Relaxation has officially met innovation.This particular form of elevated self-care, Virtual Reality (VR) massages, is the newest and hippest variety on the market.
Say goodbye to traditionally suspicious scents and tastelessly decorated relaxation rooms in otherwise beige benign-ness. Rather, say hello to white sand beaches and the smoothly rolling waves of the Mediterranean with glowing rays of typical of a tropical getaway- straight from your headset. This sensation of virtual reality relaxation can be yours at select spas that are offering them.
By Gina Lopez
Image via, Met’s annual gala celebrating the exhibition “Manus x Machina:
Select massage parlors employ the VR technology through products like the Oculus Rift – one of the most technologically advanced virtual reality systems that’s capable of immersing you in another world without the bulk of too many wires and uncomfortable equipment. Oculus Rift was developed by Oculus VR, a division of Facebook Inc. in March of last year.
According to Engadget the cost of featuring a VR massage on the menu at a salon is extremely expensive, and can cost upwards of a few thousand dollars. And unfortunately the technology to make the experience portable has not yet developed.
The IamVR site proclaims that the process begins by donning the sleek Oculus Rift headset with your preferred scene of relaxation (the beach is a common one). While simultaneously gearing up for the touch of a high end massage chair and accompanying virtual masseuse (in the gender of your preference) to fit the moment.
Virtual reality massage chairs can be purchased online from high end sporting goods stores in the ballpark of $5000.
The majority of locations offering the service exist in the urban areas of NY, CA and FL – but the procedure is slighted to pick up speed as the cost of acquiring the VR headsets levels out and becomes more attainable widespread.
Some of the discussed downsides of the chairs/ the experience as a whole is its limited nature (the virtual experience only lasts around 5 mins) and the somewhat mediocre nature of the massage chair, in comparison to that of a professional masseuse, leaves much to be desired. Despite the melancholy reviews, if offered the opportunity to try out some new innovative steps towards perfect pampering, it would be rather uncouth to deny!
-GL
15 comments
Informative article on the innovative ways that old world services are catching up with Technology but then again, like you said, having human touch soothe your tired muscles is an incomparable experience 🙂
Oh sign me up now! This would be a great experience. I have had a few massages but nothing like this.
Ironic that to get away from the reality we have to step into virtual reality. I assume this IS the future.
Oh, I dig this! Hopefully they’ll get to the point where you can choose just about any style of scape – I’ll pick Walt Disney world!
This sounds so interesting. Would love to try it.
http://thevagabondwayfarer.com/
I tried out some VR glasses and I definitely want to get a pair for movie watching along with surroundsound.
I can see how VR can enhance relaxation focused industries. I also see drawbacks to the augmented reality as it’s potential to for addiction and escape can be something that is associated. But I love the technology and change is always welcomed in progressive societies, so sign me up!
How interesting! I’d give it a try! I wouldn’t pay $5000 for one, but I’d want to pay for a session at least.
Interesting, but I need someone to pay for me or give me a chance to experience as a blogger;). VR is so expanding across and is giving it footprint everywhere . Technology rocks.
Isn’t virtual reality or “VR” just about gaming ? Wow, there is a company that is combining technology headset and a massage like chair to give the user an almost realistic experience ! Will it really replace the blood flow, muscle relaxation and other benefits of a professional, licensed massage therapist soon ? In a near future, I can easily imagine that the typical massage office no longer has tables at all. No oils, no linens, no cleanup, no laundry. Instead it is now a studio with Virtual Reality equipment… I’m not advocating that VR massage replace hands-on therapy, yet it would be foolish to ignore the inevitable. Why not be at the forefront of this emerging trend rather than be forced to accept someone else’s agenda ?
This is so interesting, I’d give it a try! Thanks for sharing!
I have a 360 VR camera that I have been using but I would love to be on the other side and wear a VR message. How cool are these?? I would love to watch a movie through one.
Woe,immersing in a fantastic world without the bulk of too many wires and uncomfortable equipment sounds perf! I would love to be able to experience this even once in my life! Sounds so relaxing indeed!
I’m not too sure about using virtual reality to relieve stress and take the place of an actual massage but if some people like it then that’s great!
nice there are new technology introduce in the market I have no knowledge about virtual reality message before reading this article it is used to relieve stress and take the place of actual massage and massage through massage chair is also very popular