Presented by Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Physician Dr. Somesh N. Kaushik
Tuesday, August 9
7-8 pm
Registration is required. Register below or contact Donald, our Adult Program Coordinator, at adult@pawlinglibrary.org.
NOTE: Dr. Kaushik’s informative health lecture was recorded on August 9. If you were unable to attend this program, or would just like to review the information, click on the link below to watch the presentation.
The digestive system is made up of the gastrointestinal tract—also called the GI tract or digestive tract—and the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. The GI tract is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus. The hollow organs that make up the GI tract are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus. The liver, pancreas, and gallbladder are the solid organs of the digestive system.
The digestive system is often called “the second brain” because it breaks nutrients down so that your body can absorb them and use them for energy, growth, and cell repair. Each part of the digestive system helps to move food and liquid through your GI tract. Your large intestine absorbs water, and the waste products of digestion become stool. Nerves and hormones help control the digestive process.
Digestive disorders encompass a variety of diseases ranging from mild to severe. Common digestive disorders include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Chron’s, diverticulitis, cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance and hiatal hernia. The most common symptoms of digestive disorders include bleeding, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, pain, nausea and vomiting.
Ayurveda recognizes that a dysfunction in the digestive system involves both digestion and assimilation of nutrients and, in this way, is the root cause of ill health.
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.