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15 April 2008

Communal Light Therapy at Elmwood Spa – A new way to diminish those ‘SAD’ feelings

For immediate release

Elmwood Spa introduces a communal light therapy room to raise the spirits and the energy levels of those who get the blues due to Seasonal Affective Disorder, jet lag or shift work.

Light affects the neurotransmitters in the brain, so when we don’t get enough light our body chemistry changes and we may find it difficult to concentrate or feel upbeat and energetic.

From November to April in particular, Canadians are prone to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but for those who travel frequently, work shifts, or spend a lot of time inside under fluorescent lighting, it can be a year round struggle to keep their energies up.

When people don’t get enough sunlight, their energy levels can drop, they become less active, more irritable and even depressed. Some people give in to relentless cravings for sweets, which, coupled with lethargy and inactivity can lead to weight gain and oversleeping, and when they’re not ‘happy’, people often withdraw socially, which only compounds feelings of sadness.

Time spent in the sun elevates serotonin levels and makes people feel happier. But for those who can’t get enough sun, Light Therapy is an effective way to reduce the symptoms of depressive and sleep-related disorders. After light therapy most people feel more alert, have more energy and are in a more positive frame of mind.

Marie Picton, Executive Manager Spa Services says, “We brought Light Therapy to the spa because so much of the population experiences S.A.D. every winter. In fact, it’s not just in winter; some people suffer year round because of shift work. Light Therapy is ideal for people who tend to work nights and sleep during the day and might not otherwise get the right amount of sunlight. Business people may also travel a great deal, and a regular visit to our light therapy room is a way to help alleviate jet lag. The room has an abundance of natural light, so you feel like you’re on a patio, not in a treatment room. It’s a nice relaxing space off to the side of our pool deck with three chairs, an interesting view, and three standing lights to deliver the 10,000 lux that is required.”

Light therapy involves regular exposure of a set duration, optimal wavelength and distance from a bright light source, which regulates the melatonin cycle to proper levels — low in the daytime and high at night. Light therapy is delivered through white light of 10,000 lux or more to produce a glow that’s about 25 times more intense than indoor lighting. Research has shown that light therapy – simulated sunlight – can also offer benefits for those experiencing sleep disorders, pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) or non-seasonal depression.

Picton says, “We want people to feel comfortable and enjoy light therapy in a communal setting — not to be hidden away in solitude. We believe it’s a way for people to enjoy being with each other, while reading, enjoying a tea or just meditating with eyes wide open.”

Light Therapy sessions are $20 for a 30-minute session at Elmwood Spa. Picton encourages spa-goers to arrive early enough for their facials, massage and body treatments to enjoy water therapies, which include whirlpool, steam and swimming pool – and to book appointments for the light therapy sessions that will help banish the blues.

With more space than any other day spa in the region, Elmwood Spa is a complete wellness destination that caters to women and men who want stress relief and relaxation in a serene atmosphere. It is an ideal place to gather with friends, to celebrate milestones, to reconnect with a loved one, or to use as ones own destination for stress relief and self-renewal.

Elmwood Spa is a founding member of Premier Spas of Ontario and Leading Spas of Canada.
Visit www.elmwoodspa.com for more information and daily operating hours.

416-977-6751

For more information please contact:

Marie Picton
Executive Manager, Spa Services
416-646-0105
mpicton@elmwoodspa.com

or

Gwen Hayes
Senior Manager Sales & Marketing
416-964-4515
ghayes@elmspagroup.com