ASK THE EXPERT
DR. PAMELA PEEKE
GENERAL
SESSION
SPEAKER
Internationally renowned nutrition and fitness
expert Dr. Pamela Peeke is one who walks the
walk. An avid athlete, she founded The Peeke
Performance Center for Healthy Living where she conducts
Peeke Week Retreats and helps transform the lives of many.
She is also the author of several health books, including Fight
Fat After Forty and The Hunger Fix. At this year’s ISPA
Conference & Expo General Session, she will bring her
unique brand of high-energy talk on braving a new and
high-tech spa world.
OCT. 19
MONDAY,
PULSE: Why do you think the spa industry should
embrace technology for healing and joy?
Dr. Pamela Peeke: Technology is now an integral part of life
globally. When it emerged, there were no rules of engagement
nor were there limits and boundaries placed on
how, when, where and by whom it
should be best utilized. Health clubs
create smartphone-free zones, yet the
treadmills and ellipticals have cardiovision and interactive programs. Children
are weaned on technology, mentored by
adults whose gaze is locked on screens.
This is an intergenerational tech journey
that profoundly affects every aspect of
our waking and sleeping hours. It is,
therefore, imperat ive to become knowledgeable about how to master its use for
our optimal wellness.
P: Of all the latest technology, which one, in
your opinion, is the most important for the
spa industry to embrace?
P: Technologies that support the ability of each individual to
experience a cosmic consciousness and connectivity, transcending beyond the physical self, expanding infinite
possibilities are most important. Louie Schwartzberg’s brilliant
time-lapse visuals are one of my favorite vehicles for people to
inhale impossible beauty along with a shared sense of human72 PULSE
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October 2015
ity. Science shows that this kind of modality can decrease stress
hormone levels and, by doing so, reduces the risk of disease.
Similarly, overall mental performance is enhanced when cortisol levels are managed. Further, controlled stress hormones
increase the brain’s neurogenesis and interconnections.
Spacoustic is another example of a similar program
using audiotherapy to treat mood, stress and augment
sleep. Sonos is an extraordinary sound system for
the spa or home environment completely controlled by a smart phone.
Playing ambient or spa music throughout
a home or work environment is relaxing
and healing.
P: Why do you think there are some
people who fear or are uncomfortable
with the idea of merging technology
into the spa world?
P: Tech culture represents an external messaging system and as such, can be perceived as an
intrusion. You read on a mobile device screen
and gather data. You plug in and listen to learn
or be entertained or get physical with limitless music options.
However, so much of spa culture involves the teaching of how to
turn this externalizing off, and to go inward and become mindfully aware of inner thoughts, fears, joys and challenges.
But there are distinct, new technologies that facilitate that
inward journey. These involve innovative technologies that