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Floatation Therapy
This is a treatment that is designed to relax both the body and mind. In fact it works on four levels; physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual. It was designed initially by Dr John C Lilley a neuro physiologist and psychoanalyst and in 1954 he made the first 'sensory isolation' tank to help him with his research into the reaction of human beings to sensory deprivation. His research found that the brain rather than going into a sleep state, actually became more active increasing its imaginative and problem solving abilities. This occurred because in day to day living we are exposed to stress in many forms, depriving us of vital energy that we could be using for useful endeavour. The floatation tank allows the body and mind to regenerate and revitalise away from the external stimuli that cause stress. Many spas and floatation centres have floatation tanks or baths. They are suitable for one person at a time and are most commonly womb like chambers or, floatation rooms that are slightly larger and less claustrophobic, with a normal door, providing easy access for young and old, the able and less able. They are also used in hospitals, health farms, fitness centres, sports clubs and even large business corporations who value the benefits to creativity, learning and memory.
photo sunset over the dead sea courtesy of Brad Mering
When you float all external stimuli are removed, you will have the choice of wearing ear plugs to eliminate sound and having all the lights switched off, providing a calm, quiet and relaxing environment that allows you to drift off into a total state of relaxation without any distractions. Some floatation centres will provide you with the choice of music playing in the background and the lights on if you prefer. Each floatation room or chamber normally has access to a private shower and changing facility, making the whole experience a personal and relaxing treatment.
Benefits of treatment
Eases aches and pains The buoyancy from the water eliminates the body’s specific gravity which brings the floater to a near state of total weightlessness. Many of the body’s problems such as backache, joint pain, muscular tension and aching feet are physical and caused by gravity and our own upright posture that puts strain on the body. Floating allows the body to totally relax, easing aches and pains and releasing it from the effects of gravity. It is an ideal treatment during pregnancy as it supports the increasing weight and eases strain on the joints, back and feet as well as inducing a feeling of calm. It is safe for the baby and mother as long as the water is no higher than 37 degrees centigrade. This state of relaxation then allows the body to use its’ energy in a different way. During a float the brain also has time to relax and revitalise and this will help the floater concentrate on the emotional and psychological rather than the physical aspects of daily life.
Induces Total Relaxation photo courtesy of Stacy Braswell
The blood pressure is lowered, endorphins are released into the body and it also enables creative thought and extra sensory perception. It is recognised that when the brain reaches this almost deep meditative state, it helps with clarity of thought, creativity, insight and inspiration and it is better able to access knowledge and information that is normally beyond conscious awareness. Memory is improved because the brain is in an ideal state for storing information in our long term memory.
Promotes a Sense of well being Floating increases the production of endorphins, the body’s natural opiates or ‘feel good’ hormones and conversely it helps to reduce the production of stress hormones; adrenaline, cortisol, norepinephrine and ACTH thus reducing, irritability, tension and anxiety. It also helps to; boost the immune system, regulate sleep patterns, treat jet lag, ease stress related problems such as irritable bowel, headaches and chronic fatigue, improve athletic performance, prevent sports injuries and speed up healing.
Helps control addictive behaviour Many people in times of stress will turn to smoking, drinking alcohol or over eating to help them in times of need. These are unhealthy coping mechanisms and floating will help lessen the dependence on these harmful reponses to stress as it physically removes the floater from the stressors and the psychological relaxing effects of the treatment, will reduce or eliminate the need to use coping mechanisms that are harmful to the body.
Restores Homeostasis Floating in a floatation chamber removes all the external stimuli that can affect mood, cause stress and generally prevent total relaxation. This creates an atmosphere that will allow the body to focus all its energy on restoring balance. It will create harmony and homeostasis in the body, a balance between the left and right brain, reducing activity in the left brain and increasing activity in the right brain. It will create balance in the skeletal and muscular systems and perfect balance between mind, body and spirit.
Caution It is not advisable to undergo this form of therapy if you are claustrophobic, suffer with clinical depression or other mental illness as the effects of treatment may be unpredicatable. You must never consume alcohol prior to floating. Check with your doctor if you have a skin condition that may be irritated by the concentrated salt solution. Check with your doctor if you have severe hypertension or epilepsy Floating must always be supervised by a qualified person |
The water in the floatation room is concentrated salt water, approximately 10” in depth and heated to a comfortable temperature of about 35.5˚c, allowing the body to float effortlessly. It creates an environment that is similar to that of the Dead Sea.
Floating increases production of theta waves in the brain, this is the stage at which brain activity slows down almost to the point of sleep and it creates a feeling of calmness and serenity. It is said that one hour of floating is equal to four hours of deep sleep.