Workshop looks at alternative healing methods

George Ward of Farmington has a different way of looking at life than most people in Southeast Missouri.

"Everything is just energy," Ward says. "The human body is a conductor."

Ward is a self-described professional dowser and specialist in alternative therapy. He works to align energies in people -- treating them in mind, body and spirit -- and says that just by touching someone he can see deep into their subconscious.

Ward was on hand at the Healing Arts Night held at Francine's Gardens in Cape Girardeau Thursday, where about 75 people came out to experience some alternative healing for themselves.

These Healing Arts Nights are not new or uncommon, said Jan Halter of Cape Girardeau. Halter is part of the loosely organized group of practitioners and subscribers to these healing arts who have come together to show the public what the ideas are all about.

"It's growing very quickly," said Halter. "These nights are a catalyst to get the energy moving and opening up to get the public more aware."

About 15 practitioners were present, specializing in a variety of what they call "modalities," which are different forms of healing. Each practitioner had his or her own space among the greenery in back of Francine's, with patrons visiting only those specialists whose treatments interested them.

Vonda Hoffman of Jackson especially enjoyed the reflexology offered by Margaret Wells. Reflexology works on the premise that different parts of the feet are connected to different body parts and organs. Massaging those parts helps relieve ailments in the associated body part.

"It feels wonderful," said Hoffman, who is new to the alternative and holistic healing experience. "I could really get into this."

Mary Backfish practices iridology, a technique of looking into the eyes to diagnose and predict health problems. Beside her on a table sits a chart mapping out each part of the eye and its connection to some body part.

Robin Fisher, who helped start the gatherings, said it's all about feeling better, no matter what the modality.

"People are finding out it feels good," said Fisher. "It's a warm fuzzy and helps you understand your body better."

msanders@semissourian.com

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