East meets West and all points in between

From the ancient practice of acupuncture to spiritual nutrition, an alternative medicine expo this weekend presents dozens of choices through exhibits, lectures and workshops.

By EILEEN SCHULTE
© St. Petersburg Times
published October 4, 2002

CLEARWATER -- Three months ago, a woman in her 60s tripped at the gym and went flying, a shot of pain ripping through the side of her knee.

The pain stayed.

Two months later, it had turned to agony. Fearing surgery, the woman refused to go to a medical doctor. Instead, while limping around a health food store, she picked up a flier for Mary Riggin Oriental Medicine Clinic and decided to let the acupuncture physician "surround the dragon," inserting near the injury 18 hair-thin pins.

"In two visits, she was fine," Riggin said. "But that's unusual."

Even Riggin admits alternative medicine doesn't work all of the time, but then again, she said, neither does traditional Western medicine.

But she likes being able to choose.

Riggin will talk about some of her favorite choices, acupuncture and acupressure, at the Clearwater Natural Health Expo this weekend at the Harborview Center. The event offers a mix of exhibits, workshops and lectures showcasing natural health products and services.

"Our goal is to help provide an education to the public for finding longevity of life," said Keith Rice, the New Port Richey promoter who operates Natural Health Expos. "We promote natural health for people and the Earth. People can learn about natural diets, ways they won't have to take a prescription and ways they can eliminate pain without taking muscle relaxers. This is our passion."

More than 100 booths will offer information about chiropractic services, the Bowen Technique (a therapeutic body therapy), weight-loss methods, herbal supplements, homeopathy, hypnotherapy, biological dentistry, magnetic therapy, natural body/hair products, home ecology items, books, music, art and massage.

The event also features 30 workshops and lectures by people such as Riggin, who will talk about "Ancient Health Secrets Revealed" (11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday).

Also on Saturday, Joe Crane will discuss "The Seven Spiritual Gifts and Traps of Humankind" (1-3 p.m.); Delores Cannon will update participants about "Nostradamus and the Current Events" (3-5 p.m.); and Dr. Meg Blackburn will talk about "Movement to Spirit" (5-7 p.m.).

On Sunday, the lecture lineup looks like this: Robbie Nicholai, "Exploring Spiritual Nutrition" (noon-1 p.m.); Skip Atwater, "Hemi-Sync Auditory Guidance System" (1-3 p.m.); Dr. Todd Ovokaitys, "The Chemistry of Life Extension and Well-Being" (3-4 p.m.); and Sherry Lynn, "Navigating the Curves on the Hormonal Health Highway" (4-5 p.m.).

"People have had 20, 30, 40 years of traditional medical treatment and they still have the same conditions and pain," said Ananuwa Rice, Keith Rice's wife and business partner. "I think it is wonderful they want to take (control) and find the miracle they are looking for."

-- Eileen Schulte can be reached at (727) 445-4153 or schulte@sptimes.com.

If you go

The Clearwater Natural Health Expo, offering a variety of therapeutic health products and services, is from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Harborview Center, 300 Cleveland St., downtown Clearwater. The event includes 145 booths, 30 workshops, lectures and live music. Admission is $5 general (children younger than 12 are free) or $20 for a two-day pass, including unlimited workshop entry. For information, call (727) 848-3097.

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