Take care of mind, body and soul at GCU Wellness Expo, 3/14

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED AND WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR LATER IN 2020. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS AT GEORGIAN COURT, VISIT GEORGIAN.EDU

Georgian Court University’s Department of Integrative Health and Exercise Science will host its 9th Annual Wellness Expo on Saturday, March 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All are welcome to attend the free event, which is friendly and inclusive of all ages and traditions. Attendees can expect a day full of events and activities that will benefit the mind, body, soul and overall well-being.

The scheduled events and activities will take place on the university’s Lakewood campus, either in the historic Casino Ballroom or outdoors. See the complete schedule here.

Wellness Expo a showcase for local vendors

Approximately 65 vendors will sell homemade and organic items; some vendors will also share expertise and services from aromatherapy to metaphysics. Guests can purchase a variety of items, including essential oils, CBD products, herbs, jewelry, healing crystals, and other food-related products. Cafe Diem, an area food truck, will provide nutritious, organic, and vegan food. Additional vendors, food services and participants are shared on the Wellness Expo Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/2208799799417039/.

Every 30 minutes, there will be presentations and workshops on topics related to Integrative Health. Several guest speakers, including GCU integrative health faculty member and Wellness Expo founder Sachiko Komagata, Ph.D., PT, CWC, ACSM-CEP. She will be joined by Joshua Burns ND, DC and Vincent Chen Ph.D., who will share their vast knowledge of the field. In addition, faculty member Mike Wortley, Ph.D., assistant professor of exercise science, will talk about and perform a demo about running—his passion—while on the Casino stage. Dr. Wortley is an expert in applied biomechanics.

Additional activity sessions featuring yoga and qigong will be led on stage, and all guests are encouraged to participate. Chiropractors, massage therapists, and a facial exercise practitioner will also be in attendance.

Exploring wellness...outdoors

For the first time, the Wellness Expo includes Forest Bathing, an outdoor activity led by certified Forest Therapy Guide, Sharon Lohse (https://www.tree-bath.com/sharon-lohse). Forest bathing helps enhance and ease an individual’s mind and body by immersing oneself with nature. Forest Bathing will be the focus of two, 30-minute sessions.

Article by Georgian Court University English major Melissa Grinvalds '20

Earn Your M.A. in Integrative Health

Mind, body, and spirit—that’s the basis for the Master of Arts in Integrative Health at Georgian Court University. In fact, the annual Wellness Expo at GCU grew out of faculty and students' interest in sharing their passion for integrative health with the community.

This 36-credit graduate program, available on campus or 100% online, allows you to earn the M.A. in integrative health and understand its role in overall well-being. Delve into learning about healing methods, research strategies, Eastern and Western approaches to wellness, homeopathy, preventative medicine, and other aspects of interconnectedness as it relates to human health.