Basics
Hanu is the first of its kind, complete mental health solution. We use incredibly accurate data to help you measure, analyze and resolve anxiety, depression, chronic stress. All, so you can feel better.
Every metric we track is linked to mental health and is always interpreted in that context. We currently track:
1. Heart Rate Variability: As we become stressed, HRV will be reduced.
2. Heart Rate: As we become stressed, HR will increase.
As we progress on our Apple Health integration, we’ll have many more data points including the biological markers.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is the single greatest, non-invasive metric for measuring changes in the human stress response. While Heart Rate (HR) looks at the average number of heart beats that occurred in one minute, HRV (namely RMSSD-Hanu’s predominate metric of the relaxation response) is a metric of the amount of time that occurred between adjacent heart beats. This is important because as we become more relaxed, we activate our parasympathetic nervous system and this results in an increase in HRV. While this is a VERY simplified understanding of HRV, check out this article for a deep dive!
Unlike some wearable companies that do not provide a lot of value during waking hours, Hanu is intended to be worn predominately throughout the day. Think of us as your all-day stress monitor/radar and all-day stress coach. You can monitor and train all-day, but it may be helpful to start the day with a short training.
Short answer, yes and no. Hanu is intended as a daytime device. But, if you are so inclined, you can wear your device at night and we will capture data. At this time, we are not tracking sleep stages.
We intend to support both Apple and Android but we’ll be releasing our product first on Apple and then on Android. We will update this FAQ once we have more details on the Android platform and timing.
Currently Hanu is a stand alone solution but our long term intentions are to integrate with other software and hardware platforms to give you a more complete picture of your health.
Hanu App
Life Events is your way to log and track events that result in significant changes in your stress response. These are either prompted/generated by Hanu (we see changes in your biometrics) or they are user generated (by you). This is a great mechanism for tracking the “what” of stress. In other words, you can look back and see common themes/stressors/times that help you to improve your self-awareness.
While we are working on becoming immensely sophisticated in our ability to determine which events are detrimental or helpful to your health, we are not there yet. That is why we want you to tell us. Only you know whether or not your experience of an event was stressful or helpful. Here is a great example: You may be in a tense discussion with a friend that is causing you stress. You might experience an increase in heart rate, reduction in heart rate variability, and increase in respiration. On the other hand, you might be having an exciting discussion with a friend that results in the same changes in biometrics. Only you would be able to tell Hanu whether or not the event caused you stress or not.
Absolutely.
Hanu is all about creating tailored and personalized trainings based on your goals. When we see that you have fallen outside your normal range (based on your data averages), we will alert you that it may be beneficial to practice some breathwork/biofeedback. You can view data change from start to finish and compare these changes over sessions.
To be honest, we will not know if you are “stressed out.” We can make predictions as to whether or not your nervous system is responding in a way that indicates you might be stressed, but only you can tell whether or not you are stressed. Hanu does two thing: Creates better self-awareness and creates better self-regulation.
The single greatest method of communicating with the nervous system and instilling quick and efficient changes is with the breath. For most people, while stressed, tuning into the breath is the quickest way of increasing resiliency to stress. Even if HRV does not change, it is still an effective means of changing your body’s response to stress.
Hanu chose to use the most validated ECG/EKG on the market: Polar H10. There is no other device on the market that is more accurate and validated for continuous capture. Your data is accurate.
This. Is. Normal.
For many of us, we deal with performance anxiety. That is, when we are being watched or we are watching ourselves, this can impact our behavior and physiology. If you find that it is making you feel more stressed because your metrics are not moving in the direction you desire, then you can do one of three things:
1. Toggle off your data capture in the app. Do a training session without data.
2. Follow the pacing of your phone (vibration) without viewing data metrics during a training
3. Focus on mindfulness of breath. This is transitioning from doing to being and tracking. Focus on the sensation of the breath, the inhale and exhale, without a focus on mechanics or biometric change.
Hanu Therapy
Once you complete the sign-up process, we will pair you with a suitable therapist who aligns with your goals, preferences, and the specific challenges you’re facing. Each therapist has their own unique methods and areas of expertise, making it crucial to find the ideal match that can deliver optimal results for you. While we strive for successful pairings in most cases, if you begin the process and find that your assigned therapist isn’t the right fit, you have the option to request a new therapist to better meet your needs.
We prioritize the highest standards for our providers, ensuring that they are fully licensed and maintain a good professional standing. When therapists apply to join our platform, we require them to submit the necessary licensure documentation and proof of identity. We then conduct thorough verification by cross-checking their licensure information with the relevant state licensing board.
In addition to credential checks, we have a comprehensive evaluation process in place. Each provider is also required to undergo extensive training on the Hanu platform and will have experience in stress monitoring and biofeedback through Hanu. They also undergo a video interview to assess their suitability.
To provide transparency and facilitate your own research, we present complete licensing information for each provider. This empowers you to conduct your due diligence when choosing a therapist.
Your session with your therapist will occur as a video session. This will all occur on a private, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platform (your client portal) and will be similar to a FaceTime or Skype session.
To initiate a video session with your therapist, you will need to schedule a mutually convenient time and log in to your therapy room at the designated appointment time. Your therapist will guide you to commence the video session, and once you confirm, you will be instantly connected for a seamless video chat with your therapist.
Our therapist will ensure that their environment is quiet and free of distraction, but we also expect that you do the same. Having a quiet and distraction-free environment for your video therapy session is crucial for several reasons. It allows you to focus fully on the session, ensuring better engagement and understanding. It promotes a sense of privacy and confidentiality, creating a safe space for open and honest communication. Minimizing distractions enhances the effectiveness of therapy, enabling a more productive and meaningful therapeutic experience. We discourage having sessions in public places like coffee shops, libraries, etc.
Hanu therapy sessions DO NOT rollover each month. Please ensure that you are working to schedule your weekly sessions with your therapist.
We like to think of ourselves as a reasonable resource and understand that sometimes, life happens. If this occurs there are two options. The first option is to reschedule your appointment to another time/day to use this session. The second option is to reach out to therapy@hanuhealth.com to come to a resolution.
Hanu Health and the therapists on our platform do not submit claims to Medicare, Medicaid, or health insurers. However, upon request, we will provide you with a super bill that you (the client) will be required to submit to your insurance provider. NOTE: Hanu Health DOES NOT guarantee that services rendered by Hanu Health therapists will be covered by your health insurance plan.
Coverage and benefits for traditional therapy and therapy services vary between health insurance companies and plans. However, the following general rules apply:
- Many health insurance plans offer partial or limited coverage.
- In most cases, reimbursement from your insurance company would require your therapist to diagnose you with a mental disorder or issue. This diagnosis would be shared with the insurance company and documented in your medical file. In some instances, additional clinical information such as treatment plans or summaries may also be required.
It’s important to note that Hanu Health provides highly affordable pricing options. We also accept HSA/FSA payments directly for services.
In line with the compensation provided to our providers, we have established a policy regarding refunds for services rendered. Please note the following:
- Subscription costs and co-pays, once paid, are non-refundable.
- If a live session is canceled less than 24 hours prior to the confirmed session’s start time, your weekly session credit, per your therapy subscription, will not be refunded.
- In the event of a missed live session by the client, the session credit is non-refundable.
- At Hanu Health, we are dedicated to ensuring the best possible experience for all our clients. We greatly value and appreciate any feedback that can contribute to enhancing your Hanu Health experience. If you have suggestions or ideas to help improve customer satisfaction, please feel free to contact us at therapy@hanuhealth.com
All therapists undergo the necessary education, exams, training, and practice to become licensed by their respective licensing board. When you engage in online therapy with a licensed therapist, they are bound by the mandated reporting and confidentiality requirements established by their governing board and state laws, just like in-office therapy.
Typically, therapists maintain confidentiality regarding the information you share with them. However, there are limited exceptions. For instance, if you express a serious threat of harm to yourself or to an identifiable individual, the therapist is obligated to report this information to the appropriate authorities. To address any concerns or questions about confidentiality, it is advisable to discuss the legal obligations of confidentiality with your therapist before beginning therapy.
For further details on how Hanu health protects your therapist interactions, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
Account & Orders
We usually ship within 48 hours, sometimes sooner. As soon as we ship your Hanu you will receive a shipment confirmation email that should including your tracking number.
We will ask you a minimal set of questions as you onboard. We will ask you health related questions like your age, weight, biological sex, hand you will wear your device and a few other questions. We’ll use these questions to help improve your stress resilience and cognitive performance.
To edit your order information, you will be able to log into our website (coming soon) and you will be able to change your account information, billing information and more. This website will be ready in conjunction with our commercial. In the meantime, please email us if you have any questions or need anything changed.
We accept all major credit cards, Google Pay and Apple Pay. We no longer accept PayPal. If you have any questions about this, feel free to email us at help@hanuhealth.com
Device
We understand that some of you might already have a Polar H10. We only have one product offering and that is a software and hardware bundle. The hardware is a pass through expenses, meaning we sell you the device at cost and we don’t look to make any money from it. The value we add is in the interpretation of the data through our software and algorithms.
So you will receive a brand new Polar H10 with your Hanu subscription. If you already have one, having a backup is never a bad thing or you could give it to a friend or colleague. If you have any questions about this, feel free to email us at help@hanuhealth.com
The Polar H10 is the gold standard in wireless heart rate monitoring. Plain and simple, the data that it captures is the right data.
Simply size the Polar H10 strap to fit semi-snug, yet comfortable. The sensor the clips into the strap should be located just below the breasts and at the center of the breast place (sternum). (place picture here?)
Note: In order for the device to connect and sync with Hanu, it must be in the worn position. The Polar H10 will not connect to a device if it is off the body.
First, you must be wearing the device in order for it to connect and sync. It requires your heartbeat in order to capture data and connect. You will NOT be able to connect to your Polar H10 if you are not wearing it.
Second, please go to the bluetooth settings of your phone. You should be able to see your Polar H10 with a status of Connected, Not Connected or in the Other Devices area. If you don’t see it, please move onto completing step three below.
Third, if you don’t see the device in your bluetooth settings, please complete a factory reset. To reset your heart rate sensor:
- Remove the battery.
- Press the metal snaps that attach to the strap with your fingers for at least 10 seconds. This will complete the circuit.
- Then, wait 30 seconds and then put the battery back in. Note: After the reset you need to pair the sensor with your devices again.
Fourth, if this does not work, make sure to check the battery status or try a new battery (C2025 battery).
Lastly, if all else fails, please email us at help@hanuhealth.com.
Ever get sick of having to change your device every day? Every couple of hours? Well, we solved that problem.
No charging required, at all!
The Polar H10 uses a C2025 battery (watch battery that cost about $1.00) that lasts 400 hours of use! Again, that is 400 hours of data capture! Needless to say, you will be changing this batter quite often. But, if you need to, it is as simple as removing the old battery and placing in a brand new one.
Yep!
Waterproof up to 30M.
Absolutely. The Polar H10 was intended as a HR tracker for exercise. While our app does not track exercise performance, it may be interesting for you to continue to track HR and HRV changes during a workout.
These things are made to be put through the ringer. We encourage you to store these in a dry and cool place, but the reality is that these devices are quite resilient. I think they have been using our app.
Hanu Data
Pretty simple answer here, we’re using your data to help you! Everything we collect will be used to create a personalized model that we can use to evaluate your ups and downs and help you along.
We will keep all your data until you tell us to stop keeping your data. As biohackers at heart, one of the best things we can do is to give you a long term horizon view of your biometric markers as they relate to stress resiliency and cognitive performance.
But, if you ever would like us to delete your data, we will be happy to do so. Please email us at help@hanuhealth.com.
Absolutely not. We have no intentions to share your data with third parties. The only exception here will be when we partner with other software companies, you may elect to share your data. You will have to OPT IN for this to happen and we’ll make sure this is clear before that happens.