Mindfulness meditation has vast benefits, yet is challenging for many. We designed a novel targeted warmth somaesthetic wearable and evaluated how the thermal sensation is perceived during meditation. 

What is it?


The research investigates the impact of a somaesthetic wearable that delivers targeted warmth during mindfulness meditation. Through a qualitative study with twenty participants, the study reveals that warmth can play a meaningful role in meditation by influencing focus, motivation, emotional comfort, and therapeutic experiences. While some participants initially found the wearable distracting, they quickly adapted and integrated it into their practice, using the warmth as a tool for self-exploration. The research highlights four key roles of warmth technology: (1) functional—helping to direct attention, (2) behavioral—motivating users to return to practice, (3) emotional—providing comfort during meditation, and (4) therapeutic—enhancing the overall experience. The study concludes that warmth-based technology has significant potential in meditation if designed to support body awareness and emotional exploration without disrupting the natural meditation process.