Ancient Wisdom, Modern Evidence: Yoga, Ayurveda, and the Science of Opioid Withdrawal
We are delighted to launch the Maryada Family Foundation Endowed Lectureship on the Science and Practice of Ayurveda with our inaugural lecture on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026. The inaugural lecture on the topic of Ancient Wisdom, Modern Evidence: Yoga, Ayurveda and the Science of Opioid Withdrawal will be presented by Drs. Matcheri Keshavan and Hemant Bhargav and followed by an in-person reception at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
The presentation will explore how ancient Indian traditions such as Yoga and Ayurveda anticipated many principles now validated by modern neuroscience and behavioral medicine. Drawing from the Bhagavad Gita, yogic psychology, and emerging clinical research, the presenters will show how practices such as breath regulation (pranayama), mindfulness, balanced action, and detachment from craving can improve emotional resilience, self-regulation, and recovery from addiction.
Together, Drs. Keshavan and Bhargav will review recent collaborative data demonstrating that yoga may shorten opioid withdrawal duration and improve heart rate variability, suggesting enhanced autonomic nervous system regulation. They will also discuss parallels between yogic practices and modern psychotherapies including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, metacognitive therapy, Ayurveda and positive psychology. In the presentation, Drs. Keshavan and Bhargav will argue that spirituality and science are complementary rather than opposing frameworks, and that rigorous study of contemplative traditions may yield scalable, low-cost interventions for substance use disorders and mental health care.
Presenters
Matcheri Keshavan, MD
Stanley Cobb Professor of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Massachusetts Mental Health Center, Harvard Medical School
Dr. Keshavan is closely involved in research in neurobiology of psychosis, especially as it pertains to first episode psychotic disorders. His research has resulted in around 1030 publications to date, including over 850 peer-reviewed papers, 4 books, and 150 other papers/ reviews/ book chapters.
Hemant Bhargav, MD, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Integrative Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru and Adjunct Associate Professor at Massachusetts Mental Health Center, HMS.
Dr. Bhargav’s research centers on yoga-based interventions for psychiatric conditions, with a focus on substance use disorders, autonomic regulation, and neuroimaging biomarkers.
Event Details & Registration
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Cost: Free to Attend
CME: 1 credit available. Please email your name, degree title and institution if applicable to [email protected] during the event to claim credit.
In-Person Attendance
Lecture: 1:00 – 2:00PM ET
Bornstein Amphitheater, Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), 45 Francis St. Boston, MA
Catered Reception: 2:00 – 3:00PM ET
Carrie Hall, BWH, 15 Francis St. Boston, MA (One-minute walk from the lecture hall) 
For those who cannot attend in person, please join us online (via Zoom) by registering here: ONLINE REGISTRATION
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