Trillium Natural Medicine and South Hills Power Yoga are teaming up to host Natural Medicine Awareness Day from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22, in Dormont.

"The message of this whole event is to bring attention to natural medicine," said Maureen Tighe, a naturopathic doctor and founder of Trillium Natural Medicine LLC in Dormont. "It's an opportunity for the public to come and meet natural health practitioners and learn about options."

The free expo-style educational event, which is being held at South Hills Power Yoga, 3045 West Liberty Ave., offers a chance to learn more about natural ways to good health. It will also feature a meet and greet with the four men participating in "The Run: Moving Natural Medicine Forward."

The Run was founded in Sacramento, CA by Dennis Godby, a naturopathic doctor. His two sons and a nephew are running along with him as a way to dramatize the need for changes in health care in America.

These men are taking direct action by each running an average of 33 miles per day to raise awareness about how lifestyle choices and natural medicine can be solutions for lifelong wellness. The event invites the public to join in and cheer on the runners as they pass through Pittsburgh.

Many local natural health practitioners will be on hand, including naturopathic doctors, acupuncturists, yoga instructors, health coaches and massage therapists. The event also includes demonstrations, free mini consults, Chinese medicine tongue and pulse diagnosis, herb tastings, chair massages and healthy food samples from Giovanni's, located next to South Hills Power Yoga.

She said Natural Medicine Awareness Day and The Run are opportunities to learn about many of these natural therapies from local NDs and other practitioners.

"We don't have a lot of exposure in Pittsburgh," Tighe said, noting there are only about seven naturopathic doctors in the area. "People just aren't that familiar with what we do. The (naturopathic medicine) movement is to transform the way we view health care."

Although naturopathic doctors, who train as primary care physicians, are licensed to practice in other states, they cannot yet obtain licenses in Pennsylvania. Tighe is hopeful that will change with PA House Bill 1717, which will lead the way to alternative treatments being covered by health insurance.

To learn more about "The Run," click here.