Dr. V.L Shyam
MD, MPhil
Dr V. L Shyam, MD, MPhil, is a pioneering leader in Ayurvedic healing and is recognized as the first licensed Ayurvedic practitioner in the UAE by the Ministry of Health in 2002 - an achievement that played a crucial role in introducing and establishing Ayurveda as a trusted system of holistic healthcare across the United Arab Emirates. Guided by the principle of Suddha Chikitsa, he believes that true healing should address diseases without creating new imbalances, reflecting his commitment to safe, ethical, and patient-centered Ayurveda care. A Gold Medalist (BAMS) from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala (1996), he completed his MD in Salyatantra from Kerala University and holds an MPhil in Hospital and Healthcare Management from BITS Pilani.
With over 28 years of clinical experience, Dr. Shyam has treated more than 100,000 patients worldwide and implemented over 60 Ayurveda and wellness projects across 15 countries. His global outreach includes co-founding and launching luxury Ayurveda wellness centres for renowned brands such as Kempinski, Le Meridien, Hilton, Burjeel, and Birla Wellness across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, and India. He has authored and presented Ayurveda papers internationally across Europe, the USA, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, and was a member of the International Expert Consultation Meeting (2019) for WHO Benchmarks for the Practice in Ayurveda. He also serves as a visiting faculty member for leading Ayurveda colleges in India and the United States.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Shyam has been a consistent voice for Ayurveda awareness, contributing a weekly column to Gulf News’ Friday Magazine for over two decades. Currently, he serves as Medical Director of Dr. Shyam’s Ayurveda Clinics in Dubai and Ajman, and as Managing Director of Back to Roots Ayurveda Hospital & Retreat in Kerala, as well as Back to Roots Ayurveda Clinics in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. His leadership roles include Secretary General of the International AYUSH Conference & Exhibition, Core Committee Member of the Emirates Ayurveda Graduates Association, and Member of the Interview Board for TCAM Examinations under the UAE Ministry of Health.
His excellence has been recognized through numerous prestigious honors, including the Sheikh Zayed International Award in Traditional, Complementary & Alternative Medicine (in 2022), Ministry of Health Award UAE (in 2019), Health Excellence Award – Healthcare Leader by Dubai Health Authority & Dubai Municipality (in 2018), and Health Excellence Award – Distinguished Physician by Dubai Health Authority & Health Magazine (in 2017). Dr. Shyam’s journey reflects a lifelong dedication to preserving the authenticity of Ayurveda while advancing its global relevance.
