Conference to explore body, mind, spirit connection

What is meant by the terms complementary or alternative medicine? Does the mind or the spirit affect the body's healing process? What really works and why?

The answers to these questions and more will be discussed by renowned specialists at “Health: Prescriptions for Body, Mind and Spirit,” an educational conference to be held March 5-6 in Charleston. The latest research on healing topics will be presented by speakers who are noted professionals in the fields of medicine or religion and who are on the cutting edge of delivering today's answers to age-old questions of health.

Speakers include Harold G. Koenig, M.D., MHSc, director of Duke University's Center for Religion/Spirituality and Health and author of Is Religion Good for Your Health and the new release, The Healing Power of Faith; Deforia Lane, Ph.D. a cancer survivor who published Music as Medicine; and Francis MacNutt, Th.D., a former priest whose book, Healing, was called a classic in 1974. James J. Stark, M.D., medical director of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, will offer the medical practitioner's perspective on holistic healing and alternative medicine, and Charles Sasser, M.D., medical director of Mercy Hospice of Horry County, will introduce a patient and caregiver who demonstrate the healing power of narrating illness.

A segment only for health care professionals begins at 3 p.m. Friday, March 5 at MUSC. The general session opens at 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 5 with a wine and cheese reception followed by noted inspirational speaker Muriel O'Tuel, Ph.D., and a musical selection by Lane. General sessions continue Saturday, March 6, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. All general sessions, including more than 10 speakers, will meet at the College of Charleston Sottile Theatre.

Registration is open to anyone interested in the body, mind and spirit connection. Topics will be especially relevant to health care professionals, patients and family caregivers seeking encouragement. Early registration of $130 per person includes all general sessions and the opening reception. Registration should be made by Feb. 5 because seating is limited. Continuing education units will be available through MUSC and Coastal Carolina University. The conference is presented by The Institute of Religion and Health, an inter-faith, non-profit organization dedicated to embracing faith and spirituality as an integral part of the healing arts for human wholeness of mind, body and spirit. For registration information, call 1-800-767-0669 or visit http://www.ktv-i.com/healingfaith.

For information on accommodations in downtown Charleston, call the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-868-8118.

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