As an alternative to traditional medicine, the YWCA of Ames and Iowa State is offering natural health classes.

“Natural health has been a topic of conversation of people who haven’t been able to receive satisfaction they want through traditional Western medicine,” said Judy Dolphin, executive director of the ISU-YWCA.

Dolphin said natural health techniques are age-old methods commonly used everywhere.

“It has been part of human conditions for thousands of years all over the world,” she said. “I don’t think it’s a new concept by any means, but the opportunity to take this class is relatively new.”

Dolphin believes the classes will benefit people by offering them an opportunity to explore new, alternative forms of medicine.

“Sometimes people who have skin problems, allergies and serious diseases might go to the physician to get their problems solved but might feel less than satisfied with the result of their treatment,” she said. “This offers them a form of alternative medicine.”

It also allows them to experience different cultures, Dolphin said.

“It gives them a chance to look at their own diet and see what other cultures do in the same circumstances,” she said. “It’s the whole idea of preventative medicine — it keeps balance in your life so you can stay well, rather than fix what’s not so well.”

Svetlana Shabalovskaya, class instructor, has a Ph.D. and science doctorate in physics and math and a bachelor’s degree in natural health. She has worked with various support groups and has coached people who are interested in alternative forms of medicine.

Shabalovskaya said she felt her background and additional research she currently is working on provides her with the necessary credentials to effectively teach the class.

“Right now, I am exploring the physical, chemical, biological and medical aspects of my bio-materials research,” she said.

“This kind of knowledge has helped me to explore this problem further. This gives me the kind of background that most people who try to teach natural health don’t have this.”

Shabalovskaya said she hopes to see people learn valuable things about their health from the class.

“I want them to solve their everyday problems,” she said. “The purpose is to understand, on a basic level, how our body functions and how our systems interact with each other. I want them to learn how to let their body heal itself.”

The classes will be held at the First Baptist Church, 200 Lynn Ave., from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. each Monday through Nov. 15. The cost is $15 per class for one to four classes, $12 per class for five to nine classes, and $10 per class for 10 classes.