The Science Behind the Serenity
Chances are, you've heard of Sensory Deprivation before - but how does it actually work?
Float therapy has been around for decades, with the first commercial float center opening in the 1970s. However, the concept of sensory deprivation is actually much older, with references to it found in ancient cultures such as Egypt and Greece.
That said, it wasn't until the mid-20th century when researchers began to explore the effects of sensory deprivation on the brain and body, and what they found was incredible.
Float therapy, also known as a sensory deprivation tank therapy, or isolation therapy, involves spending time in a specialized tank filled with water saturated with Epsom salt (1,500 lbs of magnesium-rich dissolved Epsom Salt to be exact)! The salt water's buoyancy allows you to effortlessly float, relieving pressure on your joints and muscles. The water is heated to match your body temperature, so you might not even feel where your body ends and the water begins! The tank also has the capability to be soundproof and lightproof, creating an environment that eliminates external stimuli.
How Does Sensory Deprivation Work?
Float therapy works by creating an environment that promotes relaxation and sensory deprivation. The Epsom salt in the water creates buoyancy, allowing you to float effortlessly and reducing pressure on your joints and muscles.
The soundproof and lightproof environment of the float tank eliminates all external stimuli, allowing your body and mind to enter a state of deep relaxation. This state is similar to the meditative state achieved through yoga or other mindfulness practices.
Benefits of Float Tank Therapy
Float therapy offers a ton of benefits for both the mind and body, including:
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Float therapy has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels, making it a popular treatment choice for people with high-stress jobs or those living with anxiety disorders.
Studies have shown that float therapy can reduce levels of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress, and increase levels of dopamine and endorphins, which are associated with feelings of happiness and relaxation.
Pain Relief
Float therapy can also be effective in reducing chronic pain, such as back pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. The weightlessness of the float tank reduces pressure on the joints and muscles, while the high magnesium content of the Epsom salt can help to ease inflammation and muscle tension. The reduction in gravitational pressure on the body, combined with the relaxation of muscles in the sensory-deprived environment, can alleviate pain and discomfort.
Improved Sleep Quality
Float therapy has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia. The deep relaxation and sensory deprivation achieved during float therapy can help to regulate the sleep-wake cycle and improve overall sleep quality.
Enhanced Mental Clarity and Creativity
Theta waves are a type of brainwave that occur within the frequency range of approximately 4 to 8 Hertz (cycles per second). They are often associated with a state of deep relaxation and can be observed during various activities, including meditation, deep sleep, and some forms of creativity and problem-solving. Theta waves are known to play a role in memory consolidation and emotional processing.
When you're in this sensory-deprived environment, your brain might ramp up its theta wave production. Why? Well, with fewer distractions, your brain decides it's time to relax a bit. It's like it's saying, "Hey, there's not much going on out there, so let's have some downtime." The deep relaxation achieved during float therapy can help to release tension, clear the mind and promote creative thinking.
What To Expect
While the experience itself is highly individualized and will differ for everyone, knowing what to expect can help put you at ease and maximize your session!
When you arrive, you'll check in at the front desk and have a seat while you settle in. From there, you'll be guided through the experience from beginning to end. First, you'll choose from our menu of pre-float doses, which you can enjoy while you set your intention for your float. This is when you'll also be able to choose from a variety of settings for your float, including whether you'd like to have lights on or off, and if you'd prefer to float in silence or choose from one of our guided meditations or sound baths. Don't worry -- if you change your mind once you're in the tank, you'll be able to turn the lights/sound on and off inside the tank!
You'll then be led to your private room with the float tank. You may choose to float in the nude (this is recommended) or wear a fitted bathing suit. You will then rinse off with our pre-float rinse and step into the floatation tank, closing the door behind you.
The tank is filled with water and Epsom salt, creating a buoyant environment that allows you to effortlessly float. The water is heated to skin temperature (93.5°F), and the tank is soundproof and lightproof, creating an environment of complete sensory deprivation.
A float therapy session typically lasts for an hour, although you can extend your float to up to 3 hours. After your flotation therapy session, you will exit the float pool, shower again to remove the salt from your skin and hair, and head back to our lobby for your post-float reflection drink.
Unsure If Sensory Deprivation Tank Therapy Is Right For You?
In a nutshell, sensory deprivation therapy is pretty unique from a scientific point of view. It makes the most of things like buoyancy, sensory isolation, and brainwave activity to offer tons of potential therapeutic perks.
Float therapy offers a unique and highly effective form of relaxation that can provide a wide range of benefits for both the mind and body. Whether you're seeking relief from stress, chronic pain, or simply looking to enhance your overall well-being, float therapy can help you achieve a state of deep relaxation.
If you're curious about the transformative and relaxing effects of float therapy, the best way to learn more is to try it for yourself!
