While the exact mechanism of action is unclear beyond its ability to distract and force literal changes of perspective, studies by Hoffman, et. Al. have done some very interesting work looking at the neural correlates of virtual analgesia using fMRI, and showing significantly reduced pain-related brain activity in important regions including the anterior cingulate cortex, primary and secondary somatosensory cortex, insula, and thalamus (7). Similarly, exposure therapy utilizing virtual reality has shown to
Asher Marks (MD) explains in this article how immersive technologies are changing health today. Many examples are given with a focus on psychotherapy and group-based therapies. Indeed, these actions need deep contacts between people, and are very difficult to do with online tools. Immersive technologies allow to share these tiny things, like gestures, behavior or eyes movements.
Source: Virtual Reality: Looking to the Future of Telehealth | Managed Healthcare Executive