Praxis: Translating Practice-Based Insights into Scientific Evidence

It is with immense pride and excitement that I announce the launch of Praxis, an innovative platform dedicated to advancing the field of integrative medicine.

Three years ago, when I first envisioned the Integrative Ayurveda Network (IAN), it was driven by a simple yet profound goal: to bridge the worlds of traditional healing systems and modern scientific validation. As a practitioner and researcher deeply rooted in integrative medicine, I witnessed the untapped potential of ancient practices like Ayurveda to transform modern healthcare, provided they were supported by evidence and implemented responsibly. The journey from a vision to what Praxis represents today has been nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to collaboration, innovation, and the collective passion of a global community.

Expanding Horizons: From Local Initiative to Global Platform

In 2021, the Integrative Ayurveda Network was born as a small initiative to bring together like-minded researchers and practitioners committed to advancing Ayurveda as an evidence-based discipline. IAN began as a community-driven effort, focusing on practice-based research and small-scale collaborations. We conducted workshops, facilitated dialogues between modern clinicians and Ayurveda experts, and started building a repository of peer-reviewed evidence that could hold its ground in scientific discussions.

Within Three- years, IAN evolved from a regional network into a global movement, thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers worldwide. The momentum was fueled by several key milestones:

1. Collaborative Research Projects: Partnering with universities and healthcare institutions, IAN began publishing systematic reviews, clinical studies, and case narratives that highlighted the effectiveness of integrative medicine in areas such as chronic disease management, mental health, and preventive care.

2. Policy Advocacy: By engaging with policymakers, IAN played a pivotal role in advocating for the inclusion of integrative practices into national and international health frameworks.

3. Educational Outreach: Through webinars, conferences, and training sessions, we empowered practitioners to adopt evidence-based methodologies, creating a ripple effect that extended across continents.

The Birth of Praxis: A Platform for Evidence Through Practice

By 2024, it became clear that the community needed more than a network—it needed a dedicated platform where practice-based research could thrive, where innovative findings could be shared, and where traditional and modern medicine could find common ground. This realization gave birth to Praxis.

Praxis embodies the vision of IAN but expands its reach, focusing not only on Ayurveda but on all integrative medicine systems. The platform serves as:

• A scientific repository for peer-reviewed publications.

• A collaborative hub for global experts in traditional and modern medicine.

• A learning resource for practitioners eager to adopt holistic approaches in their practice.

Looking back on this journey fills me with immense gratitude. What started as a small initiative has grown into a global movement because of the shared passion and commitment of countless individuals. My vision has always been to create a bridge—a bridge between the ancient and the modern, between practice and evidence, between tradition and innovation.

Praxis is more than a platform; it’s a testament to what’s possible when we come together to reimagine healthcare. I invite you all to join us in this journey—to contribute, to collaborate, and to create a future where integrative medicine is celebrated for its potential to transform lives.

Warm regards,

Dr. Neha Sharma

Founder, Praxis and the Integrative Ayurveda Network