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 Natural Awakenings Lancaster-Berks

Natural Living & Holistic Expo of Pennsylvania

Sep 30, 2016 10:43PM ● By Kate Morgan

This month, thousands of Central Pennsylvania residents and visitors will have a chance to explore options for a healthier life at the Natural Living & Holistic Expo of Pennsylvania from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., October 22, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., October 23, at Lancaster Host Resort, hosted by Lancaster-based Basic Earth Essentials. More than 50 exhibitors will include herbalists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, registered dieticians and more. It’s an opportunity to learn about a growing resurgence in holistic health care across the country.

Expo coordinator Michael Lausterer, clinical nutritionist, says the Expo is an expansion of an event Basic Earth Essentials has held for the past two years. “It’s a natural living exposition, which means we’re bringing in people from all areas of Naturopathic Medicine and holistic health practices and services,” he Lausterer. “When it comes to medicine, traditional medicine in this country has always used a natural approach. You’d go to an apothecary and they’d compound herbs for you. You’d take them and you’d feel better. Around the late 1800s, we started seeing a more pharmaceutical approach. Today, traditional means pharmaceutical-based. But we’re finding that people are tired of taking pills; tired of their doctors just putting them on a drug to solve a problem. A lot of people are moving toward a more holistic approach.”

Attendees will receive free product samples from local and national companies so they can try their non-GMO and organic products. Every hour during the event, free lectures will be given on topics ranging from a presentation by GMO Free Pennsylvania to acupuncture and which foods increase stamina and vitality.

The event will appeal to those already devoted to holistic healthcare, as well as people interested in making a shift away from pharmaceutical-based treatments. “There are people who want to learn about this, but they don’t know where to go,” says Lausterer. “You can do research on the Internet, but that’s confusing, because you don’t know what’s true, and it can be difficult to know who you can go to in your area. The Expo gives people the opportunity to meet these practitioners, listen to them and learn about their services.”

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Chenoa Manor, an Avondale, Pennsylvania, sanctuary that provides animals rescued from laboratories and test facilities a safe, peaceful home.

Admission is $3 per day or $5 for the weekend. Parking is free. Location: 2300 Lincoln Hwy. E., Lancaster. For more information, visit NaturalLivingpa.com.

Kate Morgan is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.