 "Photo: Courtesy of Alternative Healing Network, Inc.")
As a student at San Diego State, it is easy to forget how big the city of San Diego actually is. Somewhere between the transition from our hometowns to higher education, Montezuma Road became our stomping ground, and the College Area transformed into our new "little city."
In our "little city," we experience the usual college stuff: classes, gym, parties, library trips, etc.
But luckily, we aren't stuck in that bubble. In San Diego, we're able to switch up the ordinary college experience. Pacific Beach, Downtown and Balboa Park are some of the places that make San Diego so great. If you're seeking to go beyond the norm, look no further than last Sunday's Healing Arts Festival in Balboa Park.
The festival was a lesson in diverse practices. The park was filled with booths that encouraged organic and alternative methods as opposed to a dependence on modern medicine. Massages, acupuncture, yoga, meditation and dance practices were offered.
One of the most popular booths featured a free chiropractic checkup, in which you simply waited for your turn to get a spinal evaluation. Another favorite was "slacklining," which is basically tightrope walking. A rope is tied between two trees about 2 feet in the air, and people attempt to walk across it. By the way, this was fascinating to watch, especially after trying it and realizing how much skill it takes to balance on an inch-wide rope. It takes a lot.
Brands such as CLIF Bar gave away samples and provided helpful hints for eating better and becoming healthier. In addition to nutrition, there were other items of interest. Live music played throughout the day, with bands such as Mystic Roots, B-Side Players and Pato Banton.
All in all, it was a refreshing step outside the day-to-day activities of a college student. It was an eye-opening look at medical practices from around the world and a chance to venture beyond our "little city."
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