THE NORTH AMERICAN STUDIO ALLIANCE (NAMASTA) JOINS FORCES WITH THE WORLD HEALING DAY ORGANIZATION FOR THE APRIL 12 2003 CELEBRATION

The North American Studio Alliance, or NAMASTA, the independent trade organization for mind-body professionals, announced today that it was fully supporting the efforts of the World Healing Day organization. The World Healing Day is celebrated following the United Nations World Health Day, this year on April 12. It will mobilize thousands of Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga and Pilates professionals, practitioners and enthusiasts in public displays with free introductory classes.

Belmont, CA and Shawnee Mission, KS - April 5, 2003

The North American Studio Alliance, or NAMASTA, the independent trade organization for mind-body professionals, announced today that it was fully supporting the efforts of the World Healing Day organization.

The World Healing Day is a peaceful event that is celebrated each year the Saturday of the week of United Nations World Health Day, this year on April 12. NAMASTA, whose membership includes Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates professionals, will offer registered World Healing Day participants a special rate on its dues.

Bernard Slede, founder of NAMASTA said: "The North American Studio Alliance is proud and excited to support World Healing Day. Scientific research has proven the undeniable benefits of gentle regular activity on disease and stress prevention and it is important that the public sees the popular momentum worldwide behind T'ai Chi, Yoga, Pilates and many other healing disciplines". Mr Slede also feels that "the World Healing Day is a wonderful initiative and everyone should carry its spirit throughout the year". The NAMASTA membership includes a free alternative and complementary health care benefit for its American members.

Bill Douglas, Founder of World T'ai Chi Day added: "As the World T'ai Chi Day has expanded over the years both internationally and beyond T'ai Chi and Qigong to include all other forms of natural healing, it is important to have the backing of the North American Studio Alliance."

Mr Douglas also said that "the development of internal arts, movement therapy, core strengthening and other healing disciplines requires public manifestations such as the World Healing Day but also the existence of trade organizations such as NAMASTA which is a great resource for the healing professionals in North America".

NAMASTA, the North American Studio Alliance, is the independent trade organization for studio owners, teachers, retreat organizers and professionals in the field of mind-body such as Yoga, T'ai Chi and Pilates. NAMASTA offers the mind-body community a newsletter with a marketing perspective, information on how to attract clients and save costs, equipment below wholesale prices, discounted services and other benefits, some of which are available to non-members.
www.namasta.com

World Healing Day is a volunteer organization which fosters healing celebrations held worldwide at 10 am, beginning in Australian cities, and then unfolding across the planet time zone by time zone across six continents and 80 countries.
More information can be found at www.worldhealingday.org

World T'ai Chi and QiGong Day will be held as part of the World Healing Day and will result in in mass exhibitions in public parks or the lawns of public buildings, so as to be visible to the community and media.
Contact information: Bill Douglas, www.worldtaichiday.org, Wtcqd2000@aol.com.