Wellness and Alternative Medicine Lecture Series

Each semester, WAM offers a series of lectures and films on topics related to wellness and alternative medicine.

Presentations start at 7 p.m. and are held in the Ellsworth Room (Room 210) of the Library and Learning Center unless otherwise noted. All are free and open to the public. Contact Susan Green at 802-635-1308 with questions. 

Fall 2011 Series

August 23, 2011

Opening discussion and introduction to the fall WAM lecture series.

August 30, 2011

Christopher Crotty, MA
"Wellness for 20-Somethings: Finding a Path through the Stress of the Quarter-Life Challenge"

Christopher Crotty, M.A., RYT, presents a discussion of how young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 often find themselves at a distinct threshold. They are seeking healthy individuation from the world around them while simultaneously aspiring to integrate fully into that world in a way that is relevant to their dreams and passions. They are seeking a life of meaning, purpose, and vitality. This is the Quarter Life Challenge, a phenomenon unique to contemporary culture yet addressed in the self inquiry practices and philosophies of indigenous and contemplative traditions. This Creative Audience Lecture will explore the role of spiritual practice and spiritual health for the challenges and opportunities of college-age students and those who mentor them.

THIS EVENT WILL BE HELD IN THE STEARNS STUDENT CENTER PERFORMANCE SPACE

September 7, 2011
Barbara Raab
Healing Herbs: Green Power All Around You

Spend an evening learning about the practice of Western herbalism (using plants to support one's health and well-being), what a typical day in the life of an herbalist might be like, training and the various jobs that are open to herbalists, and a campus herb walk to discover plants in our midst that are used for medicine. Barbara Raab is a practicing herbalist who teaches various classes in herbalism at the University of Vermont. She maintains medicinal gardens and a home pharmacy at her home in Waterville.

September 13, 2011

Dr. Matthew Rushford, D.C.

"Chriopractic and the Emerging Wellness Revolution"

Matthew Rushford, D.C.: What is the difference between medicine and health care? What are the emerging models of wellness, prevention, and proactive treatments that will inform the health care debate in the next decade? How does chiropractic fit into these models? Dr. Matt Rushford of Rushford Family Chiropractic will answer these and other questions in this lively and provocative presentation.


September 20, 2011

Nancy Records
"Meditation: The Breath of Life"

Nancy Records teaches a diversity of meditation techniques suited to individual wellness and healing needs. Nancy was involved in the first reported clinical case study in the U.S. in which a person was cured of Addison's Disease using multiple meditation techniques.

September 27, 2011

Sallie Mack

"Homeopathy: Cellular Healing"

Homeopathy is a method of natural medicine discovered by a German physician in the late 1700s using plants, minerals and animals as remedies in diluted forms to treat and cure disease and injury. This will be a discussion of the history and philosophy of homeopathy, with examples of actual cases.

October 11, 2011
"Chinese Medicine: Yin, Yan, Qi and the Tao"

Holly Thompson, L.Ac.

Chinese Medicine is a centuries-old modality that is becoming widely used in U.S. clinics and hospitals. This presentation will cover the basics of Chinese medicine and acupuncture and will include demonstrations of acupuncture treatment.

October 18, 2011
Nutrition: Facts About Fat: It's Good for You!

Andrea Altman, NCBTMB

The field of nutrition is exciting, with many different educational options and nutritional theories. Learn about potential work environments, career paths, and alternative nutritional opportunities that exist in this growing field of study.

October 25, 2011
Donna Powell, ND

Naturopathic Medicine: Guiding the Body to Heal Naturally
Naturopathic medicine is based on utilizing nutrition, botanical medicines, homeopathy and other therapeutic techniques including hypnosis and manipulation of the spine. Join Dr. Donna Powell, a licensed naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist, to find out what naturopathy really is and how it can benefit you.


November 1, 2011

Andrea Altman
"Massage for Wellness: Touch for Health"

Learn the basic strokes involved in Swedish massage and see how massage therapy can enhance your body's own natural healing process. This will be an interactive presentation, with an opportunity to experience components of a Swedish massage by giving and receiving various strokes.

November 8, 2011
Hilary Garivalits
"Ayurveda and Yoga"

Hilary Garivalits, Dean of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Stockbridge, MA, will provide and introduction to the rich history behind Ayurveda, and ancient medical system, and discuss the present day role of Ayurveda and yoga from a modern perspective.

November 15, 2011
Holistic Veterinary Medicine: New Guidelines for Caring for Animals

Paul Alfarone, DVM

Dr. Paul Alfarone will discuss how he blends traditional and alternative veterinary care to care for your animal companions.

November 29, 2011
The Best Medicine (Documentary)

This documentary film by the late Dana Reeves, who was married to "Superman" actor Christopher Reeves, focuses on how medicine is incorporating alternatives into conventional healing.

December 6, 2011
Closing Discussion

The closing discussion for the fall wellness lecture series will focus on, "What IS the best medicine?"