What could be more relaxing than float tank therapy?
There may be some misconceptions about sensory deprivation tanks, but they’re not nearly as intimidating as the name may sound. We’re going to set the record straight on float tanks and hopefully shed some light on all the amazing benefits this type of therapy can provide.
What is Flotation Therapy?
Flotation therapy is simply floating in a tank designed to remove excess stimuli, which in turn helps the body reach a restorative state. The tank itself is filled with highly saturated Epsom salt water that makes the physical body completely and effortlessly buoyant. Floating sessions can last 30, 60 or 90 minutes and are conducted in body-temperature water in a personal tank in which no light or sound can enter, creating a warm, serene, and relaxing environment for mind and body.
Float tanks are also known as isolation tanks or sensory deprivation tanks. While this might not sound like a relaxing therapy, they have recently experienced a resurgence in popularity due to the many, many physical and mental health benefits.
What Are the Benefits of Float Therapy?
While flotation therapy is by no means a magic cure-all, it can be helpful at managing or improving many conditions. Float tank therapy has been proven beneficial for insomnia, fibromyalgia, digestion, arthritis, autism, muscle strains, addiction issues, and more.
Depriving the senses of stimuli, the float tank allows you to gain access to a state of deep mental and physical peace. Deep relaxation and expanded awareness facilitate healing on many levels. Here is a handy list of 18 benefits of float therapy:
- Promotes calmness and relaxation
- Eliminates fatigue and jet lag and enhances mental clarity
- Improves sleep
- Alleviates stress and energizes and revitalizes body and mind
- Reduces depression and anxiety
- Stimulates left/right brain synchronization
- Increases creativity and ability to problem solve
- Improves visualization and deepens meditation by shifting brain waves from beta to lower frequency alpha, theta, and delta
- Expands awareness, intensifies acuteness of the senses and accelerates learning
- Enhances hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis
- Decreases the production of cortisol, ACTH, lactic acid and adrenaline
- Increases production of endorphins
- Speeds up rehabilitation and recovery
- Relieves pain
- Boosts immune function
- Improves circulation and distribution of oxygen and nutrients
- Reduces blood pressure and heart rate
- Improves athletic performance, helps prevent sports injuries and speeds up the healing process
Pregnant women can also benefit from some time spent in the float tank, as floating relieves the pressure caused by the added strain of carrying the baby.
How often should you do float therapy?
Life is always hectic, chaotic, and stressful. Ideally, we recommend setting time aside for a float tank session once or twice a week to gain the greatest benefits. If you’re unable to come that frequently, consider forms of meditation to supplement the mental and physical restoration offered with sensory deprivation therapy.
How do float tanks work?
Float use an Epsom salt (magnesium) solution to make the water extremely saturated. With almost a thousand pounds of Epsom salt is dissolved in a few hundred gallons of water, it’s literally impossible not to float. Plus, magnesium is known to help balance calcium levels in the body, reduce stress, balance hormones, normalize blood pressure, reduce risk of cancer and other diseases and much more.
We’re so happy to be able to provide float tank therapy to anyone in Bee Cave or the greater Austin area. If you’re ready to relax, rejuvenate, and restore your body, schedule a session today and start enjoying the benefits of this exceptional healing technique!
