Life is fast-paced. An increasingly popular method of relaxation is floatation therapy.
Finding ways to relax and relieve stress is more important than ever.
The constant barrage of stimuli from work, social obligations and digital devices can overwhelm the senses, leaving us in need of effective methods to unwind. This is a practice that offers a unique escape from the chaos of everyday life.
But what exactly is floatation therapy and how can it benefit you?
What is Floatation Therapy?
Floatation therapy, also sometimes known as sensory deprivation therapy, involves floating in a specialised tank, or in a dry floatation system filled with water. This simulates a sense of weightlessness, akin to that of floating in the Dead Sea.
A floatation tank or dry floatation bed is designed to block out all external stimuli, creating an atmosphere of complete calm and tranquillity. As the world becomes more chaotic, this therapy is gaining popularity as a means to achieve deep relaxation and mental calm. It can be a sanctuary from the constant noise and demands of modern life.
The Science Behind Floatation Therapy
Floatation Therapy works by reducing sensory input to the brain.
When external stimuli are minimised, the brain can enter a state of deep relaxation, similar to that experienced when meditating. This, in turn, triggers the release of endorphins (which enhance our mood). Studies have shown that endorphins also reduce the perception of pain, which means that floatation is not just great for mental health but physical health too.
Additionally, the buoyancy of the water reduces pressure on joints and muscles, promoting physical relaxation too.
The reduction of gravitational pressure allows the body to relax in ways that are difficult to achieve otherwise, facilitating a profound sense of physical and mental release.
Key Benefits of Floatation Therapy
Stress Reduction and Relaxation
One of the primary benefits of floatation therapy is its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The sensory deprivation environment allows the mind to unwind, reducing anxiety and tension.
Users report a feeling of a profound sense of calm and peace after a session in a floatation tank. This relaxation can have lasting effects, helping to improve overall well-being.
By disconnecting from the sensory overload of daily life, individuals can experience a reset, allowing them to return to their routines with a renewed sense of balance and tranquillity.
Improved Sleep Quality
Floatation therapy can also enhance the quality of your sleep. The deep relaxation achieved during a session can help regulate sleep patterns and promote restful sleep.
Those who struggle with insomnia or other sleep disorders find that floatation therapy helps them achieve a more consistent and restorative sleep cycle.
By calming the nervous system, floatation therapy can prepare the body and mind for deep, uninterrupted sleep. This reduces the time it takes to fall asleep and increases the duration of slow-wave and REM sleep phases.
This results in participants waking up feeling more refreshed and energised.
Medical news today shares;
‘A 2022 study involving six participants with insomnia found mixed results about floatation- REST’s effect on sleep. Some participants saw improvements in:
- Sleep Efficiency
- Insomnia Severity
- Depressive Severity
This results in participants waking up feeling more refreshed and energised.
Relief from Physical Pain
The buoyancy of the water in a floatation tank can relieve physical pain and discomfort. By reducing pressure joints and muscles, floatation therapy can help alleviate chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia and back pain.
Regular sessions can lead to cumulative benefits and the absence of gravitational forces allows the spine and muscles to decompress, providing relief from tension and chronic discomfort.
Enhanced Mental Clarity and Creativity
Floatation therapy is not just for the body but also for the brain.
When in a state of sensory deprivation, your mind is able to enter a state of heightened awareness. In some cases, this is also linked to creativity. Many people report experiencing enhanced mental clarity, improved problem-solving skills, boosted productivity and creativity after a sensory deprivation session.
In removing external distractions and ‘the outside world’, users can connect with their inner thoughts and ideas.
Different Types of Floatation Therapy
Traditional Floatation Therapy
Traditional floatation therapy involves floating in a sensory deprivation tank filled with water and Epsom salts. The tank is designed to eliminate external stimuli, providing a serene environment for relaxation and introspection.
Dry Floatation Therapy
Dry floatation therapy offers a similar experience without the use of water. Instead, users lie on a bed with water enclosed in a membrane, simulating the feeling of weightlessness.
This option is ideal for those who may be uncomfortable with water or wellness spaces where the continuous need to maintain the water requires additional staff and resources. This method utilises advanced technology to mimic the pressure-free environment of traditional floatation tanks, providing similar benefits in stress relief and relaxation.
There are numerous benefits to floatation therapy, each bringing its own benefit to your mental and physical health.
From stress relief, pain management, mental clarity and improvements to overall well-being, floatation therapy may be a great option for you.
Offering Floatation in your Gym, Spa or Wellness Centre
If you are a spa, gym or wellness centre owner, this could be the perfect addition to your offering to differentiate yourself from your competition.
At Alchemy, we specialise in the design, fitting and implementation of the Zerobody Dry Floatation therapy system from Starpool. Starpool have a renowned reputation for providing top-end spas, hotels and wellness centres with the tools and equipment needed to offer premium experiences to their guests and visitors. They support a number of professional sporting teams and physicians in ensuring fast and effective recovery from sport and relaxation for mental clarity.
Reach out to Alchemy today to find out how we can support you in delivering the best on the market.
