A new centre has opened in Cape Town which has taken the totality of its clients to a new level, combining the latest in Space Age Science to tone and improve their bodies while working subtly, but deeply, on the quality of the life experience.

Sounds too good to be true? Well, maybe doubters should see the place, and meet proprietors and practitioners Norbert and Lisbeth Rössel, before making up their minds. I was certainly blown away, not only by their high-tech gadgetry - there's a device used by astronauts in space which alternatively sucks oxygenated blood into the lower limbs and then pressurises the lymph system to help drainage, among other things - but by their soul-quality and the obvious integrity of their desire to help people transform their lives.

The range of what's on offer in this 21st century spa, located in Cape Town's chic Kloof Street district, is impressive: from the high-tech treatments for the vascular and lymphatic systems, to new approaches to anti-aging, the reduction of cellulite and water-retention, body-shaping (especially the butt and the boobs), rejuvenation techniques, sports and holistic massage, aromatherapy, anti-acne treatments and life-style guidance.

As good as the tech-stuff might be, it's really the people behind it that make the High Care Center something special. Norbert and Lisbeth were running a holistic practice together in Fresnaye near Sea Point until the opportunity came up to open their new centre - the first of a planned 12 to be opened around the country by 2008, with the next due to open in Johannesburg by mid-year.

Norbert, who hails from the Cologne region of Germany, says that his centre uses the advanced technology of 'cellulite pope' Rudolph Weyergans, whose 20 years of research into cellulite treatments, using the latest in high-tech approaches, has revolutionised the field. 'With his vast knowledge about the condition, and with technology developed for space, he had devised what he calls Differentiated Cellulite Technology,' explains Norbert.

'However, it inevitably does much more than that, since these technologies can also be used to simultaneously work on the lymphatic system, the cardio-vascular system, firm the skin, activate collagen production, improve overall muscle tone and prevent lower limb disease (through improved circulation and muscle tone).

'So while we work on something that appears merely cosmetic, we are actually also doing preventative work on a range of possible pathologies.'

But, as Lisbeth, who is Austrian and described by Norbert as a 'natural metaphysician', adds: 'We are at the same time also working on a much deeper level; on the way people think and feel about themselves and their lives. In a way we are also toning their spirit while using this technology on their bodies.'

Norbert agrees: 'Scientific research, such as the work on psych-cybernetics has shown, even small changes in one's approach to life can have very dramatic effects on not only one's state of mind but also physical condition. We see the person as a whole being and the cosmetic, external work is one aspect, and the inner work is its natural complementary counterpoint.'

Engaging in their obvious sincerity of desire to be catalysts for change in people's lives, Norbert and Lisbeth make a powerful team - and they have a charmingly romantic aspect to their story. 'We both come from the same part of Europe, but we had to come to Cape Town to find each other and our path in life,' explains Lisbeth.

'Neither of us had the idea of coming to Cape Town, but we ended up here and here we met - it seems obvious to us that was part of some plan larger than ourselves.' It is the working out of that larger plan in their lives and in their new centre that is the burning inspiration in this healing couple's life.

Breast 'Enhancement'

The SPM Bust procedure is said to be a painless one where the blood circulation and lymphatic flow are stimulated by a high-tech apparatus called the SPM Digital. Negative and positive pressure are applied in the breast cups causing the mammaries to gently rise and fall; one's metabolism is said to be activated which produces collagen and elastin - substances known to give the breasts higher elasticity, tone and support.

Mechanic Lymphdrainage

'Figure problems need not only be solved by dieting,' says the institute director, Rudolf Weyergans. It works as a gliding stroke massage by air sleeves which are filled and emptied in rhythm waves by the apparatus. It massages the lower body in the direction of the trunk with soft pneumatic pressure. The legs have been reported to feel lighter while the thighs and buttocks have been said to feel firmer. Circulation is also said to be improved and treats areas where there is an accumulation of fat, waste or fluid in the tissue. The treatment is said to have created a pleasant and noticeable decongested feeling and alleviated swelling of the legs and feet.

Putting Pressure on Cellulite

The Vacustyler is described by the head of the Institute for Space Medicine as 'an external heart for the lymph system'. The lower half of the body slides into a vessel in which air pressure can be lowered or raised, functioning almost as an air pump.

In the 1st lower pressure phase, the arteries in the skin swell as plasma and oxygen begin to flow. O2 is then absorbed by the veins and lymphatic vessels. In the raised pressure phase, the veins and lymphatic vessels are squeezed and CO2 and any waste is transported away into the trunk of the body. The system acts as a Lower Body Negative Pressure Device (LBNPD), as used by astronauts in space. What is special about this procedure is that it has been known to have an optimal effect against cellulite, varicose veins and other leg problems like lymph oedema and ulcers. 'The Vacustyler LBNPD is the highlight of the Differentiated Cellulite Therapy and the heart of the High-Care Centers,' says the director of the institute.

OUR PHILOSOPHY
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
HC INTERNATIONAL
FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY
PHOTO GALLERY
PRESS ARTICLE