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The entire book deals with natural remedies as a way to combat stress, anxiety, and fear. The author mentions Virtual Reality as an effective means to treat Phobias, and this seems contradictory to the "Natural remedies" in the book.
Do you think VR as a treatment for phobias contradicts with the books underlying remedy prescription?

Ferdinand_otieno wrote:
> The entire book deals with natural remedies as a way to combat stress,
> anxiety, and fear. The author mentions Virtual Reality as an effective
> means to treat Phobias, and this seems contradictory to the "Natural
> remedies" in the book.
> Do you think VR as a treatment for phobias contradicts with the books
> underlying remedy prescription?
I mean you have a point VR is not "natural" but as technology grows, it seems logical use of technology for good. Some people have a harder time to visualize without seeing, so it might be helpful for them. Maybe this tool goes out natural territory but it is a remedy without prescription so it kind of is fitting.

I don't think it's a deviation. If you look at it from a different angle, virtual reality involves a physical experience. Moreover, virtual reality is the human creation of perceived experience. The natural aspect the book is based upon is not restricted to natural occurrences like plants or the environment. On a wider scope, it's a collective process of anything else that doesn't include taking medication. Do you agree?

I get what you mean about contradictory. I've only read the sample, but the authors did include other technology-based treatments. They seem to want people to be aware of treatments that do not involve medication.

I think VRs are effective in certain situations. Natural remedies are effective, but one cannot downplay the role VR has to reduce stress and anxiety. The charm of a clam virtual environment would really help in dealing with stress and anxiety.

I understand why you propose this question. However, I believe the authors use "natural" as in "non-medical", and so Virtual Reality has a right to make their list of possible remedies, in my opinion.

I believe the author did not deviate. The term natural here means remedies that do not involve ingestion of any form of pills or medication. VR is simply a visual and mental exercise, there is no introduction of foreign substances into the body. Instead of physically going to elevated locations to get over the fear of heights, VR presents an easier and more convinient method. It is a mental exercise that can be equated to physical exercise.

An example is in the earlier days, people used to run from point A to B, but now a treadmill will give the same results without leaving the room.

VR as a treatment for phobias is a good recommendation, but I'd only use it as a last resort. Virtual reality interphases are also addictive, you might jump out of a frying pan into the fire.

AntonelaMaria wrote:
> Ferdinand_otieno wrote:
> > The entire book deals with natural remedies as a way to combat stress,
> > anxiety, and fear. The author mentions Virtual Reality as an effective
> > means to treat Phobias, and this seems contradictory to the "Natural
> > remedies" in the book.
> > Do you think VR as a treatment for phobias contradicts with the books
> > underlying remedy prescription?
> I mean you have a point VR is not "natural" but as technology grows, it
> seems logical use of technology for good. Some people have a harder time to visualize
> without seeing, so it might be helpful for them. Maybe this tool goes out natural
> territory but it is a remedy without prescription so it kind of is fitting.

Yeah, but using VR while curing phobias without prescription can be dangerous at times. It can increase fear and be detrimental.

Howlan wrote:
> AntonelaMaria wrote:
> > Ferdinand_otieno wrote:
> > > The entire book deals with natural remedies as a way to combat stress,
> > > anxiety, and fear. The author mentions Virtual Reality as an effective
> > > means to treat Phobias, and this seems contradictory to the "Natural
> > > remedies" in the book.
> > > Do you think VR as a treatment for phobias contradicts with the books
> > > underlying remedy prescription?
> > I mean you have a point VR is not "natural" but as technology grows,
> it
> > seems logical use of technology for good. Some people have a harder time to
> visualize
> > without seeing, so it might be helpful for them. Maybe this tool goes out
> natural
> > territory but it is a remedy without prescription so it kind of is fitting.
>
> Yeah, but using VR while curing phobias without prescription can be dangerous at
> times. It can increase fear and be detrimental.

You definitely have a point. I wasn't dissmising medication at all. Just that I can understand why VR is mentioned here.

I saw the mention of VR, and Apps, as an extra. They're instruments you can use to help your mind in fighting anxiety and stress, which means that they help a natural healing.

Loneliness is the bedrock of malignant issues such as anxiety and stress. Virtual reality can be used to eliminate loneliness. I've seen in different hospitals or elderly homes where patients can travel to preferred locations by the touch of a button. Such practices can help alter moods and eventually assist the patients in recovery. The world today is heading to automation, hence embracing methods like VR is a plus.

I believe virtual reality is a bit of a contradiction, as you said. These VR's are sometimes very addictive and are just a bad way of escaping from reality. Also, spending large chunks of our time in a virtual world is not very practical. Facing our reality and making an effort to deal with our anxiety and fears through natural remedies, to me, is the right way to go.

Joseph_ngaruiya wrote:
> Loneliness is the bedrock of malignant issues such as anxiety and stress.
> Virtual reality can be used to eliminate loneliness. I've seen in different
> hospitals or elderly homes where patients can travel to preferred locations
> by the touch of a button. Such practices can help alter moods and
> eventually assist the patients in recovery. The world today is heading to
> automation, hence embracing methods like VR is a plus.

Yes, VR can be used effectively to cure a lot of stress. Especially creating a virtual environment to calm our mind and relax id definitely a great way to remove the accumulating stress. Another fact is that nowadays many apps or websites are available to let you go through that experience which aims at stress removal.

Elvis Best wrote:
> I believe virtual reality is a bit of a contradiction, as you said. These
> VR's are sometimes very addictive and are just a bad way of escaping from
> reality. Also, spending large chunks of our time in a virtual world is not
> very practical. Facing our reality and making an effort to deal with our
> anxiety and fears through natural remedies, to me, is the right way to go.

Yeah, of course. too much of anything is bad and will lead to problems. That is why these practices must be done under professional guidance so that they are used effectively.