Dayspa

JUL 2017

DAYSPA is the business resource for spa & wellness professionals! Each issue covers the latest in skin care, spa treatments, wellness services and management strategies.

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dayspamagazine.com/freeinfo [ 86 ] • # dayspamagazine • july 2017 in the news W e've all seen the amazing news segments in which animals are taken to hospitals and rehabilitation centers to help ease a wide range of physical and psychological ailments plaguing patients. In fact, animal-assisted therapy (AAT) goes back to the 1960s, when American child psychologist Boris Levinson discovered that a withdrawn nine-year-old patient responded better to therapy when the child's dog was in the room. Although Levinson's colleagues were skeptical, AAT has since gained acceptance as a valid form of therapy for people suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, dementia and pain, among other issues. That said, some have continued to question the evidence, resulting in what experts believe is an undervaluing of AAT. This is beginning to change, thanks in part to a 2015 clinical study conducted by researchers from New York City's Mount Sinai Hospital/ Mount Sinai School of Medicine (now known as the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai) and supported by The Good Dog Foundation, Zoetis and the Pfi zer Foundation. The study showed that therapy dogs successfully boosted cancer patients' emotional well-being and quality of life throughout the duration of their treatments to a statistically signifi cant degree. Additional studies around the world are also helping to prove that canine, equine and other types of AAT truly can make a difference. To learn more, visit the Animal Assisted Intervention International website at aai-int.org. Well Beings When Geraldine Howard cofounded Aromatherapy Associates in 1985, she wanted to create something far more signifi cant than an essential oils business—she wanted to promote a way of life. So, when Howard passed away in January 2016 after a long battle with cancer, the luxury skincare company regrouped under the leadership of CEO Tracey Woodward. The brand recently announced a panel of six Wellbeing Experts, each assigned to a relevant Aromatherapy Associates Collection with the goal of enhancing life balance, supporting self-belief and encouraging healthy living. The experts' credentials suggest they are well suited to their new roles: Julie Whitehead, a laughter yoga teacher, will champion the Relax Collection; Nicola Addison, a personal trainer, is the designated De-Stress spokesperson; Yvonne Wake is a nutritionist, and well-being and lifestyle coach connected to the Revive Collection; Janet Tarasofsky, an award-winning public speaker, is aligned with the Support Collection; and mindfulness coach Karuna, alongside heart-centered somatic coach Jonathan Ward, will be linked to the Inner Strength Collection. The plan is for each expert to work with the company over the coming year to spread the message about well-being to consumers. "They'll be doing workshops, lunch-and-learns and consultations, and involving everyone on site," says Woodward. "If we don't help the people who help clients, from the therapists to the concierge to the receptionist, we're just going around in one big circle," she adds. TOP: © GETTY IMAGES; BOTTOM: COURTESY AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES H E A L I N G N E W S Paws for Thought 1 . 8 0 0 . 5 6 2 . 5 3 7 7 W E L L N E S S W A T C H

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