Using Virtual Reality to Help Induce Meditative States with the Aim of Alleviating Long-Term Pain

Two Brained co-founder Steven J. Barnes has been working with Prof. Diane Gromala and Meehae Song (author of Virtual Reality for Cultural Heritage Applications) of Simon Fraser University’s Transforming Pain Research Group on a virtual reality system that incorporates biofeedback to help induce curative meditative states with the aim of helping alleviate long-term pain. Specifically, Steven has been working on the software engine and the integration with the biofeedback gear. The work was recently highlighted in several Canadian news sources. The article is by Kelly Sinoski of the Vancouver Sun and originally appeared on October 13, 2009. Included with the articles is a picture of Steven sitting in a chair wearing the virtual reality and biofeedback gear.

• Virtual meditative ‘walk in park’ aimed at relieving long-term pain – Vancouver Sun
• B.C. researchers develop virtual reality for pain sufferers – The National Post
• B.C. researchers develop virtual reality for pain sufferers – Canada.com
• B.C. researchers develop virtual reality for pain sufferers — Ottawa Citizen