Aarogyam’s 12-Step Program for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome at RCCM UK

In 2022, the Aarogyam team made significant strides in presenting innovative therapies at the UK Research Council for Complementary Medicine (RCCM) annual conference. Held virtually on September 5, 2022, this event provided a unique platform for researchers, clinicians, and postgraduate students to showcase their work in complementary and integrative healthcare. Led by Dr. Neha Sharma, the team shared their successes and explored new approaches to treating fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) through a community-based 12-step program.

A Platform for Knowledge Exchange and Collaboration

The RCCM UK conference is designed to foster collaboration and networking among professionals in the field of integrative and alternative medicine. It provides a space for idea exchange, research presentation, and shared learning, bringing together individuals from diverse fields. This event stands out as a pivotal moment for Aarogyam, highlighting the importance of connecting with peers and learning from others working on similar projects.

Reflecting on the value of the conference, Dr. Neha Sharma, Principal Investigator and Study Director, emphasized its collaborative nature:

"Developing novel therapies and strategies is crucial for numerous patient groups we serve at Aarogyam (UK). This year's RCCM annual meeting provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues from other universities performing comparable work. This will help us drive what we are confident will be another successful year of delivering significant and meaningful clinical research within our network for the benefit of patients locally, nationally, and beyond."

Showcasing the 12-Step Program for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

One of the key accomplishments presented at the conference was the 12-step program for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, a community-based project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. Fibromyalgia and CFS are conditions that have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life, and traditional treatments often fall short in providing lasting relief. The Aarogyam team, under Dr. Sharma's leadership, developed this comprehensive 12-step program to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of these conditions.

Dr. Kritika Pandey, co-investigator and presenting author, presented the findings in a poster session on behalf of the team, including Dr. Skanthesh Lakshmanan (Co-Investigator) and Dr. Venkata N. Joshi (Co-Investigator). The poster highlighted key outcomes from the study, showcasing how an integrative approach—combining Ayurveda, lifestyle changes, and patient-centered therapies—provided effective relief and long-term benefits for patients with fibromyalgia and CFS.

Key Accomplishments and Takeaways from the Conference

1. Evidence-Based Approach:

   The 12-step program is an example of how evidence-based complementary medicine can improve patient outcomes. By focusing on real-world applications and involving the community in research, the Aarogyam team provided a model for integrative healthcare that is grounded in both science and patient experience. The National Lottery Community Fund's support enabled the team to expand the program and evaluate its effectiveness on a larger scale.

2. Expanding Research Networks

   The conference also served as an essential venue for expanding research collaborations. By connecting with peers from other institutions, the Aarogyam team opened the door for future collaborations and multi-institutional studies. This cross-pollination of ideas is crucial for driving innovation and ensuring that complementary and integrative medicine becomes more widely recognized and utilized.

3. Advocating for Alternative Therapies

   Presenting at the RCCM UK conference helped shine a spotlight on the importance of alternative therapies in treating chronic conditions. The Aarogyam team’s participation underscored how Ayurveda, when combined with modern approaches, can offer comprehensive solutions for chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia patients who have not found relief through conventional treatments.

4. Patient-Centered Care

   One of the key takeaways from the research was the value of patient-centered care. The 12-step program was designed to meet the specific needs of patients with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, addressing their physical, emotional, and mental health concerns. This holistic approach is critical in improving patients' quality of life and ensuring that treatment plans are sustainable and effective in the long term.

Looking Ahead: New Ways of Working

As Dr. Sharma and her team reflected on their accomplishments, they also looked ahead to new ways of working. The success of the 12-step program has set the stage for future research and development of similar initiatives, not only for fibromyalgia and CFS but for other chronic conditions as well.

Aarogyam is committed to continuing their work in integrative healthcare, exploring novel therapies, and expanding their research networks to make a greater impact both nationally and internationally.

The collaborative spirit that defined the RCCM UK conference will continue to guide the team as they pursue their mission of delivering meaningful, patient-focused research. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practice and a growing network of researchers and practitioners, Aarogyam is poised to make significant contributions to the field of integrative medicine in the coming years.

For more information about the 12-step program or to download the poster presentation, visit the RCCM UK.