WestConn Offers Holistic Approach To Health

DANBURY — With more than two-thirds of all Americans reporting that they tried at least one form of holistic treatment or therapy in 2000, the Institute for Holistic Health Studies (IHHS) at Western Connecticut State University puts the university on the leading edge of the exploration of holistic philosophies and alternative therapies.

“The number of visits last year to alternative practitioners actually exceeded the number of visits to primary care physicians by a staggering 237 million,” said IHHS Director Dr Jeanette Tedesco. “And Dr James Gordon’s appointment as the new chairman of the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine is an unmistakable signal that holistic medicine has gone mainstream. Clearly, holistic and alternative health therapies are at the forefront of many people’s minds and interests.”

Since its inception in 1999 HHS has been responding to that interest, providing programs featuring internationally known speakers and practitioners. This fall, the IHHS lineup includes programs that will focus on holistic approaches that can be used to achieve harmony and balance by incorporating easy and affordable mind-body-spirit modalities in everyday living. The health promoting holistic activities will include meditation and hypnosis for the mind, tai chi and herbal uses for the body, as well as the healing energy of music and the balancing of energy fields for the spirit.

The Institute’s offerings will feature a scheduled presentation by internationally known author and speaker Neale Donald Walsch. Mr Walsch’s successful book series, Conversations with God, has enjoyed placement on the New York Times bestseller list for more than two years. He has appeared on television shows such as Good Morning America, Larry King Live, Politically Incorrect, and Roseanne. Mr Walsch also has been featured in publications such as New York Times Magazine, The London Times, and People magazine.

Conversations with God:  An Evening with Neale Donald Walsch is set for 7 pm on Tuesday, October 2, at Ives Concert Hall on the Midtown campus. General admission is $35. Seniors will be admitted for $20, students with a valid ID for $5. To purchase tickets, call 203-837-8800.

The Institute for Holistic Health Studies at WestConn is a pioneer in this emerging field, offering programs with internationally known speakers and practitioners in the Danbury area.

Healer Rosa Wilson will present “The Healing Circle” at 6:30 pm on Thursdays, September 13, October 11, November 8, and December 13. Roger Peters will lead “Tai Chi and Stress Reduction” from 6 to 7:15 pm and 7:30 to 9 pm on Mondays, September 17, 24, and October 1, 15 and 22. “Meditation Circle,” featuring holistic healing practitioner Carolyn Parrs, will be from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Thursdays, September 20, October 18, and November 15.

Nutrition consultant Judith Dreyer, ethnobotanist E. Barrie Kavasch, and certified nutritionist Barry Sherr will participate in “Herbs and Nutritional Self-Care” from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Monday, October 29. Best-selling author Dr John Diamond will share his theory about the therapeutic potential of music in “Life Energy and Music” from 7 to 8:30 pm on Monday, November 5 at the Ives Concert Hall. Sandra C. Blum will help participants understand the value of hypnosis and past life regression therapy as a means to heal recurring painful patterns in their lives during ‘Hypnosis and Past Life Regression” from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Wednesday, November 7. All programs take place in Warner Hall on the midtown campus, 181 White Street, unless otherwise noted.

The goal of IHHS is to provide a venue for students, faculty, and the community at large to expand their understanding of, and experience with, holistic philosophies in order to improve the quality of life and health within the community.

“The Institute’s ultimate aim is to develop respectful and cooperative relationships among people and organizations and their environment in order to promote healthy living at home, work, and within the community,” Dr Tedesco said.

A portion of the proceeds from all IHHS events, lectures, and presentations goes to a student scholarship fund to help educate future healthcare practitioners and educators.

For information about IHHS or its programs, call Dr Tedesco at 203-837-8361.