An all-day workshop presenting a variety of alternative health treatments and philosophies is coming to Port Orchard, in order to provide local people a way to stay healthy outside of the traditional medical structure.

“We are so excited to have this in Port Orchard for the second year in a row,” said Anne Quade, who is helping to organize the event. “We are presenting information about how to stay healthy in three ways, the body, the mind and the spirit,”

To emphasize the latter, the event is taking place in a church, And even if alternative medicine operates outside any organized doctrine the location gives the ideas the theocratic seal of approval,

“Having this in a Lutheran Church gives us credibility,” Quade said, “Health has a spiritual part, and we want to make people aware of how they can connect the dots.“

The fair will feature displays and seminars on nine topics from the familiar—acupuncture, chiropractic, faith in healing and grief counseling, to the less prominent Reiki, Kinesiology and Reflexology.

Quade feels that Port Orchard is ready to hear about these practices, even if the general message resonates more clearly in places like Bainbridge Island. If some of it sounds a little far out, she points out that it was not so long since acupuncture, chiropractic practices and massage therapy were put on the same shelf as snake oil.

Today, many are covered by many insurance programs. And many alternative treatments complement traditional western medical procedures to improve the patient’s overall health.

Which is more or less where the word “holistic” and its alternate spelling, “wholistic,” originates.

Quade said that recent clinical trials and research have shown these practices to have tangible healing results. Her own skill, Reiki, involves the channeling of energy through the hands of the healer. This may sound like voodoo, until you see it actually work.

Quade acknowledges that many people adopt alternative philosophies through word of mouth from the people they trust.

“I worked as a conservative banker for many years,” Quade said, “When people that I knew as a banker see that I am involved in Reiki they think that it must be something that works.”

Quade said there is a difference between healing and curing. For instance, someone with a terminal disease like cancer often cannot be cured. So alternative medicine strategies can help to make them more better equipped to deal with chemotherapy’s side effects or make them more comfortable as they face death,

Which, in many cases, is where the “spiritual” comes in. “We may be able to help people gain the ability to feel more balanced and peaceful in their passing.” Quade said.

The second annual Wholistic Wellness Workshop will take place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on February 7 at the Elim Lutheran Church in Port Orchard. The $20 admission fee ($30 at the door) will include lunch and qualify attendees for door prizes.

For more information and advance reservations call Pastor Liz Engel, (360) 871-0602.