Before you turn to mainstream medicine for answers to your health questions, don't discount the power of a single strand of hair.
That's according to organisers and a guest exhibitor at this weekend's Healthy Living Festival in Tauranga.
The two-day festival at the Mount Maunganui Sports Centre will feature 38 exhibitors from
Tauranga and across the North Island specialising in various forms of alternative healing.
Among them will be Dr Janice Priest, known for her involvement with the Healthy Options magazine. She will provide hair analysis for festival-goers as well as give talks on the influence astrology has on our health, wealth and environment.
Other exhibitors include crystal healers, homeopaths, meditation therapists, numerologists and clairvoyants. Experts will be available to photograph and interpret auras and visitors can learn more about the benefits of holistic pulsing - a gentle rocking of the body - as well as prayer healing.
Festival co-ordinator Ruth Mansford, who has been organising similar festivals around the country for 18 years, says a highlight of this weekend's programme will be lectures both days by Dr Sam Shay who's visiting New Zealand from the US. He'll discuss how chronic diseases affect people and how best to overcome them.
There will also be a full range of health products for sale, including herbs, supplements and skin care treatments.
Ruth says the festival is most popular with people interested in discovering new forms of healing.
"Health is so important to the whole family and we want to give you the opportunity to learn about how you can help yourself naturally.
"Come along and don't miss this opportunity to share with people who care about you and your health in the future."
At least 1000 people are expected to visit the festival this weekend.
WHAT: Healthy Living Festival
WHERE: Mount Maunganui Sports Centre
WHEN: September 18 and 19, 10am - 5pm, both days
ENTRY: $4
