Top Self Care Benefits of Float Tanks
YA’LL 2020 HAS. BEEN. A. MESS.
Now, more than ever, we have to be conscious of ourselves (our emotions, thoughts, actions, you name it) in order to be a better human & to better our society. But, in order to do that, we have to fill up our own cup. As hard as you try, you cannot fill up someone else’s cup unless yours is full.
So, what’s one of my favorite ways to fill up my own cup, you ask?rhetorical questions are my fave, clearly
Floating.
Floating, what do you mean floating?
A sensory deprivation tank is a float tank that has about a foot of water and 800 pounds of epsom salt (magnesium sulfate), which helps you, ya know, not sink… but rather, float.
No, really, you won’t sink, I promise.
Honestly, the first time I floated I expected to not feel supported - I didn’t really believe I would actually float. But sure enough, people smarter than me know what they’re doing when it comes to this stuff and there’s such an exact measurement / concentration of magnesium sulfate that you can’t even force yourself to sink.
Take my hubby for example. He’s an extremely dense human. He can’t tread water or float in a swimming pool to save his life. I’m not exaggerating. His booty and legs are too meaty (inappropriate?). But, when he goes to float, he does just that,floats.
Anyways, the air that surrounds the tank is set at skin temperature and the room is dark & quiet. The tank is designed to induce a state of sensory deprivation so when the lid is closed, the experience eliminatesalloutside sound, sight, smell, & tactile sensation from the pull of gravity.
Then, you simply close your eyes and float.
For those who are nervous to fully indulge in the complete sensory deprivation, you can leave soft lights on in the tank or even leave the tank lid open until you’re comfortable. You’ll be surprised with yourself, though. I thought I would have to leave the lid open the first time I floated because I can’t stand small spaces, but I closed it and never felt an ounce of claustrophobia.
(again, people smarter than me designed the tank so they probably designed it like that for that reason).
Speaking of, who created this thing?
The first tank was designed in 1956 by John C. Lilly, an American physician & neuroscientist. He designed the tank to study the origins of consciousness by cutting off all external stimuli - I mean, so cool. Nerrdddd.
In the 1970s, commercial float tanks were created and began being studied for possible health benefits.
Today, the interest in float tanks has increased exponentially due to the hugeeeee backing and support of scientific evidence- all pointing to the health benefits, safety, & efficacy of floating.
In a 2018 study, published in a peer-reviewed science journal called PLOS One, 50 study participants with anxiety and stress-related disorders engaged inONE60-minute float session. The study participants suffered from one of several conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, or social anxiety disorder. Most of them also suffered from depression. The studyconcluded thatone single60-minute session induced “a strong reduction in [the] state [of] anxiety and a substantial improvement in mood in a group of 50 anxious and depressed participants.” The studyalso found that there were no major safety concerns or adverse events during the 60-minute course of floatation.
In fact, 48 of the 50 study participants stayed in the tank for the entire 60 minutes. This indicates that even people with anxiety, who may show an aversion to new types of treatment, benefited from floating.
A separate 2014 studyof 65 women and men discovered that in relatively healthy participants, stress, depression, anxiety, & pain were significantly decreased, whereas optimism and sleep quality significantly increased as a direct result of floating.
A 2016 study of 46 people who self-reported generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) found that it reduced GAD symptoms, such as depression, sleep difficulties, irritability, and fatigue.
A 2007 studyconducted at Karlstad University found that those with stress-related pain from muscle tension obtained relief after 12 floatation sessions. Considerable improvement was noticed for those experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, negative mood, and poor sleep quality. After 33 sessions, study participants exhibited significant improvement in diastolic(the lower number, while the heart is resting) blood pressure.
I mean… the studies are just endless.
What other effects does floating have?
Floating weightless in silence & darkness allows the brain to enter such a deep, relaxed state that everyone’s experience is very different.
According to an article published in 2014 in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine, floating in a sensory deprivation tank has been found in a handful of studies to increase originality, imagination, and intuition, which can all lead to enhanced creativity.
There is also evidence that sensory deprivation can improve focus and concentration, and may also lead to clearer and more precise thinking. This has been linked to improved learning and enhanced performance in school and different career groups.
The effects of float therapy on athletic performance are also super well documented (yes, super well). It has been found effective in speeding up recovery after strenuous physical training by decreasing lactic acidbuild up in the blood.
A 2016 study of 60 elite athletes also found it improved psychological recovery following intense training and competition.
BUT WAIT, WE AREN’T DONE.
There are several psychological and medical benefits of float tanks on conditions (some of which I pointed out above) such as anxiety disorders, stress, and chronic pain.
The effect of sensory deprivation tank therapy on chronic pain has been confirmed by several studies. It is shown to be effective in treating tension headaches, muscle tension, and pain.
A small studyof seven participants found it effective in treating whiplash-associated disorders, such as neck pain and stiffness and reduced range of motion. It has also been shown to reduce stress-related pain.
Floating can also cause feelings of overwhelming happiness and euphoria. People have reportedexperiencing mild euphoria, increased well-being, and feeling more optimistic following therapy using a sensory deprivation tank.
Others have reported spiritual experiences, deep inner peace, sudden spiritual insight, and feeling as if they were born anew (MEEEE!).
STILL NOT DONE, BUT I’LL SUMMARIZE FOR YOUR SAKE.
Floating is also associated with:
Decreasing the body’s internal stress response *this is crucial, floating takes us out of “fight or flight” and moves us into a “rest and recover” state. That fight or flight stress response- with the excitatory hormones & inflammation surges that are a part of it- is a primary trigger for pain.
Improve fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritisrelated symptoms
ALL of that, just for getting into a float tank.
Let’s talk about the process.
Though the process may vary slightly depending on the flotation center, a session in a sensory deprivation tank usually goes as follows:
You arrive at the flotation center or spa, showing up early if it’s your first visit.
Put in your ear plugs, enter the tank, and close the door or lid.
Gently lie back and let the buoyancy of the water help you float. Some places will offer you a little foam donut to rest your head on for extra support.
You can choose to have gentle, relaxing music playing in the tank or to have complete silence.
Once the hour is up, you’re gently awoken either by music playing or a voice coming over the intercom letting you know your session is over.
My humble opinion.
When used properly, a float tank can be such an incredible resource. From stress reduction to muscle recovery to mood improvement and everything in between. Floating brings you down to a simple state of being. All stress seeps out. All physical discomfort seeps out. Your mind is empty. Your brain can truly recharge. It’s pretty dang cool ya’ll and just something you have to experience.
If you’re looking for a great float session in the Atlanta area - be sure to check out The Salt Center in Alpharetta. Owned and operated by two incredible humans, Melissa & David Vance, The Salt Center offers float sessions, salt room therapy, massage therapy, reiki, infrared sauna sessions, Ion Cleanse foot bath sessions, & so much more. Trust when I say, you won’t want to leave that place. It’s total body wellness and relaxation at it’s finest! (I owe it to The Salt Center for introducing me to floating!)
*Note: there are a few situations in which float tanks arenotrecommended. These groups include, but aren’t limited to:
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The Discovery Doc - Dr. CeCe Brooks - Atlanta Holistic NP
