20% Off Sitewide!
★ Free Postage On Orders Over £20 ★

Floating Therapy

floating

Floating therapy, sometimes referred to as float or “flotation therapy,” is a type of SPA treatment that involves submerging into a tank of lukewarm water. This alternative medicine has become increasingly popular in recent years as a way of relaxing, recovering, and resetting one’s mind. It is a form of sensory deprivation therapy where a person is floating in warm water with all the sounds and sights removed, allowing them to get into a deep state of meditation.

What is Floating Therapy?

Floating therapy, also known as sensory deprivation tank therapy, is a unique relaxation technique that involves floating in a sensory deprivation tank. The primary goal of this therapy is to calm both the mind and body by significantly reducing sensory input, which promotes deep relaxation. By floating in a tank filled with warm water and Epsom salt, individuals can experience a state of weightlessness that helps to alleviate stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, and relieve various types of pain. This form of therapy has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health, making it a popular choice for those seeking a holistic approach to well-being.

History and development of sensory deprivation tank therapy

float 1024x683 1

The concept of sensory deprivation was first studied by an American neuropsychiatrist, Dr. John C. Lilly, in 1954. He was interested in the effects of sensory deprivation on the brain.

Originally, float tanks were not meant for therapy and were used for studying whether or not a brain needed external stimulation of some sort to keep being active.

The very first floatation tanks were not the same as we know them today. The first models were vertical cylinder chambers filled with water where test subjects needed to use breathing tubes. This was not ideal, as it proved to be too destructive.

The first commercial float tank was invented in the 1970s. It was filled with warm water and Epsom salt and featured a closed lid. It created a complete sensory deprivation environment, and as a byproduct of the studies, it showed that this environment was ideal for deep relaxation.

Ever since the discovery of the effects of float therapy for relaxation and meditation, the practise has evolved and expanded. Today, it is available in spas and wellness centres around the world.

How does it work?

The therapy involves floating in a tank or pod filled with water and Epsom salt that is heated to skin temperature, creating a sensation of weightlessness and reducing the sensory input to its maximum. Floating therapy is based on the principles of the restricted environmental stimulation technique (REST), which aims to minimize external stimuli to promote relaxation.

Epsom salt makes the water very dense, just enough for an individual to float effortlessly. Usually, there are options to float in complete darkness for maximum sensory deprivation, or a soft light can be switched on. Usually, earplugs are also given to eliminate all the outside noises. The proper floatation tanks are completely sterile and free from microbes and debris due to a specific in-built filtration mechanism.

Preparing for a Float

Before your float session, it’s essential to prepare yourself to ensure you get the most out of the experience. Here are a few tips to help you get ready:

  • Avoid stimulants: Refrain from consuming caffeine and nicotine for at least 24 hours before your float. These stimulants can interfere with your ability to relax fully.

  • Skip shaving or waxing: On the day of your float, avoid shaving or waxing, as the Epsom salt in the water can cause skin irritation.

  • Eat light: Have a light meal or snack before your float, but steer clear of heavy or greasy foods that might make you uncomfortable.

  • Arrive early: Aim to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled float time. This allows you to have a full walkthrough of the process and get settled in comfortably.

By following these simple steps, you can enhance your float experience and fully enjoy the benefits of sensory deprivation.

The Float Tank Experience

The float tank experience is designed to be deeply relaxing and rejuvenating. Here’s what you can expect during your session:

  • Private room: You’ll enter a private room equipped with a float tank filled with warm water and Epsom salt.

  • Sensory reduction: The tank is designed to minimize sensory input, with a lid that can be closed to block out light and sound, creating an environment of complete sensory deprivation.

  • Effortless floating: Thanks to the high concentration of Epsom salt, you’ll float effortlessly on the surface of the water, feeling weightless and supported.

  • Consistent temperature: The water is heated to skin temperature, and the tank maintains this consistent temperature throughout your float, enhancing the sensation of weightlessness.

  • Relaxation: As you float, you’ll be able to let go of any tension or stress, allowing your body and mind to rejuvenate in a state of deep relaxation.

This unique experience helps to reduce sensory input, promoting a profound sense of calm and relaxation.

Epsom Salt and Its Benefits

Epsom salt is a crucial component of the float tank experience, offering numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Here are some of the key advantages:

  • Reduces inflammation and pain: Epsom salt has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, making it beneficial for those with chronic pain conditions.

  • Improves sleep quality: The magnesium in Epsom salt can help regulate sleep patterns and improve the quality of your sleep, promoting better overall rest.

  • Reduces stress and anxiety: Magnesium also plays a role in reducing stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and calming the nervous system.

  • Improves blood pressure: Regular use of Epsom salt can help lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.

  • Promotes deep relaxation: The Epsom salt in the float tank enhances the sensory deprivation experience, allowing you to achieve a state of deep relaxation and rejuvenation.

By incorporating Epsom salt into the float tank, individuals can enjoy a range of health benefits that contribute to overall well-being.

Benefits of floatation therapy for mental health

float therapy 1024x678 1

There are many proven benefits of floating therapy for individuals’ bodies and minds.

One of the main ones is stress relief. During the float session, the body experiences a reduction in cortisol levels, a hormone that is linked to stress and anxiety, and a feeling of weightlessness. The absence of external stimulus allows the body and mind to fully relax. It reduces muscle tension and submerges the person in a state of calm and relaxation.

Another important benefit of floatation therapy is pain management. Studies have shown that it can be effective in managing chronic pain conditions and the pain associated with stress, such as tension headaches. It is also a very popular therapy for professional athletes, as the weightlessness of the body takes pressure off the joints and muscles, relieving the pain and allowing the body to recover faster. Floating relieves back pain, promoting healing from exercise and injuries while also reducing the perception of pain.

Another very important benefit of floatation is that it has shown great promise in improving mental health. Studies have shown that it can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, promoting a sense of calm and peace. The sensory deprivation aspect of floating therapy can help individuals disconnect from the outside world and enter a state of mindfulness, which can improve overall wellbeing.

Restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST) is a foundational concept behind float therapy, aiming to minimize external stimuli to promote relaxation and alleviate anxiety.

In addition to that, it has been shown that this therapy works great for promoting better sleep. The overall experience during the therapy session can help individuals fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Additionally, the Epsom salt used in the tank promotes the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. If the individual wants to get even more benefits from trying to normalise sleep and reduce anxiety, a great way is to use floatation therapy in addition to using essential oils such as lavender oil.

Conclusion

floating

Floatation therapy is a great holistic approach to improving both physical and mental well-being. And can be used in addition to other treatments, such as aromatherapy and massages, to enhance the effect of float therapy.

While it may not be suitable for everyone, this is a relatively safe and non-invasive therapy that is worth exploring for individuals looking to improve their overall wellbeing. However, as with any therapy, there might be side effects and contradictions, so it is extremely important to consult with a healthcare professional and research potential side effects before trying float therapy.

Shopping Basket