Why Float?

 
 

 
 

Physical Health Benefits

+ Pain Management

Floating relieves back pain, neck pain, arthritis, tendinitis, inflammation, and even fibromyalgia to reduce chronic pain. It has also been shown to help with spinal misalignment issues. Many people choose to float when few natural treatment options exist for certain conditions.

+ Increased Blood Circulation

Due to the weightless environment caused by the float tanks, muscles and joints of the body begin to relax. This promotes blood circulation, accelerates muscle tissue repair, and eliminates metabolic by-products. This is especially beneficial to athletes and those with injuries or chronic pain.

+ Relaxation Response

Floating weightless in the tank suppresses the functioning of the sympathetic nervous system which is responsible for the "fight or flight" response. At the same time, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated which is responsible for relaxation and healing. Physical symptoms of the relaxation response include decreased blood pressure, decreased muscle tension, and increased endorphins.

+ Increased Immune Function

Immune function is enhanced by suppressing stress hormones, which are known to weaken the immune system, suppress the digestive and reproductive system, adversely affect regeneration processes, and decrease insulin sensitivity.

+ Heightened Senses

Research shows that regular floating leads to increased visual acuity, improved tangible perception, increased taste sensitivities, and improved auditory sensitivity.

+ Magnesium Absorption

Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) is absorbed through skin. Magnesium has been shown to be deficient in the standard North American diet. Magnesium assists in regulating high blood pressure, preventing cardiovascular disease, preventing osteoporosis, relieving menopause symptoms, providing PMS relief, and creating healthier bones and teeth.

Mental Health Benefits

+ Stress Reduction

Floatation therapy is one of the most effective stress reduction techniques known today. Floating has been shown multiple times, (in controlled studies compared to bed rest), to be the most relaxing experience on earth. (Relaxation measured by perceived stress, hormone measurement, and brain waves all confirm the truth of this claim.)

+ Anxiety Reduction

Floating has and continues to be researched in its ability to lower anxiety levels and feelings of depression. The quietness from the outside world allows the mind to “reset” so it can become more aware of the patterns of daily life, and of the things we often overlook. Even those who self-identify as claustrophobic generally have no issues with floating, experiencing the positive relaxation benefits.

+ Improved Sleep

Many people report drastically improved sleeping patterns. One hour of sleep in the tank can feel like a few hours worth in a bed (it’s totally safe and normal to sleep in the tank!). If you pulled an all-nighter, suffer from insomnia, or have a baby that wakes you up throughout the night, floating can help make up for any lack of sleep you may be experiencing. People have also found floating to help with jet-lag after getting off a long, tiresome flight.

+ Improved Creativity

The two sides of the brain operate in different ways. The left side is analytical based, while the right side is the more creative side. Most people are left side dominant. When sensory input is turned off, the right side is allowed to run freely, becoming a hub for creativity, problem solving, music, art and emotion. A controlled study done on jazz musician students comparing those who floated once a week for a month to those who did not, found that the former group had better perceived improvisational ability as blindly scored by their professors.

+ Visualization

The combination of being extremely relaxed while intensely awake allows visualization to be very powerful. From athletes preparing for competition to public speakers rehearsing a presentation, floating induces the calm needed for peak performance. Research has shown mental rehearsal to be just as practical as physical rehearsal.

+ Super-Learning

With the brain being held in a theta state wave-length, the mind becomes hyper-suggestible. With less distractions and greater resources at its disposal, the mind absorbs new material deeply with research showing improved performance in memory and recall activities. It is great to use in conjunction with exam preparation.