Now Trending: Wellness Technology

Jun 23rd, 2022

The concept of tech and wellness go hand in hand, especially after the last two years. According to Forbes, the line between technology and holistic wellness is fading, with over 3 million users of meditation apps, artificial intelligence trainers like Mirror and wearable technology such as Fitbit.

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In 2020, the wellness/tech trend gained traction with a noticeable jump in the use of wellness apps, and it continued in 2021 with with the increase in self-care technology. Devices for self-tracking sleep, movement, nutrition and mental health are booming, and in 2022, wellness technology is leaving the home and heading to spa and wellness destinations.

Touchless Therapies

I was able to see this trend firsthand at the International SPA Association (ISPA) Conference in Las Vegas this May 2022, where wellness technology was on full display.

The first company I noticed was Relax VR, which combines virtual reality with guided meditation and breathwork, all coming together to create a sense of wellness. The VR set is loaded with 360 videos of some of the most beautiful places in the world. The headset can be used before, during or after a spa treatment, or as a stand-alone experience.

Next, I had a chance to experience the Ballancer Pro, developed by CEO Elena Scholl. It is a body-wrap device that uses compression therapy to simulate a lymphatic massage. Ballancer Pro is able to push waste from the lymph system, “promoting proper drainage and detoxification to promote cleansing and healing.” It is FDA approved, simple to use, and an easy stream of revenue for spa and wellness locations seeking to bring in new wellness experiences without labor costs. It is a modern take on a detox body wrap and an enjoyable experience.

Then it was over to Living Earth Crafts to try out the Mind-Sync Harmonic Sleep Lounger. This zero-gravity chair is a customizable, touch-free experience that provides a meditative journey with a complete sense of relaxation in the body. The programmable touch screen allows users to select their preferred theme. With the added eye pillow and weighted blanket, guests can escape the stress of the world, even in the middle of a show floor. The zero-gravity effect eases tension on the spine, legs and feet; the chair's vibration calms the body while headphones playing soothing sounds ease the mind.

This concept was quite popular, with similar offerings available from Oakworks, Lemi, Gharieni and more.

Music and Sound

Another avenue connecting wellness and technology is music and vibration. Like wellness, the history and tradition of healing through sound goes back millennia, and with modern research, the technology behind these benefits is coming into light and becoming popular in mainstream spaces.

Music and vibration lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, improve antibody production and promote a deep meditative state, according to a 2013 American Psychological Association study on medicine and music. The concept of the healing power of music on the body and mind has evolved into Neuromusicology, defined as a “discipline concerned with the function of the brain in music processing.”

One notable company is Good Vibrations Music Co., a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization with the goal of changing the world with music and vibrations. The company has a playlist of more than 13,000 songs that are donated to groups impacted by Parkinson’s, Autism, PTSD and Alzheimer’s.

Such music is easily added to wellness experiences via sonic immersion and vibroacoustic tables. Good Vibrations Music Co. offers a VFT sound Table (Vibrational Frequency Technology), which includes music and vibration to reduce stress and increase relaxation. It includes a small speaker that plays the healing tunes, which can be used as a just a meditation experience or incorporated into a massage, facial or other wellness treatment, similar to hot stones.

Again, such tech is available from plenty of companies, which is just more evidence that these technologies are in high demand.

Hospitality Tech

Wellness technology isn’t just reserved for spas and wellness centers. It is an emerging conversation throughout the hospitality industry. Leading the charge is Black Fire Innovation, a Las Vegas-based company creating space for the development of technology in hospitality.

On an innovation lab tour, I had an opportunity to view a plethora of items set to change how hospitality and wellness experiences are delivered. One, in particular, will have an impact on the wellness experience: sheets. These sheets are meant for one-time use. They are never washed; instead they're sent away, melted and reconstituted into a new set each time.

It is every spa professional's dream not to have to wash and dry sheets ever again–just imagine! The clients benefit, as well, in that no one else has laid on the sheets and thus there are zero concerns about cross-contamination. The product is still in the development stage, but it's the epitome of how innovation is truly a win-win for all.

When looking at trends in wellness, one of the biggest, best and brightest is the inclusion of technology into the experience. From sound and vibration to apps and wearable technology, the intention is to allow for ease of usage and enhanced experience, with the research pushing the progression. The consumer, spa and wellness owners, therapists, managers and staff all benefit from it. It will be exciting to see what’s next, and I can’t wait to try it.