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A 360-surround visual projection onto the interior
of a dome,
such that the
entire horizon is the projected image
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Virtual
vacations
The connection between the
mind and physical health has been well documented and extensively studied. My
innovation involves the therapeutic application of an immersive “virtual” environment,
conjuring up pleasant, relaxing images that rest the mind and body.
Positive mental imagery
can promote relaxation, reduce stress,
improve mood, control high blood pressure, alleviate pain, boost the immune system, and even lower
cholesterol and blood sugar
levels. Use
of guided imagery is a widely accepted practice among mental healthcare
providers and is gaining acceptance as a powerful tool across a number of
medical disciplines. With guided techniques,
patients can learn to control functions normally controlled by the autonomic
nervous system, such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body
temperature.
However, some individuals
have difficulty imagining. They may not get actual clear images but only vague
feelings about the guided journey. It would seem advantageous to take the guess
work out and “transport” the patient directly into that calming space with
visual, and other direct sensory queues. These would serve to amplify the
benefits of the therapist- guided session. Patients who feel uncomfortable "opening up" in a
traditional therapist-patient session may feel more at ease with a virtual environment
to assist the relaxation process.
Domes
in use Technology for this purpose is already in existence, but the
application of the “virtual vacation” has not yet been realized. The domes are portable and can
withstand extreme weather conditions. They are easily erected, in most cases
within a day or two, and would be appropriate wherever a 50 to 90 foot area is
available for its use. Cost of the
projection technology remains prohibitive, however investments would eventually
lower costs by eliminating the prototypes.
Military bases, and
hospitals are among the potential sites. Below
is a link (embed Vimeo) to see how the dome is erected. An
icy world is among the environments shown in surround image, for those who care
to see.
<iframe
src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/8320819?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0"
width="400" height="300" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen
mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a
href="http://vimeo.com/8320819">Google Zeitgeist 90 ft.
Dome</a> from <a
href="http://vimeo.com/obscuradigital">Obscura Digital</a>
on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
Endless possibilities of
environments might include an orchid-laden natural
garden, babbling brook in a pristine forest, white sand beach with an azure
sea, or other beautiful settings.
The images could move, as if one
were walking, or could remain “stationary” once a person has settled into a
“resting” position. Other components of the “illusion” might include
aromatherapy, props such as plants, water sounds or sand underfoot.
Once under the immersive environment for an appropriate time, an
audio component would direct the session, depending on the therapeutic goals.
The session might last anywhere from forty-five minutes to an hour. Some types
of therapy might include relaxation imagery, healing imagery, pain control
imagery, and mental rehearsal.
Other uses might be in addiction or other behavior modification.
Healing Imagery Patients coping with diseases and injuries can imagine
cancer cells dying, wound healing, and the body mending itself.
Or, patients may picture themselves healthy, happy, and symptom-free. Another
healing technique is based on the idea of qi, or energy flow, an idea borrowed from
traditional Chinese medicine.
Chinese medicine practitioners believe that illness is the result of a blockage
or slowing of energy flow in the body. Individuals may be guided to imagine
energy moving freely throughout the body.
Pain control Imagery Individuals can control pain through several imagery techniques.
One method is to produce a mental image of the pain and then transform that
image into something less frightening and more manageable. Another is to
imagine the pain disappearing, and the patient as completely pain-free. Or, one
may imagine the pain as something over which he has complete control. For
example, patients with back problems may imagine their pain as a high voltage
electric current and turning down the power on the current to alleviate the
pain.
Mental Rehearsal Mental
rehearsal involves imagining a situation or scenario and its ideal outcome. It
can be used to reduce anxiety
about an upcoming situation, such as surgery, or even a critical life event
such as an impending deployment into a war zone. Individuals picture themselves
going through the anxiety-producing event and then successfully completing it.
This could be used by soldiers prior to a difficult mission.
Research Results of a study conducted at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation and published in 1999 found that
cardiac surgery patients who used a guided imagery tape prior to surgery
experienced less pain and anxiety. These patients also left the hospital
earlier following surgery than patients who used pain medication only. Another study conducted by Harvard Medical School, researchers found that for
more than 200 patients undergoing invasive vascular or renal surgery, guided
imagery controlled pain and anxiety more effectively than medication alone.
Addiction
and Behavior Modification Use of guided imagery is a widely accepted practice among mental
healthcare providers and is gaining acceptance as a powerful tool toward a
range of therapeutic goals.
Virtually-induced states of relaxation might be used to reduce symptoms
of anxiety from drug withdrawals (perhaps reduce or eliminate the need of
anti-anxiety medications, such as albuterol). Application of suggestion under induced relaxation might also
be useful for weightloss, smoking cessation, or managing a variety of
compulsive behaviours.
Below are some links that
provide addition information about therapeutic applications.
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