Health, the holistic way

Feeling off?

Maybe your chakras are clogged. Or maybe your spiritual vibration is low.

Answers to such metaphysical maladies abounded on Saturday at a holistic fair at the Kootenai Fairgrounds, hosted by the Coeur d'Alene Holistic Chamber of Commerce.

It might sound divergent with conservative Idaho, but the group has 50-plus members and is growing every month, said Aurora Hill, the chamber's fair committee chair.

"I think people are interested in looking for alternatives," Hill said at the event. "Everybody has different needs."

Fair vendors offered a variety of solutions for aching joints or a wan psyche, like palmistry, herbs and chiropractic care.

Peggy Goreham and her husband, Rolland, were demonstrating their chakra chime sets, intended to expunge energy issues.

Hit a chime with a hammer, point it at a trouble spot on the body and let it hum away the problem, Peggy said.

"People are talking more and more about how sound can heal the body," she said, adding that different key tones affect different energies. "Massage therapists and healers, they're generally the ones to buy these."

Peggy showed one customer a chime to clear negative energy.

"If you have someone really negative in your house, walk around and clear it out," she said.

Karen Horst displayed an array of magnetic jewelry at her booth, some sporting crosses and animal figures.

A sign above her head read, "a natural, attractive alternative to pain relief and well being."

That's just what it is, she said.

"I got involved because my daughter had a migraine for four days, and 25 minutes after placing a magnetic necklace on her, it was gone," Horst said, such a necklace round her own neck to help with shoulder pain.

The Careywood woman spoke of magnets increasing oxygen in the blood and balancing out electromagnetic fields. But the best way to understand is to try it, she said, adding that she just opened a store in Hayden.

"It's usually a last resort, but I think it should be the first," Horst said.

Coeur d'Alene couple Hiram and Tammy Madland said they weren't looking for anything particular as they perused the booths.

The pair have simply had positive experiences with holistic medicine, Tammy said. For instance, in many cases they believe supplements have been more effective than prescription medication.

"They go hand in hand," Tammy said of Western and Eastern medicine. "We know we need the medical to uphold the holistic."

A gem and minerals booth offered a layout of glittering, polished items, each with a sign describing effects that were undeniably appealing.

Amber, to help with joint and stomach ailments. Muscovite for mental stimulation and inspiration. Rose quartz to help with matters of the heart.

Folks don't necessarily have to buy into those ideas, said vendor Maryann Smith.

"I don't push it. If they like (the stones) for their beauty, they like it for their beauty," the Coeur d'Alene woman said, adding that she's experienced more. "If they want to know more, I try to help them out."

Smith made another point about her products, a theory applicable to holistic practices overall.

"If you don't believe in something, it's not going to do anything for you at all," she said.