About Float Therapy
What is Float Therapy?
The scientific name for floating, or sensory deprivation therapy is Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy or REST for short. This means that stimulus, distractions, and triggers from our environment are significantly reduced for therapeutic reset purposes. This is done by limiting exposure to light, sounds, body temperature differences, physical compensations due to gravity, etc.
The sensory deprivation and the sensation of floating is achieved by the design of the isolation tank. It is filled with highly concentrated salt water to a depth of 12 inches.
When you Float
When you come in to float for the first time, you will be given a basic orientation and explanation of what to expect. If you aren’t quite ready for full sensory deprivation, there is a starlight option as well as an option for music. Once you enter the tank, you will lie down and float on the surface of the water. Do you best to do nothing and let yourself relax. Imagine being perfectly suspended in space devoid of the pressures of gravity. The salinity of the water eliminates any need to hold your head above water or keep your body supported in any way. You can simply let go of any holding patterns, tension, and pain. No matter what size you are, you will float effortlessly as nearly 40% of the water volume is dissolved Epsom salt.(about 1500 lbs.)
Float Therapy has the potential to:
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Improve sleep
- Alleviate stress
- Revitalize the body and mind
- Decrease production of cortisol (stress hormone) and adrenaline
- Increase production of endorphins
- Relieve pain
- Expand awareness and creativity
- Promote calmness and relaxation
- Improve athletic performance, help prevent sports injuries, and speed up the healing process
- Reduce blood pressure
- Stimulate left/right brain synchronization
- Improve circulation and immune system
- Boost mood
- Boost Magnesium levels
- Relieve from Fibromyalgia symptoms
There are several potential benefits of float therapy. You may experience some restlessness during your first float until your body and mind settle into the sensory deprivation. The more often you float, the better off your mind and body will be.