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68 DAYSPA | APRIL 2014 YOUR WELLNESS SPA Healing News There are lots of good reasons to get your vitamin C, and now researchers at Pontchaillou University Hospital in Rennes, France, have found a new one: you just might avoid a stroke. According to a recent study, to be presented by researchers at the American Academy of Neurology's Annual Meeting in Philadelphia later this month, eating foods that contain high levels of vitamin C—such as oranges, strawberries, peppers and broccoli—may lower your risk of having an intracerebral hemorrhagic (blood vessel rupture) stroke. Though less common than ischemic stroke, this form is more likely to result in death. For the study, vitamin C levels in the blood of 65 people who had already experienced an intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke were compared to levels in the blood of 65 healthy people. On average, vitamin C was markedly depleted in the stroke group, while the majority of the healthy group had normal levels of the vitamin. Although the researchers acknowledge that more exploration is needed to pinpoint exactly how vitamin C may reduce the risk of stroke—"for example, the vitamin may regulate blood pressure," points out study author Dr. Stéphane Vannier— they believe that "our results show that vitamin C defi ciency should be considered a risk factor for this severe type of stroke, as were high blood pressure, drinking alcohol and being overweight in our study." The earliest wellness practitioners knew that nature's elements have infi nite power to heal us, but it has taken centuries of scientifi c research to even begin to understand why and how—and still many more decades to devise ways to apply that knowledge. In recent years we've seen the introduction of a wide variety of mechanical healing systems based on humans' natural responses to certain types of light, sound, smells, images and tactile sensations. Breaking new ground in this arena is the Harmonial (har-mo-ni-ál) Relaxation System. Created by Elisabeth Rosse, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and victimologist based in Bordeaux, France, the Harmonial customizes and synchronizes imagery, color, sound and aroma therapy selections for the individual. The 20-minute healing sessions are ideally administered in a series of progressive treatments that change and build on each other to achieve optimal results in addressing issues related to general stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, sleep disorders, substance abuse and more. The system is used by psychologists, chiropractors, in rehab facilities and, of course, spas and wellness centers. In their initial consultation for the treatment, clients are asked to respond to 42 questions to establish their general health, personal preferences, self-image, overall mood and emotional state, which are entered into a software program. Then, a color tester analyzes the client's physiological and psychological reactions to each color shown on a screen; based on this test, the appropriate colors are chosen for the treatment. Music, light, images and aromatherapy are also personalized with the help of the software program. "The System draws inspiration from holistic therapies based on color, music and aroma. The Harmonial concept works the right side of the brain with each color, inducing a physical reaction that helps regulate and stabilize the entire nervous system and put the mind into a state of deep relaxation and harmony to obtain optimal results," explains Rosse. "It's my pleasure to be able to introduce the Harmonial Relaxation System to the spa industry." The system includes a computer with customized programs; eight-channel aromatherapy dispenser; color tester; headphones and subwoofer; HD projector; audiovisual headset and HD TV (cart and lounge chair are optional). For more information, visit harmonial.net. YOUR WAY THROUGH Look deep into nature, and then you understand everything better." —ALBERT EINSTEIN (1879-1955) TOP LEFT: © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM; BOTTOM: © E. O. HOPPE/MANSELL/TIME LIFE PICTURES/GETTY IMAGES Sense -ational Therapy Y o u r W e l l n e s s S p a 4 1 4 . i n d d 6 8 Your Wellness Spa 414.indd 68 3 / 7 / 1 4 9 : 5 8 A M 3/7/14 9:58 AM