When I was 23 years old I lived in London, England. One of my favorite Healthy Discoveries during that time was float tanks.
I would leave my job at Harrods Department Store at the end of a long day and take the tube (subway) to Notting Hill’s Floatation Center. For the next hour I floated – literally.
Two weeks ago I returned to Denver’s Floatation Center. I have not floated for a couple years, but in between flights to Detroit, Minneapolis, Atlanta and moving across Denver all within a span of four weeks, I decided this would be a great time to schedule a float session.
I love the immediate relaxation response that floating produces.
What is a Float Tank?
A sound-insulated capsule which contains a shallow 30 cm pool of 25% Epsom Salt solution – five times denser and more buoyant than sea water. Lying back, you float effortlessly on the surface with all parts of your body firmly supported. Your muscles no longer have to fight against the constant downward push of gravity. As muscle tension melts away, you find yourself floating weightless and free, like an astronaut in zero gravity conditions. You can not and will not sink, many people actually fall asleep while floating.
History of Floatation Tanks
In 1954 Dr. James C. Lilly, a medical practitioner and neuro-psychiatrist was training in psychoanalysis and started to do research regarding the origin of consciousness and its relation to the brain. He tried many experiments with different kinds of float tanks that gradually evolved to the highest technological and comfortable floatation facilities that we have today.
How Does a Floatation Tank Work?
Scientists estimate that up to 90% of the brain’s normal workload is caused by the effects of routine environmental stimulation through the combined effects of gravity, temperature, touch, light and sound on the muscles, nervous system and sense organs of the body.
The float tank screens out these external physical stimuli, creating a pure state of “sensory” relaxation. Under these unique conditions your body has a chance to restore its natural powers of self regulation, while you simply lie back and rediscover the latent abilities of a deeply relaxed mind.
The Benefits of Floating
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.
Blood vessels including capillaries dilate, improving cardio-vascular efficiency and increasing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to every single cell in your body.
Stress related chemicals such as adrenaline, cortisol, ACTH and lactate are removed from the bloodstream and replaced by beneficial endorphins.
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 your body float.
You’re probably thinking this is one of my weirdest Healthy Discoveries to date, but the truth is, it is one of my earliest and longest stand-the-test-of-time Healthy Discoveries. I feel amazing after a float session. A 60 minute float takes away the physical and mental fatigue!
Additional Resources and Information
The Book of Floating: Exploring the Private Sea
Enjoy!
About the author
Jolene Park, B.A., Certified Nutrition Consultant, Yoga Teacher founded Healthy Discoveries in 2001. She facilitates health and nutrition workshops for companies large and small across the U.S., and provides wellness and nutrition coaching for individuals and multiple medical offices throughout the greater Boulder/Denver area. Learn more.
May 15th 5:34 am
I’ve never done sensory deprivation in a float tank. Perhaps I was too traumatized by what happened to William Hurt in “Altered States!”
I think I’m finally ready to try now, thanks Jolene!
May 15th 5:52 am
I’ve actually heard of this but couldn’t picture it. Thanks for the picture. Looks soooooooo relaxing!
May 16th 6:18 am
Wow, I’ve never heard of that before, it sounds so cool! I’d love to try something like that.
May 17th 7:20 pm
Dr J – I’ve never seen Altered States…don’t know if I want to
Bonnie- Yes, it’s definitely relaxing, I think I might go back again this week!
Sagan – Give it a try and let me know what you think.