The AlphaSphere is an internationally acclaimed piece of sensory furniture designed by the Vienna artist sha. Up to this point the multisensory lounger has been used for its deep relaxation qualities in spas and wellness centers; however, a medical/therapeutic potential has also begun to show: doctors have started innovative treatment programs in their own clinics with the help of the AlphaSphere. Simultaneously, the University of Vienna has published the results of a project spanning several years in which the therapeutic effects of the AlphaSphere were studied. The essence of the report: without the slightest practice or technical knowledge of any kind, the AlphaSphere allows out-of-balance people to center themselves in a short period of time, unifying themselves once more with themselves and the world. The interdisciplinary research study was supported by DEPARTURE, the City of Vienna agency for the promotion of creative business.

Further information:

1. Complete Press Release Download [.doc] | [.pdf]
2. Synopsis of the University of Vienna report [.pdf]
3. Testimonials from doctors and therapists [.doc] | [.pdf]
4. Profile AlphaSphere – short description [.doc] | [.pdf]
5. Printable photos in our Picture Gallery



MEDICINE + ART

An unusual combination? Actually, medicine comes from the Latin ars medicina, meaning the art of healing. We feature portraits of doctors who are forging new paths in their clinics with the help of the AlphaSphere: in preventive medicine, sports medicine, regenerative medicine – and also generally in the treatment of fear, stress, depression and burnout. For instance, Dr. Tramullas of the renowned Hospital Quirón in Barcelona describes the AlphaSphere as "one of the most efficient anti-stress technologies".

THERAPY + ART

The University of Vienna is continually doing research in this area: in recent years, under the leadship of the Vice-Dean of the psychology department, Dr. Thomas Slunecko, over 500 Alpha-Sessions in various therapeutic settings have been documented. Now, for the first time, a research paper offers a look at the results, which range from therapeutic work with hyperactive and autistic children, trauma therapy, relationship therapy and sexual medicine.

STUDY RESULTS

Following sessions with the AlphaSphere, the subjects of the study felt significantly better, more satisfied and were in a better mood in terms of state-of-the-art psychological test-parameters. Negative emotions have been reduced: anger -50%, aversions -64%, restlessness -52%, sadness -55%. Positive emotions have been intensified: relaxation +12%, safety +14%, sense of well-being +11%. Moreover stress has been reduced high significantly (-25%) and alertness could be enhanced especially for very tired people (+57%). In concentration tests the total number of mistakes was reduced considerably (-24%) and the numbers of edited tasks was increased by +7%; this effect was still measurable one hour after the end of the Alpha-Session (-27%/+9%). Pulse rate, too, was lower after the session (-8%) and blood pressure were significantly lower than pre-session measurements (-5%) – and again stayed low one hour after the trial.