# VR Relaxation Pods This Company is Using VR Technology for Mediation Purposes By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-01-29 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mediation-purposes References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2016/01/plugin-to-unplug-traditional-mindfulness-cigna-virtual-relaxation-pod.html) & [thisisstory](http://thisisstory.com/take-a-two-minute-staycation-in-the-cigna-virtual-relaxation-pod/) While there are a number of revolutionary VR applications in the works, one company is taking a unique approach by using the technology for mediation purposes. In short, traditional mindfulness may soon be accessible via a non-traditional medium. The new project is part of a joint collaboration between health service provider '[Cigna](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/safe-zone-activity-day)' and retail concept store 'STORY.' The two companies teamed up to create the 'Cigna Virtual Relaxation Pod,' which uses VR technology for meditation purposes. The pod itself delivers a two-minute-long immersive experience that is based on guided meditation practices. Users don an [Oculus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoame-1) [Rift](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emirates-vr-experience) headset, which transports them to a simulated environment while they listen to the voice of expert meditation facilitators. With meditation linked to the reduction of stress, the VR pods could serve as a valuable tool for helping consumers relax. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.7/10 - Popularity: 60% | Activity: 73% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **VR Meditation:** Opportunity to use VR technology for guided meditation practices - **Mindfulness Tech:** Emerging trend of using non-traditional mediums for mindfulness practices - **Healthtech Collaboration:** Collaboration between health service providers and retail concept stores to create innovative wellness solutions ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Virtual Reality:** Opportunity for VR companies to develop meditation-specific applications - **Wellness:** Innovative products and services for stress reduction and relaxation - **Retail:** Integration of technology and wellness solutions in retail stores ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Virtual Meditation Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoame-1.md) - [Workplace Wellness Capsule Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iris-meditation-pod.md) - [Sound-Proof Meditation Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/headspace-pod.md) - [VR-Powered Therapeutic Treatments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vrpowered-therapeutic-treatments.md) - [Immersive Wellness Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iris-pod.md) - [Calming Meditation Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightvision.md) - [VR-Powered Therapy Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rey-1.md) - [Calming Spatial Computing Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lungy-spaces.md) - [Healing VR Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/healing-vr-experiences.md)