Float Therapy
The water is less than a foot deep, but has so much Epsom salt dissolved in it that it’s more dense than the Dead Sea — each tank contains 800 to 1000 lbs of Epsom salt to provide buoyancy! You float effortlessly. The tank is kept warm, body temperature, and it’s enclosed so it’s completely dark and quiet. It’s your own private world. It’s utterly relaxing. The lid may be closed or left open, you’re in control. The simple act of floating in warm salty water is the most relaxing experience on Earth.
How can Float Therapy help?
What is Float Therapy
Float Therapy is a practice that involves introducing a zero-gravity effect to the body using sensory deprivation, so one has the sensation of “floating on air.” With Float Therapy, the buoyancy of water is used to produce the effect. By eliminating forces of gravity on the body, the end result can be a reduction in pain and stress, which promotes a feeling of rest and whole-body relaxation. The magnesium that is used in the water also helps to aid in supporting detoxing in the body.
Medical Study Review
There are a number of preliminary studies on floatation therapy published in medical journals.
A 2018 study published in the PLOS ONE journal examined whether float therapy could reduce anxiety and depression in one single one-hour session. The study was funded by a non-profit organization so it was free of any funding bias.
The results were impressive. On average, float therapy significantly reduced anxiety and improved mood, with negligible side effects.
A clinical trial of longer duration found similar results: stress, depression and pain were significantly decreased in the float group, while general optimism and sleep quality improved. This study took place over the course of 7 weeks, and included 12 individual float sessions.
A third study tested the effectiveness of float therapy for a group of 25 patients diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The float therapy group experienced a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms on average compared with a control group, and 37% of the float therapy participants experienced full remission of their anxiety. These are pretty remarkable results.
How is Float Therapy Helpful for First Responders and Veterans
People who float regularly report both physical and psychological benefits of float therapy, including:
Pain relief. From acute to chronic pain relief, shift workers float to take a load off. Standing on your feet all day can take a toll on your health, from muscle fatigue to joint pain to long-term back problems. By removing pressure from the body, the zero gravity float experience can provide deep relaxation, while the release of endorphins can act as an organically produced pain reliever.
Decreased blood pressure. High blood pressure is a catalyst for many other negative medical conditions that can impact your heart, brain, kidney, artery and eye health. The act of floatation can naturally lower your blood pressure as you enter a state of weightless relaxation.
Mental clarity. If you’re struggling with brain fog due to being overworked and underslept, a salt therapy float, which offers a form of natural meditation, can help you refocus, reprioritize and clear out thought clutter.
Digital detoxing: For shift workers who operate in front of blue light (computers, tablets and smartphones) all day, the benefits of float tank therapy can allow you to unplug. Sensory deprivation therapy is a way to disconnect and remove yourself from technological stimuli.
Mood improvement. Once you are floating and are deeply relaxed, your brain can decrease the output of your stress hormones, while simultaneously increasing the production of your happy hormones, like serotonin and dopamine. In turn, you can anticipate a more positive outlook on life and work.
Better sleep quality. If you struggle with falling asleep or insomnia, especially if you work the night shift, visiting a float clinic may be able to help you regulate your sleep schedule and improve sleep quality.
Playlist
3 Videos
The Canadian Perspective
