Relaxation Redefined: The Benefits of Floatation Therapy

Stress has become an unavoidable reality in modern-day life. With constant information overload and never-ending to-do lists, it can be challenging to find time to switch off and relax. This is where floatation therapy comes in, providing a way to unplug from the world and rejuvenate in a sensory-free environment. With the benefits of floatation therapy extending beyond just relaxation, it’s time to redefine what relaxation means.

Floatation therapy is a unique sensory deprivation experience that involves floating in a sensory-free tank filled with saltwater, giving you the sensation of weightlessness. The water is heated to skin temperature to simulate the feeling of floating in the womb, and the tank is insulated for sound, light, and temperature to create a completely immersive experience. The sensory deprivation aspect of floatation therapy allows the brain to enter a theta state, a meditative state that is typically only experienced by advanced meditators or those who practice for years. It takes about 30 minutes for the body to adjust to the tank’s environment, and after that, you can float for up to 90 minutes.

The benefits of floatation therapy span beyond simple relaxation. Here are some of the ways that floatation therapy can have a meaningful impact on your overall well-being.

1. Stress Reduction: One of the most significant benefits of floatation therapy is its ability to reduce stress. By eliminating external stimuli and disconnecting from technology and the outside world, we can allow our minds to slow down and find a place of deep relaxation. A 2016 study found that floatation therapy significantly reduced cortisol levels, a hormone that’s released when we’re stressed, resulting in a decrease in anxiety and a better mood.
2. Pain Relief: Floatation therapy can also work wonders for physical pain relief. The sensation of weightlessness takes pressure off the joints and muscles, allowing them to release any built-up tension and giving them a chance to rest. A study published in the American Pain Society found that floatation therapy helped to relieve chronic pain and improve quality of life for participants.
3. Improved Sleep: With hectic and stressful lives, it’s no wonder that many of us struggle to get a good night’s sleep. But floatation therapy can help to promote deep restful sleep. During floating, the body is in a relaxed state, which can help regulate sleep cycles, leading to improved sleep quality. A study by the Human Performance Laboratory at the University of Calgary also found that floatation therapy positively impacted both sleep quality and quantity.
4. Enhanced Creativity and Mindfulness: The theta state that is achieved during floatation therapy is also associated with enhanced creativity and mindfulness. In this state, the mind is able to make new connections and ideas, leading to improved creativity, productivity, and problem-solving. The detachment from external stimuli also allows for greater mindfulness and self-awareness.
5. Improved Athletic Performance: Floatation therapy is becoming increasingly popular with athletes to accelerate recovery times and improve performance. By promoting blood flow and reducing swelling, floating can help athletes to recover more quickly from injuries and strenuous activity. Floatation therapy also helps to reduce lactic acid build-up, a common issue for athletes, allowing them to recover faster and perform better.
6. Improved Skin and Hair Health: The high concentration of Epsom salt in the floatation tank water can also have a positive impact on skin and hair health. Epsom salt is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help to soothe skin irritation. It can also help to detoxify the skin, leaving it feeling fresh and revitalized. Furthermore, the magnesium in the Epsom salt can promote hair growth and improve the elasticity of hair.

Now that we’ve explored the benefits of floatation therapy let’s take a closer look at what the experience of floating is like. The experience varies for everyone, but here’s a general overview of what you can expect.

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a member of staff who will explain the process to you and show you around the facilities. You’ll then be asked to fill out a brief medical questionnaire to ensure that you’re a suitable candidate for floatation therapy. After that, you’ll be shown to your private room where the floatation tank is located.

Before entering the tank, you’ll need to shower to remove any oils or lotions from your skin. Once you’re ready, you’ll climb into the tank and close the lid. You can choose to float with the lid open or closed, depending on your preference.

Inside the tank, you’ll float in complete sensory deprivation. The water, infused with Epsom salt, will keep you buoyant and allow you to float effortlessly. The water temperature is regulated to skin temperature, ensuring that you don’t feel too cold or too warm. At first, it might feel strange or unfamiliar, but after a few minutes, you’ll begin to relax into the experience. You might feel as though you’re floating in the middle of space, disconnected from everything around you.

When your float is complete, soft music or a gentle voice will signal the end of the session. You’ll then slowly open the tank’s lid and make your way out. You’ll be greeted with a fluffy towel and can continue relaxing in a private post-floatation room.

Floatation therapy is an excellent way to redefine what relaxation means. It offers a unique and immersive experience that can help to reduce stress, relieve physical pain, improve sleep quality, enhance creativity and mindfulness, and improve athletic performance. For those looking for a way to disconnect from the world and reconnect with themselves, floatation therapy is an excellent option to consider. With so many benefits, it’s clear that floatation therapy is more than just a way to relax. It can be part of a holistic approach to well-being, helping us tap into our inner selves and find greater peace and tranquillity.