Based on observations and empirical evidence put forth by clinical trials floatation therapy works towards healing the human body on a variety of different levels. One of the main elements that make floatation therapy effective is directly attributed to the increase in blood flow. This in turn results in all our major organs receiving more oxygen than usual which allows these organs to function at optimal levels.
Some studies show that even cardiac diseases and hypertension are alleviated quite significantly after sessions of floatation therapy. However, due to the varying results, it has been an uphill climb to place quantitative numbers on these findings (different individuals respond differently to this treatment).
Other more evident findings have been the fact that subjects who undergo floatation tank therapy secrete endorphins and dopamine which are more often than not related to exercise. Due to this ‘floaters’ tend to feel euphoric after sessions which provide relief pain and stress.
How Does Flotation Therapy Look?
Adding about 5kg of Epsom salt into your bath tub may give you a rough idea about floatation therapy; however, flotation therapy involves a little bit more than just buoyancy.
This means that individuals are not just subjected to floating, but also prevented from triggering their natural sensory apparatus from picking up and feeding information to the brain. In a typical float tank / float pod, client are made to relax and suspended in Epsom salt solution liquid that is heated to skin-temperature (about 93 degrees).
Whilst the salinity prevents the body from sinking and floats effortlessly, the pod itself blocks sound, vision, smell and heat from ‘disturbing the mind’. In most circumstances, floaters are fitted with earplugs and the pod is dark enough to intentionally create an environment that puts the body into an easily recoverable coma. It is during this period that theta brainwaves kick in and do the magic.
Documented Results
Scientists have over the past decade compiled a series of data on the positive effects of float therapy that ranged from its impact on illnesses both physical and mental and as well as performance of routine. The results have been nothing less than overwhelming.
The data indicates strongly that floatation therapy help individuals that have physical injuries to heal faster especially internal wounds (most sports injuries). Apart from that, the therapy has also been found to be effective towards curbing those who have trouble sleeping (insomnia), those who are suffering from stress and anxiety.
Medical practitioners specialising in athletes have come to acknowledge the fact that floatation therapy enhances athletic performance, specifically in relation to sporting activities that require visual-motor coordination.
How it Works
The mechanics of float therapy is actually quite simple. Basically, when an individual goes for a float tank session he or she encourages their brain to fall into the frequency of the theta brainwave state, in this state it is known that complex issues or problems are synthesized.
Apart from that, gravity void environment enhances blood circulation considerably which not just speeds recovery, but also enhances focus and creativity significantly. By going for float tank session once or twice a week, people are able to get into a deep state of relaxation or ‘twilight’ state which in essence is a level of consciousness that is very similar to daydreaming. Finally, there is the suppression of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline that is always good for us.