SF State's Holistic Health Learning Center opened its door 10 years ago introducing alternative approaches and practices to students looking to lead a healthy lifestyle.

In celebration of their 10th anniversary, the Holistic Health Learning Center is hosting special events to familiarize students with holistic health and healing through an interactive dialogue with guest speakers and music performances.

“Holistic thinking broadens your ability to see and understand how to find the way to become healthier and more creative for you and society,” said Kenn Burrows, one of the core professors in the holistic health program and the founder of the Holistic Health Learning Center.

On Monday Oct. 10, two guest speakers, Michael Murphy and Adyashanti, will be promoting an interactive dialogue with participants entitled, “Human Nature & the Future of Humanity,” questioning the way of thinking in relation to personal transformation and self-reflection.

The event will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Jack Adams Hall in the Cesar Chavez Student Center. The Holistic Health Learning Center tours will be held between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., in the HSS building room 306. Professors will also be on hand to answer questions regarding holistic health program.

On Wednesday Oct. 12, six different groups will be presenting live music performances including soul pop and world music and poetry, introducing self-discovery and love. At the end of the show, the performers will encourage the audience to share personal songs and poetry. This event will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Jack Adams Hall with no cost for admission.

The Holistic Health Learning Center, located at HSS building room 329, functions as a window into holistic health thinking, which focuses on integrative approaches to connect self, others and the environment, according to Raelyn Blaser, one of the coordinators of the Holistic Health Learning Center. The center provides more than 5,000 books on diverse subjects and encourages students to seek alternative views and practices to lead a healthier life. It is a part of the Institute for Holistic Healing Studies (IHHS), within the Department of Health Education.

“It’s a social place as well as an oasis on campus,” said Blaser. She said the center is also used as a space for students, study groups and a place to meet people who share similar values.

Through exploring the center, students can get tips on self-care skills, herbal and nutritional therapies, healthy communication skills and complementary medical therapies. Aside from the center’s resources, which include audio and videotapes, the coordinators and student interns are on-site and available to help students with questions.

SF State is the only California State University that offers an undergraduate program in Holistic Healing and Healing Studies. The program balances conceptual and experiential learning and promoting direct student participation along with ideas and practices, according to Burrows.

“We’re pioneers and we specialize in self-care skills and complementary and alternative medicine,” Burrows said.

Emily Thomason completed her certificate program in holistic health last spring.

“Taking the holistic health program really opened up my eyes to possibilities,” said Thomason, a Learning Center coordinator.

“I noticed that I was more in touch with myself,” she said. “I can sense when I am starting to feel sick and I use Chinese herbs for preventing and treating.”

The event is co-sponsored by the AIDS Coordinating Committee, Biology, Counseling & Psychological Services, Associated Students Incorporated, and Educational Referral Organization for Sexuality.