Lehigh Valley College to Hold Wellness Expo on October 24 – Alternative, Complimentary, Holistic Therapies Will Be Featured

(Center Valley , October 19) – A Wellness Expo, open to the public, will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Oct. 24 at Lehigh Valley College . The Expo will feature a range of vendors offering holistic and alternative therapies, including acupuncture, reflexology, nutrition, balance coaching, feng shui and tai chi.

Free demonstrations and classes are also scheduled. Dr. Leena Guptha, Dean of the Massage Therapy Department at Lehigh Valley College , will direct a class in Guided Meditation, and Laird Maccubbin, owner of Lehigh Valley Massage Therapy, will demonstrate hot stone therapy. Carol Siddiqui, a certified Kripalu Yoga teacher, will direct a class in Yoga Stretching, and Diane Griffin, president of Village Goldworks, will offer a jewelry-making demo.

Lehigh Valley College medical assisting majors will conduct blood pressure screening and massage therapy students will provide chair massages.

“When I moved here just over two years ago, I didn't find a lot of holistic therapies in the area,” said Dr. Guptha, who is event chair for the Expo. “I realized there was a need to educate people about what they can do naturally and holistically to improve their well being. These therapies are not separate or distinct from conventional medicine – they can be complimentary to a person's healthcare program. Or they may simply serve to elevate the level of health and wellness in lifestyle habits.”

According to Dr. Guptha, conventional medicine is integrating holistic therapies in primary care settings. In fact, a study conducted at Harvard University indicated that four out of every 10 Americans have tried alternative medicine of one type or another.

“Holistic therapies have gained acceptance and become more popular due to consumer demand, not due to a push from the practitioners,” she said. “Patients now are more willing to pursue complimentary medicine.”

About Lehigh Valley College

Lehigh Valley College , located in Center Valley , Pa. , offers career-focused programs in a wide range of disciplines. Founded in 1869, the college has always been committed to offering industry-current curricula that support a variety of employment opportunities. Building on this tradition, Lehigh Valley College remains committed to developing the self-discipline and individual potential that enable its students to achieve on the job and in society. Accredited member, ACICS. For more information, visit www.lehighvalley.edu .