Alternative health options are fast becoming more commonplace within the traditional medical profession.
For example, many company health plans now include such benefits as acupuncture and massage, and physical therapy clinics integrate yoga and meditation alongside manual handling and exercise techniques.
The Third Annual San Diego Healing Arts Festival, taking place at Balboa Park on May 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., is an effort to introduce more people to these benefits of pairing conventional methods and complementary, alternative therapies, through music, food, demonstrations, and fun for the entire family.
“This educational event is designed to promote integrative healing arts and healthy lifestyle choices to the public,” said Ryan Altman, founder and executive director of the festival’s sponsor, Alternative Health Network, Inc. “We’ll bring together healing techniques with music “” one of the greatest healing forces in the world “” to show how Eastern traditions and Western science can work together for the best possible patient care.”
Altman, who comes from a musical background, expressed a strong belief in the power of music.
“Music is a great medium to present information. And in turn, people learn about some of our local music,” he said.
This year’s festival boasts several popular, local musicians performing throughout the day: Anna Troy, The Truckee Brothers, Steve Poltz, Delta Nove, Alfred Howard & The K23 Orchestra, and Elijah Emanuel & the Revelations.
Festival offerings also include free massage, acupuncture consultations, and presentations on tai chi and belly dancing.
An exhibition fair and workshop area allows attendees to participate in free classes in yoga, meditation, Pilates, transformational breathing, and Qi Gong, among others.
“[It’s] a great event,” said Gina Zuleger, a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist on Bankers Hill who has participated in the festival since it’s beginning.
“It is an excellent avenue to educate the public about the many forms of effective healthcare and wellness care available.”
Zuleger treats pain, everything from headaches, injury, arthritis and insomnia, to digestive disorders, emotional disorders “” such as depression and anxiety “” and menopause.
“I love to communicate with patients’ physicians and other healthcare professionals in order to provide detailed, quality care,” Zuleger said, stressing typical Alternative Heath Network philosophy, which she says is crucial to getting the patient healthy fast and with minimal side effects.
“People here in the U.S. are more interested in using alternative medicine, both on its own and in conjunction with allopathic medicine, to treat and prevent their symptoms, no matter how severe. There is a reason for this,” Zuleger smiled. “It is extremely effective.”
Altman, who holds a master’s degree in traditional Chinese medicine from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, explained that the non-profit organization, Alternative Healing Network is dedicated to improving accessibility and promoting the use of integrative or alternative healing arts, not only through the festival, but also through educational events.
The Network has already implemented a series of floating community clinics and in the near future, hopes to create a research branch to help prove the efficacy of these alternative modalities to the medical community, insurance companies and the public alike.
Attendance of The Healing Arts Festival doubled in its second year, according to Altman, and he expects the trend to continue this year.
“Vendor space sold out fast,” he said, adding that next year’ festival will expand to two days to accommodate the growing interest.
Theresa Swingle of North Park attended last year, and plans to go again.
“The Healing Arts Festival was a fantastic way to spend a day learning more about alternative health options and ways of thinking,” she said. “The great musicians and delicious food rounded out the day to make it perfect “¦ all in the gorgeous setting of Balboa Park. Bring your friends and enjoy the sun.”
Swingle’s friend, Tymothi Loving, also of North Park, agrees.
“It was great to just take a day, relax, and have a peaceful afternoon in the park,” Loving said.
Altman added that a portion of the proceeds from the Healing Arts Festival would benefit Rady Children’s Hospital’s Integrative Medicine Program, where acupuncturists and body workers team up with medical doctors to give the best in patient care.
The festival takes place on the lawn at Park Boulevard and Presidents Way in Balboa Park.
For more information about the festival or the Alternative Health Network visit: www.althealnet.org, or call (619) 261-1418.