Virtual Reality is a relatively unchartered area in healthcare. And not everyone is aware of the healing benefits of swimming with wild dolphins. So what exactly does Virtual Reality do to your perception of reality? And what is the magic of dolphins? You will find the answer to these, and many more, questions in our Frequently Asked Questions.
1. What is Virtual Reality?
Have you ever dreamed of flying through the sky like a bird? Or swimming with wild dolphins in the clearest waters? Virtual Reality makes it possible. Virtual Reality, or VR, is a realistic computer-generated environment that can be experienced through a Virtual Reality headset. When you put on Virtual Reality goggles, you are transported to a virtual world. You are truly immersed within this environment. When the content is well-made, it’s almost like you’re really there. And in some cases, you are even capable of interacting with the objects around you. Virtual Reality is a good way to escape reality for a while!
2. How is Virtual Reality used in medicine?
Research has shown that Virtual Reality can stop the brain from processing pain. This is good news, because it means patients can go home quicker. They also need less pain killers and it lowers the overall cost of their treatment. Because Virtual Reality distracts the brain, patients hardly notice painful (or awkward) procedures. It makes some treatments a lot more humane and bearable.
Then there is content, such as swimming with wild dolphins, that help relieve stress and enhance well-being. The soothing images and calming whistles of our dolphins lower the heart rate and relaxes the muscles. Patients are transported to the open blue and sometimes even forget they are in hospital. Because patients rehabilitate quicker when they are relaxed before going into surgery, Virtual Reality is also used before anaesthesia.
3. Can Virtual Reality help ease severe pain?
Yes, in many cases Virtual Reality can help ease severy pain. Virtual Reality transports you to a fully immersive environment. The world around you is virtual, but your brain believes it is real. So all your physiological effects behave as if you were in a real environment. This multisensory experience engages the user’s attention on a much deeper level. So how does that relieve pain?
When you are hurting, a pain signal is sent to your brain through your nervous system. But when you are in a Virtual Reality environment, your brain is too ‘busy’ or immersed to properly process this pain signal. The result? The patient experiences less or no pain. And what is even more interesting, the pain-relieving effect seems to last for a while, even after taking off the Virtual Reality headset.
The Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles used our wild dolphin content for a study on pain relief. It has been found that virtual therapy can help reduce pain by 52%. More studies, on the duration of the reduction, must be conducted, but the immediate effects are very promising.
4. What does Virtual Reality treat?
Many hospitals all over the world are now experimenting with Virtual Reality treatment. The new technique is increasingly being used for a variety of medical purposes including trauma and phobia therapies, wound care, physical therapy and burn treatment. It seems the opportunities for Virtual Reality in healthcare are endless!
5. What are the side effects of using Virtual Reality?
While using Virtual Reality is generally considered safe, some users can experience nausea and dizziness. If you feel especially uncomfortable during the VR experience, we recommend you take off the headset. Because a Virtual Reality headset blocks your vision on the real world, you may bump into objects while walking. It is therefore recommended to use the experience while seated or under the supervision of a professional.
6. Is it safe to use Virtual Reality?
Yes, it is safe to use Virtual Reality. However, we strongly recommend to only use our UnderwaterVR goggles under the careful supervision of a professional.
7. Why swimming with dolphins in Virtual Reality?
Universally, people experience a profound state of happiness, relaxation and playfulness when they encounter and listen to wild dolphins. As a result, science has shown a keen interest in the therapeutic qualities of being close to dolphins. When people take off the headgear, they are smiling, and they have stars in their eyes. Some people are moved to tears. Swimming with dolphins may even help you to gain important insights about yourself. Such is the magic of dolphins. We invite you to watch the powerful testimonial below, from Dr Brennan Spiegel of the Cedars Sinai hospital in the USA.
So it’s not hard to image why dolphin-assisted therapy, as it is called, is very popular. From reducing stress to the capacity to heal to everything in between, such as that it has been used as a relaxation treatment for children with autism or Down Syndrome. The downside of the medal is life in captivity for the therapy dolphins. We aim to offer an alternative.
8. I want to swim with wild dolphins in Virtual Reality! Where can I buy your content?
As of this moment, we are working on a consumer app so you can swim with wild dolphins from the comfort of your own living room. Do you want to be one of the first ones to know when we launch the app? Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date!