Float tanks
In my opinion, float tanks (aka isolation tanks) are one of the most amazing things you can do for yourself to get healthy and stay healthy! They are undervalued and not many people have even heard of them. I was in introduced to floating as an athlete. With all the training I did, I used to get sore muscles and sometimes found it hard to recover between training sessions and when traveling for races. The floats tanks helped infuse magnesium and other important minerals back into my tired and often aching body as well as give me much needed relaxation. I recovered faster, felt better and trained harder as a result! A float complements other treatments, such as massage, acupuncture and even yoga, so don't be afraid to team a float with other therapies for even better results.
What are float tanks used for?
Anyone can benefit from floating, but the tanks are especially used for decreasing stress, anxiety and jet lag, increasing relaxation and improving recovery from intense exercise. It even improves the healing time of injuries. Anyone with magnesium deficiencies, those having problems with sleep, those that exercise a lot or people under huge amounts of stress will particularly benefit.
Are there any other names for a float tank?
It is also known as an isolation tank, think tank, sensory attenuation tank, floatation tank, sensory deprivation tank and REST tank.
What is so special about a float tank?
The tank contains water that is saturated with Epsom salts at body temperature (water is usually 37.5 degrees). The density of the Epsom salt solution, very similar to that of the Dead Sea, allows you to float face up in the water. The tanks are designed to subdue the senses by blocking out all light (although if you are claustrophobic, you can leave the door open), minimising sound (although some tanks do play relaxation music), ensuring very little smell (there is no chlorine) and decreasing skin sensation by having the water, air and body at the same temperature (37.5? C).
This helps to decrease stress in the body and the mind, assist muscle relaxation and improve blood flow. The high density Epsom salt mixture at body temperature also means that there is an uptake of magnesium into the cells via osmosis (which is hugely advantageous for Lymies!).
How do I use a float tank and what should I expect?
Most places that provide float tanks will explain everything to you and orientate you with floating. The key things to remember are:
– Have a cold shower before you get in the tank (that way, it will feel warm when you get in, and your body temperature will adjust back to your normal basal body temperature quite quickly and comfortably).
– Use ear plugs and a blow up neck pillow so you can fully relax your head in the water.
– Put Vaseline on any cuts or open wounds so they don't sting (the salt is very good for these things but not so pleasant!)
– If you are claustrophobic, you will be able to leave the door open slightly with most tanks (over time you will often be able to close it all the way).
– Let your mind and body relax, and don't be surprised if you fall asleep.
– The first float can be a bit weird (I didn't like it the first time I did it, but I felt so great afterwards that I kept it up and became addicted!)
– Most sessions last 60-90 minutes, but often people get out early on their first one, as it’s an unusual experience.
– Often you can feel twitchy and itchy but it subsides, so just relax (be careful if scratching your face as the salt will sting your eyes if it gets in them!)
– It takes multiple sessions to get used to the sensation of floating as well as get the maximum benefit. Like anything, floating just once is great, but to get results, you need to do it regularly if you can.
– In the last 20 minutes or so, your brain will usually transition from beta or alpha brainwaves to theta, which is known to assist creativity, relaxation, problem solving and improve learning.
Is there any research to confirm the benefits of floating?
Yes, there is. Most of it comes from Europe and America, but a basic Google search will turn up some great case studies and research.
