Part of StoneWind Institute's mission is to serve as a public educational resource on all aspects of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. To this end, StoneWind offers free introductory lectures on a range of subjects for presentation to civic groups, churches, companies, and other professional organizations as well as to Guests and Visitors to StoneWind's facilities. Speakers are available to give free presentations lasting an hour (or longer as appropriate) with presentations available in the NW Arkansas area on request and elsewhere in the country with arrangements for travel and accommodations.

Guests in residence may ask to schedule a presentation of interest at the time reservations are made or at check-in. All requests are subject to the availability of speakers and the constraints of other teaching commitments. The farther in advance requests are received, the more likelihood the presentation can be scheduled. Below is a list of lectures presently being offered.

Introduction to CAM
What It Is, What It Can Do For You

An hour introduction to the field of complementary and alternative medicine with specific information on the range of modalities considered CAM by the National Institutes of Health, their origins, applications, and effectiveness. Offered as an overview so as to give participants better knowledge for choosing a CAM modality for treatment or training. Format is lecture/ discussion. Bibliography provided.

Meditation
Why, How, and How Do You Know?

An introduction including the definition of meditation, a general description of goals and techniques, a brief survey of the various forms deriving from across the world, and a review of the uses of meditation for health and quality of life. Information on the scientific research into meditation's effects on blood pressure, heart rate, stress relief, and other aspects of health are discussed. If time permits and participants desire it, there is a brief exercise in meditating . Format is lecture/discussion. Bibliography provided.

Mind Body Medicine
Old Wine, New Bottles

An introduction to mind body medicine with definitions, information on the scientific background and research, the role of intent, the technology of intent setting, and descriptions of the major mind body modalities with discussion of their uses and effectiveness. Emphasis on energy modalities with demonstrations of Reiki, Meditation, and Qigong. Format lecture/discussion/demonstration.

Tools in the CAM Tool Box

An overview of the mechanical devices, computer programs, CD courses, and other tools available to support and further efforts to alleviate pain, bring healing, and improve quality of life with review, caveats, and assessments of each. Includes some demonstrations and discussion with Q&A. Bibliography and resource guide provided.

Going It Alone
When You Have No Insurance--or Not Enough

Information on incorporating CAM modalities into overall health maintenance when access to traditional medicine is limited by circumstances, with focus on the range of options available, which modalities provide the most "bang for the buck," what is necessary to begin assuming active responsibility for personal health, and what it will cost in time and money. Lecture/discussion/Q&A. Bibliography provided.

_______: What's It All About?
Inquiring Minds Want To Know

A "fill in the blank" option with the opportunity to choose from one of the following topics: Reiki, Energy Healing, Chi Healing, Qigong, Tai Chi. Yoga, EFT, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies, BioConsciousness Studies, Mind Body Technologies, and Voice Dialoguing. Or ask about other topics of interest to see if a presentation can be arranged., .