What is a Float Tank?
A float tank is a lightless, soundproof tank inside which subjects float in salt water at skin temperature. Simply put, it is a method of attaining the deepest relaxation that humankind has ever experienced.
It is spending an hour or so lying quietly in the dark, suspended in a body temperature solution of Epsom salt, about 10” deep, and so dense that you float effortlessly.
In the gravity free environment the body balances and heals internally as all the senses are rested.
In short, it is complete mental and physical relaxation.
What is it Used For?
Float tanks were first used by John C. Lilly in 1954 to test the effects of sensory deprivation. Thousands of people today use them for alternative medicine, meditation, and relaxation.
How Does it Work?
Introduction Video by Joe Rogan
Epsom salt is added to the water in the tank to increase the density of the water so that the subject floats with the face above the water.
The ears are submerged when the subject is in a relaxed position, therefore hearing is greatly reduced, especially when ear-plugs are used.
Skin sensation is greatly reduced because the air and water are the same temperature as the skin, and the feeling of having a body fades. The sense of smell is also greatly reduced, especially if the water has not been treated with chlorine.
The temperature inside the room is kept at a constant 93.5 degrees F—relaxed skin temperature. As a result, the nerve endings which cover the surface of the skin no longer perceive any sense of separation between the skin and the silky mineral solution which surrounds it.
In the dark, weightless tranquility of the room, the boundaries of your body seem to dissolve and vanish. As you enter progressively deeper levels of relaxation, even your body seems to “disappear” from conscious awareness because of the sharp reduction in signals being transmitted through the nervous system to the brain.
The sudden de-stimulation of large areas of the nervous system triggers a spontaneous chain reaction throughout the body known as the parasympathetic response. Muscle tension, blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen consumption all drop dramatically. The whole chemistry of the body changes.
These biochemical changes occur naturally and spontaneously as by-products of deep sensory relaxation. No training or techniques are required. Just lie back and let it happen.
What are the Benefits?
One hour of floating has the restorative effects of 4 hours of sleep.
- Reduces stress & anxiety
- Reduces heart rate & blood pressure
- Reduces muscle tension
- Reduces back pain and greatly assists in the healing process
- Stimulates endorphin production (providing relief from chronic pain)
- Stimulates Alpha & Theta brain waves (associated with creative insights and meditative states)
- Stress Reduction
Free from all external stimulation, your body can achieve a state of relaxation, which is deeper, purer and more beneficial than sleep.
Blood vessels including capillaries dilate, improving cardio-vascular efficiency and increasing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to every single cell in your body. This is called the vasodilatory effect
Stress related chemicals such as adrenaline, cortisol, ACTH and lactate are removed from the bloodstream and replaced by beneficial endorphins. High levels of cortisol and ACTH are known to weaken the body’s immune system and create feelings of depression, while lower baseline levels are associated with feelings of confidence.
Better Sleep
A 90 minute float session is the equivalent to 4-5 hours of deep restful sleep, letting you do more with less.
Accelerated Learning
While inside a Float Tub, you will enter a hyper-suggestible state. You will remember virtually anything. Without distraction you can harness the awesome power of your mind.
By utilizing an integrated audio system, you can learn languages in less time and obtain greater retention than without float therapy.
During a float session you can listen to audio of lectures or just focus on the subject or concern.
Float therapy allows you to sleep more efficiently and unleashes your minds full abilities, finally something to make all that hard work pay off.