Diving Into The Basics Of Float Therapy
Float therapy, also known as sensory deprivation therapy, involves floating in a tank filled with saltwater that’s designed to block out all external stimuli. This unique environment allows you to float effortlessly due to the dense Epsom salt solution, creating a feeling of weightlessness. During my session I actually experienced a loss of spatial awareness and could not grasp if I was floating, laying on a surface, or levitating in air. It was a mind-twisting sensation. Without the distractions of light, sound, and gravity, your body relaxes very deeply, and your mind can wander freely. There is scientific research that shows the benefits of reducing sensory input to the brain, making it different from more traditional relaxation techniques that often focus on adding stimuli to achieve relaxation.
Float therapy has a wide range of benefits but are often recommended to those dealing with chronic stress, anxiety, or pain. Athletes seeking faster recovery, creatives looking for a mental boost, and really anyone craving a pause from the fast-paced world can find their sanctuary in the float tank. Therapy sessions can even take place in specialized float centers or spas that offer a serene, controlled environment. Preparing for a session is minimal — it’s recommended to avoid caffeine and shave prior to floating to ensure the most comfortable experience.
Most float therapy sessions last for about an hour (mine did!). During this time, the absence of external pressure allows muscles and joints to relax completely, reducing inflammation and improving circulation. This uninterrupted time not only aids physical healing but also facilitates profound mental relaxation and creativity. Think of how often we get a minute, let alone an hour to ourselves without the distraction of outside influences. I believe truly being alone with your thoughts is necessary for growth and internal insight. The float tank is a holistic approach that supports the mind, body, and spirit in unique ways, offering benefits that extend well beyond the float tank.
A Quiet Mind: The Psychological Benefits Of Float Therapy
The profound silence and darkness of a float therapy session provides a unique environment for mental relaxation. This sensory deprivation can significantly lower levels of stress and anxiety by reducing cortisol levels and promoting a state of calm. Research has shown that regular float therapy sessions can lead to improved sleep patterns, an increase in dopamine and endorphin levels, and a greater sense of overall well-being. The absence of stimulation is a rare opportunity for the brain to reset, offering a clean slate for those bogged down by the constant noise of everyday life.
Beyond merely relaxing the mind, float therapy has been linked to enhanced creativity and problem-solving abilities. The isolated environment provides the perfect setting for introspection, allowing floaters to tackle challenges from new perspectives. Artists, writers, and entrepreneurs often turn to float therapy as a tool for breaking through creative blocks and igniting innovative ideas.
Soothing The Body: Physical Benefits Uncovered
The weightless sensation experienced during float therapy takes the pressure off the musculoskeletal system, allowing muscles, joints, and bones to relax in ways they simply can’t under the force of gravity. This relaxation response can significantly alleviate chronic pain, including conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and back pain. Moreover, the high concentration of Epsom salts — magnesium sulfate — in the water can help to detoxify the body, reduce swelling, and improve skin health. It’s a gentle yet powerful way to help the body recover from the stresses of daily life and physical activity.
The Science Behind Floating: How it Works
Float therapy works by creating an environment that minimizes the external cues that our brain usually processes — such as sight, sound, and touch. During my experience, I chose to have the room void of music and light. It was pitch black. I pictured myself in the middle of the ocean just floating in the dark which sounds terrifying, but this “worst case scenario” was such a serene visual to me. I was able to feel safe even though I was visualizing a scenario that would trigger my panic system. This is because the lack of sensory input signals the brain to shift from its usual ‘fight or flight’ response to a more relaxed ‘rest and digest’ mode. Scientific studies have shown this shift not only decreases stress and anxiety but also lowers blood pressure, reduces heart rate, and improves overall heart health. Additionally, the magnesium absorbed through the skin from the Epsom salt solution plays a crucial role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function, further highlighting the science-based benefits of floating.
Long-Term Benefits
While the immediate relaxation and serenity of a single float session are immediately palpable, the long-term benefits of regular float therapy are even more remarkable. Incorporating float therapy into your wellness routine can lead to lasting reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression. Over time, individuals may notice an enhanced ability to cope with stress, improved mental clarity, and a heightened sense of mindfulness. These lasting changes show that the float tank is beyond a temporary fix but can be seen as a tool for sustained mental health and well-being.
My Experience
During my first session, I experienced the calm of being alone, while feeling the safety and trust of being weightlessly lifted from the surface. My fear was that, because I’m not able to swim or float, my float tank journey would be one of panic and adjusting. But it was the opposite. I adapted immediately and, to my surprise, was instantly able to float. There are some things I would do again as it heightened my wellness treatment but there were also things I could have done or improved that would have helped my session.
Before entering the tank, you must shower, cleanse the skin and hair for 5 minutes. This is where I messed up. I showered that morning and planned to wear a shower cap during the session to avoid the salt water drying my already dry-prone hair. Because my hair was recently washed I opted not to wet my hair during the 5 minute cleanse. BIG MISTAKE. After cleansing the body, you’re meant to enter the float tank completely nude. As I laid my body preparing to float, the water pretty much engulfed the shower cap so I decided just to take it off. Having dry hair in the float tank allowed for my hair to fully absorb the salt water. If I had fully drenched my hair with water previously, it would have blocked the amount of salt water that was being drawn in. Lesson learned.
In terms of things I did do that I was glad I did:
- Use melting earplugs. At the Pause Studio in Venice, California, they provide these earplugs that sorta melt and form into the ear, preventing salt water from entering the canal. I could only imagine how the session would be without this. I could feel the water swishing by my ear but never felt the tick to empty out my ears.
- Bring a handle towel nearby just in case there is an itch. I was told to do this by the employee at Pause that brought me to my room. As you could imagine, rubbing the eyes with salt soaked fingers will never been enjoyable. Even though I prepared, I thought I could simply touch my face but the water somehow darted to my eye and everything stung. Luckily I reached for the towel and used it to dry the remaining salt water from my face, reducing the ongoing burn.
- Bring flip flops. I’m squeamish of wet floors and communal showers just gross me out so if you’re like me, bring flip flops for the shower and for when your changing after your session. Who knows if the floors areas are cleaned each session.
- Eat & have water for After the float tank. I tend to get lightheaded easily when I haven’t eaten for a few hours but I thought because this was a morning appointment, I could get away with waiting until after my session to eat. While I was able to survive, getting out of the tank I definitely started feeling lightheaded and immediately realized I should’ve eaten prior. Was also very thirsty so, in my delirious state, bought a $3 bottled water that quenched my thirst immediately. I will definitely have at least a light snack and hydrate prior to floating.
Your First Floating Experience
Your first float therapy session can feel like stepping into a new world. To maximize the experience, it’s essential to enter with an open mind and minimal expectations. My first session I enjoyed just absorbing the uniqueness of the treatment. I did not think about what I wanted out of the experience, I just wanted to experience it! The second time around though I’ll definitely have a goal in mind that I’m trying to execute. Either brainstorming on some Sonderbeaut ideas or pondering on how I can continue to improve myself as a human everyday. It’s an individualized journey that has you in the driver seat.
As mentioned earlier, make sure to keep hydrated before the session, and also make sure to arrive early so you can properly acclimate to the space and enhance comfort. It’s also advised to take slow, deep breaths during your float to facilitate a deeper state of relaxation. Remember, every float session is unique, and embracing whatever thoughts or feelings arise can lead to the most beneficial and enlightening experiences.
Also Read: Contrast Therapy: The Benefits of Infrared Sauna And Cold Therapy
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4219027
https://pausestudio.com/venice
https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-are-the-benefits-of-float-tanks
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