What's a Pod Anyway?
A pod is a compact, self-contained unit or enclosed space built for a specific purpose. Common examples are sleep pods, sauna pods, wellness pods, etc. Wellness pods are innovative health spaces that combine multiple therapeutic elements in one convenient chamber.
GREEN SPACE
A green space is generally defined as an urban area designated for vegetation, plants or “greenery.” The purpose is to bring nature into spaces that lack it, parks are the most well known version. Green spaces can be created in homes, offices, restaurants, etc with multiple plants, offering some of the same benefits of being outside in nature.
VidaPod is a 9x9 square ft space of 15-20 individual botanical elements, featuring the following plants: fishbone cactus, thai monstera, philodendrons, aglaonema, pothos, and bird's nest ferns. We use organic soils, insect treatment for the soil, a moss wall (preserved moss), ambient lighting, and optional aromatherapy diffuser (essential oils). VidaPod draws on biophilic design principles to create a nourishing environment that encourages calm, restoration and a deeper connection with the natural world.
Benefits:
- Sensory immersion
- Stress reduction
- Air purification by absorbing harmful gases and creating oxygen providing us with energy
- Mental clarity
- Mood enhancement
Learn more:
Plant-based remediation of air pollution
Physiological effects of Viewing Nature
BRIGHT LIGHT THERAPY
Bright Light Therapy (Seasonal/SAD Support): Bright light therapy (BLT) is a non-pharmacological complementary modality that has been successfully trialed by sitting near a bright light in the morning for 20-30 min. It uses a light box that gives off very bright light. The box sits about 16–24 inches away, angled slightly, with your eyes open but not staring directly at the light. The light signals your brain's internal clock (circadian rhythm) and affects mood-related chemicals like serotonin and melatonin. BLT can be administered daily year round, but for SAD are especially used during the darker months.
VidaPod uses Verilux HappyLight Luxe, a UV-free, full-spectrum LED light therapy lamp that delivers up to 10,000 lux of bright light.
Benefits:
- Improved mood and energy
- Improved sleep cycle by resetting circadian rhythm
- Relaxation
- Secondary benefits as mood and energy increase: focus, concentration and overall daily function can improve
Learn more:
Bright light therapy - randomized controlled trial
Bright Light Therapy - beyond SAD
RED LIGHT THERAPY MASK
Also known as Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), Red Light is a visible, low heat, low lightwave (660nm) used for skin concerns. It is being used in dermatology for hair restoration and skin repair. It promotes surface level blood vessel dilation - bringing oxygen and nutrients to targeted areas.
VidaPod uses a Nuvio mask, Wavelength 630nm. Should be used on clean skin, as products already on skin may increase sensitivity. A typical routine is 10 min several times a week.
Benefits:
- Promotes surface level blood vessel dilation - bringing oxygen and nutrients to targeted areas
- Collagen boosting
- Fine wrinkles, scar and acne reduction
- Hair thickening and growth
- Reduction of pain and inflammation
Learn more:
RED AND NEAR INFRARED LIGHT THERAPY MAT
Infrared light therapy is used for a variety of health, wellness and beauty treatments. The two common types of Infrared light therapies are Near Infrared (NIR 700-1400 nm) and Far Infrared (FIR 3,000+ nm), both are invisible to the naked eye, neither contain UV rays. NIR penetrates deep into the body’s tissues through the dermis (skin) and down into the muscles, nerves, and joints. NIR is often used together with visible Red Light which targets the dermis to provide similar healing and rebuilding benefits on surface tissue. FIR is converted into heat and spreads mostly through the upper layers of our tissues, it is most known for its use as a heat therapy in saunas.
VidaPod uses a Nuvio mat that combines red and NIR mat for full body coverage. Typically NIR Wavelengths are roughly 700-1400 nm, Nuvio uses 850 nm, delivered via LEDs. Optimal use is 10-20 minutes any time of day, up to 3-5 times a week. Recommendation to wear light/thin clothing to let the light penetrate into the skin. Protective eye gear is provided and recommended for use.
Benefits:
- Muscle relaxation
- Reduction in pain and inflammation
- Increases energy by boosting mitochondrial production
- Increases blood circulation - bringing oxygenation to deep tissues and inducing tissue healing
Learn more:
How NIR and FIR work differently
Comfort Amenities
GROUNDING MAT
Grounding, also known as “earthing”, is the electron exchange between the earth's surface and our bodies. When we make direct contact with the earth, our bodies can release positive charges and neutralize free radicals and foster deeper relaxation. Grounding products allow us to get those benefits indoors because they mimic the earth' s surface and allow for that exchange, bringing us back into balance.
VidaPod uses a mat from Earthing company. A grounding mat sits on the floor in front of the recliner and connects you to the ground port of a wall outlet by placing feet flat on the ground, so you can sit with a barefoot-style connection. Most people feel nothing dramatic.There's no heat, vibration, or buzzing. A recommended rhythm is 20-30 min several times a week.
Benefits:
- Static balance
- Eelectrical neutralization
- Physical grounding
- Lowers inflammation (which is linked to numerous health concerns)
- Reduces blood viscosity
- Decreases stress and anxiety
- Boosts energy and mood
- Enhances sleep
- Decreases pain
Learn more:
The implications of connecting the human body to earth’s surface
The effects of Grounding - a study
Earthing reduces blood viscosity
HEATED AND THERMAL PAD
Thermal or heat therapy means applying heat to the body to ease discomfort, relax muscles, and support recovery. The heat can be local (a heating pad on one area) or whole-body (a sauna or heated pod). Heat widens blood vessels (vasodilation), which increases blood flow to the area. It also warms muscles and connective tissue, making them looser and more pliable, and it can dampen pain signals. Warmth is also relaxing, which helps explain why it feels so good.
VidaPod uses The Thermophore MaxHEAT Plus, an electric moist deep-heat pad from Battle Creek. It has 3 settings for adjustable heat levels and can be used anywhere on your body, commonly used on your lap, chest or around shoulders.
Benefits:
- Muscle relaxation
- Improved circulation
- Stress relief
WEIGHTED BLANKET
A weighted blanket is a blanket filled with materials like glass beads or plastic pellets so it's noticeably heavier than a regular one. Most weigh between 5 and 30 pounds, and the weight is spread evenly across the blanket in stitched pockets. The gentle, even pressure is called deep pressure stimulation. It's similar to being hugged or swaddled. The idea is that this pressure may help the nervous system shift toward a calmer state, which can feel soothing.
VidaPod uses Sommerfly’s 8 lb Wipe-Clean Relaxer Travel-Sized Weighted Blanket, filled with double protected pellets. It is laid on the front side as you recline in the chair.
Benefits:
- Relaxation/calm
- Improved sleep
- Reduction in anxiety/stress
- Sensory comfort
AROMATHERAPY
An aromatherapy diffuser is a small device that gently turns essential oils into a gentle, fragrant mist that fills the room, helping you feel relaxed, refreshed, and ready to focus.
VidaPod uses Lavender and lemon organic essential oils. Lavender is to improve relaxation and stress relief and lemon to enhance alertness and focus.
Benefits:
- Relaxation
- Stress relief