Fr. Jacob Gnalian and the Ayurvedic movement in Philippines
MANILA, Philippines — While yoga studios and turmeric lattes may now dot urban cityscapes, Ayurveda — India’s ancient science of life — remains a relatively unfamiliar concept to most Filipinos.
Unlike hilot or local herbal remedies woven into everyday stories, Ayurveda has not yet captured mainstream attention, often seen as exotic or “too foreign” for practical Filipino living. One reason for this limited popularity is the lack of widespread understanding about Ayurveda’s roots, principles and how they can be adapted to the unique Filipino lifestyle and health concerns.
A timeless healing tradition
The history of Ayurveda stretches back more than 5,000 years to the Vedic civilization of ancient India. Developed as a holistic healing tradition, Ayurveda emphasizes harmony between mind, body and environment, focusing on prevention and personalized paths to wellness. Over centuries, its wisdom has traveled the world, influencing global approaches to health and natural medicine. Today, as more Filipinos seek integrative solutions for stress, lifestyle diseases and preventive care, Ayurveda’s rich legacy offers fresh perspectives — and practical guidance — for thriving in both modern and traditional contexts.
Meet Fr. Jacob Gnalian
Despite Ayurveda’s modest following in the Philippines, Fr. Jacob Gnalian has emerged as a tireless advocate, quietly shaping the landscape of holistic wellness in the country. Fr. Jacob is a dedicated wellness advocate and spiritual leader whose unwavering commitment has made him one of the foremost champions of Ayurveda in the Philippines.
Originally from India, Fr. Jacob brings deep knowledge of traditional healing, combining his pastoral work with a passion for holistic health. He is widely recognized for his efforts to introduce and nurture Ayurveda and yoga among Filipinos, consistently bridging cultural divides to create spaces for learning and transformation. Through years of persistent work — organizing conventions, leading workshops and mentoring volunteers — Fr. Jacob has built a reputation not just as an organizer, but as a gentle guide inspiring others to embrace integrative wellness and the wisdom of ancient healing traditions.
Keeping Ayurveda’s flame alive
Each year, even as the audience remains small and the cause receives little mainstream attention, Fr. Jacob diligently organizes the International Ayurveda, Yoga and Wellness Convention and Expo. With unwavering commitment, he mobilizes a lean but dedicated team of volunteers, often drawing upon his own resources to ensure that these gatherings push forward. His passion for bringing authentic Ayurveda to Filipino communities has kept the convention alive, serving as a beacon for those curious about integrative healing.
Event highlights
This dedication was on full display at the recently concluded 10th International Ayurveda, Yoga and Wellness Convention and Expo, held on Oct. 25 and 26 at the Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman. The landmark event brought together practitioners, advocates and newcomers on a shared journey of discovery — demonstrating that, even in the face of challenges, steadfast belief and community spirit can keep ancient traditions flourishing.
The convention’s first morning opened with a vibrant ribbon-cutting ceremony, formally inaugurating the 10th International Ayurveda, Yoga and Wellness Convention and Expo.
Fr. Jacob set a warm and hopeful tone with his welcome address, highlighting the significance of bringing holistic health to a wider Filipino audience. This was followed by opening remarks from Dr. Ma. Teresa Inigo, director general of the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care, who underscored the growing relevance of integrative wellness in Philippine health care.
A special message from His Excellency Harsh Kumar Jain, Ambassador of India, further emphasized the enduring bonds between India and the Philippines through shared health traditions.
The morning’s sessions featured a talk on natural beauty and wellness by Cory Quirino, president and national director of Mutya ng Filipinas and a well-known TV host, followed by a deeply meaningful presentation on healing miracles from Dr. Anupam Srivastava, a distinguished Ayurveda professor from India. Rounding out the program, Dr. Luis Anos offered a fascinating exploration of the history of Ayurveda in the Philippines, tracing its journey and growing influence in local wellness circles.
The afternoon sessions on the first day delved into the expanding horizons of integrative and alternative medicine for Filipino wellness.
Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, former secretary of health and pioneering integrative medicine practitioner, opened the program with an enlightening talk on integrative medicine.
This patient-centered, holistic approach blends conventional Western treatments with traditional, complementary therapies for optimal healing and well-being. Building on this theme, Dr. Hari Kumar Baskar shared practical strategies in lifestyle medicine and stress management, offering insights from both Ayurveda and modern clinical practice to help Filipinos manage daily pressures and promote long-term health.
The afternoon concluded with thought-provoking perspectives from Dr. Isidro Sia, who traced the evolution and unique character of alternative medicine in the Philippines, illustrating how diverse healing traditions continue to shape local approaches to health care and community wellness.
Day 2 of the convention showcased Ayurveda’s global reach and practical relevance for Filipinos, beginning with Dr. Anupam Srivastava’s illuminating discussion on the globalization of Ayurveda — highlighting how ancient Indian wellness practices have gained international recognition and can be meaningfully integrated into modern lifestyles.
Dr. Hari Kumar Baskar followed with a detailed explanation of Panchakarma, emphasizing this Ayurvedic detox and rejuvenation therapy’s potential for healing and disease prevention. Dr. Luis Anos shared research and real-world insights into the effectiveness of Ayurveda in the Philippines, addressing the growing interest and tangible results among local health seekers. Attendees then engaged in an interactive group discussion and reporting session, fostering community learning and participation. The program was further enriched by a healthy food preparation and cooking demo led by Fr. Jacob, introducing Ayurvedic principles to popular Filipino foods. The day concluded with an energizing yoga session led by Dr. Andrew Navarro, blending movement and mindfulness to empower Filipino participants in maintaining good health.
Milestones for Sandhi Ayurveda
Looking ahead, next year marks the highly anticipated silver jubilee celebration of Sandhi Ayurveda Clinic and Research Center, promising a vibrant lineup of events and milestones for Philippine wellness advocates.
Throughout the year, Sandhi will be at the forefront of Ayurvedic education and community engagement —culminating in activities that honor 25 years of service, learning and healing.
In addition, Sandhi is leading efforts to officially establish the Philippine Ayurveda Association, a landmark initiative designed to unite practitioners, enthusiasts and supporters in advancing holistic health nationwide. Interested individuals are warmly invited to be part of this emerging community by sending a message to [email protected] for membership and event updates.
The 10th International Ayurveda, Yoga and Wellness Convention and Expo demonstrated that, even in the face of limited awareness and cultural differences, efforts to introduce Ayurveda to the Philippines are steadily gaining ground.
Through the dedication of advocates like Fr. Jacob and the vibrant participation of the tireless volunteers, diverse healers and attendees, the convention showed that holistic wellness is not just a foreign concept but a growing movement rooted in compassion, shared learning and adaptability. As more Filipinos search for integrative health solutions and community-driven healing, the seeds planted by events like these promise to blossom, enriching the Philippine wellness landscape and inviting many more to discover the transformative wisdom of Ayurveda.
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