One of the world’s pioneers in the field of mind-body medicine, Deepak Chopra, will present “Unlocking the Hidden Dimensions of Your Life” at a special luncheon during GIA’s 4^th International Symposium to be held in San Diego August 27–29, 2006.

Recognized for his revolutionary philosophy on expanding traditional Western medicine with natural healing traditions, Chopra will address a Symposium audience Tuesday, Aug. 29, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. He will discuss concepts as told in his latest best seller, The Book of Secrets: Unlocking the Hidden Dimensions of Your Life. A book signing will be held immediately after the presentation.

Chopra’s groundbreaking work helped create a paradigm shift in the approach to Western medicine—one that encompasses physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social wellness. After serving as chief of staff for Boston Regional Medical Center and then building a successful endocrinology practice, he created The Chopra Center for Well Being in Southern California in 1995.

Through the center, he created a medical system based on his belief that perfect health is more than just the absence of disease, but rather a lively state of balance and integration of body, mind, and spirit.

TIME magazine heralded Chopra as one of the top 100 heroes and icons of the century, calling him “the poet-prophet of alternative medicine.” He has authored 42 books and issued more than 100 audio, video, and CD-ROM titles—totaling over 20 million copies sold worldwide in 35 different languages.

His popularity as an international speaker is exemplified by his list of honors. Chopra was the keynote at the inauguration of the State of the World Forum, hosted by former Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev, who praises him as “one of the most lucid and inspired philosophers of our time.”

In 1995, Chopra joined former South African President Nelson Mandela as a recipient of the Toastmasters International Top Five Outstanding Speakers award, and Esquire magazine designated him as one of the top ten motivational speakers in the U.S.

GIA Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations Kathryn Kimmel said Chopra’s address will round out an impressive range of political, economic, marketing, and industry topics being covered by guest speakers at the event. “Deepak is a highly regarded leader in the areas of modern health philosophies, and he will add a great motivational and inspirational flavor to Symposium,” said Kimmel, who is also the event's co-chair.

Click here to register or for further details on the 4^th International Gemological Symposium and the pre-Symposium Gemological Research Conference (Aug. 26–27).