WHAT IS FLOATING?
Also known as floating and float therapy, floatation involves lying in a salt-water solution in a specially designed Sensory Deprivation tank. It is the most effective and incredible means of stress relief and relaxation available. Now widely accepted, floatation is also used to treat a wide range of ailments and conditions.
For many years, float tanks were used only by researchers in universities or by private individuals. But since 1983, floating has become increasingly popular as more has been learnt about floatation’s many positive effects.
New floatation research regularly reveals more remarkable benefits from repeatedly using Sensory Deprivation tanks. And best of all, the effects of floatation are cumulative — the more often you float, the better it is for you!
Float tanks can now be found everywhere, from health spas and fitness centres to hospitals and professional sports clubs.
HOW DOES A FLOAT TANK WORK?
The floatation tank contains a super-saturated Epsom-salt solution, which is about 25cm deep. This creates an environment similar to that of the Dead Sea, which lets you float effortlessly on the surface of the water and enjoy a feeling of weightlessness!
The float tank looks like a large, enclosed bathtub. They are usually built from fibreglass and are designed to block out all external distractions, such as sights, sounds, tactile sensations and gravity.
The salt-water solution is heated to skin temperature (35.5°C). Once you are settled, it is almost impossible to tell which parts of your body are in the water and which aren’t. This will trick your brain into thinking that you’re floating in mid air.
The buoyancy created by the Epsom-salt solution effectively removes the effects of gravity on the body. This will make you feel almost completely weightless, letting every single muscle in your body fully relax.
With ear plugs in and (if you choose) the tank’s interior lights switched off, the quietness and darkness will allow your mind to drift into a deep state of relaxation.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Researchers and Sensory Deprivation tank users report many different beneficial effects from floatation, from general well-being through to mental and physical benefits. Here are just a few!
- Promotes total calm and peaceful relaxation
- Eliminates fatigue and jet lag
- Improves sleep
- Alleviates stress (mental and physical)
- Energises, rejuvenates and revitalises
- Increases motivation, diminishes depression, anxiety and fear
- Facilitates freedom from habits, phobias and addictions
- Stimulates left/right brain synchronisation
- Shifts brain waves from beta to lower frequency alpha, theta and even delta
- Creates mental clarity, alertness
- Increases creativity, problem solving
- Heightens visualisation
- Deepens meditation
- Expands awareness, intensifies acuteness of all the senses, accelerates learning
- Enhances hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis
- Decreases the production of cortisol, ACTH, lactic acid and adrenaline
- Increases production of endorphins
- Speeds up rehabilitation and recovery
- Relieves pain (arthritis, migraines, injuries and so on)
- Boosts immune function
- Improves circulation and distribution of oxygen and nutrients
- Reduces blood pressure, pulse, heart rate and oxygen consumption
- Improves athletic performance
- Helps prevent sports injuries, speeds healing process
[title subtitle=”Find a local float center”]Start the Experiment[/title] [separator type=”thin”]
“All life is an experiment, the more experiments you make the better” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
We challenge you to get involved and explore through experience.
Head to a local float tank center and let us know how you get on. Deciding for yourself, through your own experience whether floating lives up to it’s reputation.
Already Floated?
What’s your experience with floatation tanks? Do you have any words of advice and encouragement for other people getting started with floating?
Thanks for reading.
Source via (Floatworks)
