A floatation tank is a lightless, soundproof tank in which you can float in Epsom-salt-saturated water at body temperature.

These tanks, also called Sensory Deprivation Tanks, were developed and first used in the 1950s by John C. Lilly, a medical practitioner and neuropsychiatrist. Lilly researched the effects of physical isolation, what keeps the brain going, and what is the origin of its energy source.  It was argued that if all stimuli were cut off to the brain, then the brain would go to sleep.  Lilly decided to test this hypothesis and from there, he continued to study the origin of consciousness and its relation to the brain.

Later, in the 1970s, Peter Suedfeld and Roderick Borrie of the University of British Columbia began experimenting on the therapeutic benefits of the tank. Today the floatation tank is used for meditation, deep relaxation, and many other therapeutic benefits.

A Session in the Floatation Tank: What to Expect

A typical session lasts 60 minutes.  The body floats in water at body temperature, saturated with therapeutic Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate).  The salt is absorbed through the skin, drawing toxins from the body, sedating the nervous system,  reducing swelling, and relaxing muscles.  In a floatation tank, there’s no “prune skin” effect such as you get when you stay in the bathtub for a long time.   Wearing a bathing suit, having light, and listening to music are all optional.    The lack of gravity gives the body a chance to go into a deep state of relaxation and the brain transitions from alpha or beta brainwaves to theta. The extended theta state can be used as a tool for enhanced  creativity, problem solving, or for super learning.

One of the main causes of disease is stress. The floatation tank is one of the most efficient reducers of stress. Floating lowers the stress hormone cortisol, which, besides causing stress, also contributes to weight gain. The experience in the tank releases endorphins, greatly reducing pain, and replaces stress with a sense of well being. The long list of therapeutic benefits includes reduced symptoms of such ailments as asthma, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, migraines, tension headaches, fibromyalgia, insomnia, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Floating Also Helps to . . .

Speed recovery from injury
Reduce high blood pressure
Break addictive behavior
Rapidly eliminate fatigue
Improve post-operative recovery
Relieve pain
Relieve depression, anxiety, and fear
Improve athletic performance
Create deep, deep relaxation
Facilitate self-hypnosis

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