushik lectures on Ayurvedic Medicine at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland, OR, as well as at various national and international symposiums and events. He also offers courses, workshops, lectures, and training in Ayurvedic medicine locally. Dr. Kaushik is an approved continuing education provider for Yoga teachers through the YACEP (Yoga Alliance for Continuing Education Providers) and has achieved the highest Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher certificate having completed 500 hours of training (E-RYT 500). He includes therapeutic Yoga in his practice.
Each year, Dr. Kaushik and his family travel to India to set up camps offering free medical care for underserved populations. He’d like to expand this service to other countries as well.
Dr. Kaushik brings his unique background as an Ayurvedic and Naturopathic practitioner with experience in public health and health education to this locality. He welcomes you into his wellness community.
Top photograph by Dustin Humes