What Is Float Therapy?

Learn all about float therapy, its benefits, risks, and what a float therapy session is like.

Float therapy is a relaxation technique that involves lying in a small, enclosed tank or room filled with a shallow pool of water that is saturated with Epsom salt. The high concentration of salt in the water allows the individual to float effortlessly, and the water is heated to skin temperature to eliminate the sensation of being in water. The tank or room is also designed to be completely dark, soundproof, and free of distractions to create an environment of complete relaxation and sensory deprivation (Kent, 2017). There is evidence to suggest that float therapy may have a number of benefits, including:

• ● Reducing stress and anxiety: Several studies have found that float therapy can significantly reduce stress and anxiety in individuals (Feinstein et al., 2018; van Dierendonck & Te Nijenhuis, 2005).

• ● Improving sleep: Float therapy has been shown to improve sleep quality in individuals with insomnia (Norell-Clarke et al., 2022).

• ● Promoting relaxation: Float therapy has been found to significantly increase feelings of relaxation in individuals (Jacobs et al., 1984).

• ● Improving creativity: Float therapy has been shown to improve performance on tasks requiring creative problem-solving (Norlander et al., 1998).

• ● Aiding in physical recovery from injuries: Some research suggests that float therapy may help to reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery following exercise (Broderick et al., 2019; Kjellgren et al., 2001).

Although there is evidence to suggest that float therapy may be effective for a number of different purposes, it is important to note that although float therapy seems to be beneficial for reducing stress and improving well-being and performance in many people (Dierendonck & Te Nijenhuis, 2005), it is not effective for everyone. If you are seeking to treat existing physical or mental health issues, it is important to check with your doctor before trying float therapy.

Example Float Therapy Session

A float therapy session typically lasts for 60-90 minutes. Here is an example of what a float therapy session might look like:

1. Upon arrival at the float therapy center, you will be greeted by the staff and given a brief orientation to the facility and the float tank.

2. You will be shown to a private room or shower area where you can change into a swimsuit or disposable underwear provided by the center.

3. You will be given earplugs to wear during the session to keep the water out of your ears.

4. You will be guided to the float tank, which is typically a small, enclosed space filled with a shallow pool of water that is saturated with Epsom salt. The water is heated to skin temperature and the tank is designed to be completely dark and soundproof.

5. You will be given a brief demonstration on how to use the float tank, including how to get in and out of the tank and how to adjust the lighting and music inside the tank.

6. You will be left alone in the tank to float and relax. You can choose to close the tank's door or leave it open, depending on your preference.

7. During the session, you can choose to focus on your breath or listen to guided meditation or music provided by the center. You can also simply relax and let your mind wander.

8. When the session is over, you will be signaled by the center staff to exit the tank.

9. After the session, you will be given a shower to rinse off the Epsom salt and a towel to dry off.

10. You will then have the opportunity to relax in a quiet area or have a post-float debrief with the center staff.

How To Make The Most of Your Session To make the most of float therapy, it is important to follow a few tips:

1. Arrive at the float therapy center well-hydrated and well-fed. It is a good idea to drink plenty of water and have a light meal before your session to ensure that you are comfortable during the float.

2. Take a shower before entering the float tank. This will help to rinse off any lotions, oils, or perfumes that could interfere with the float experience.

3. Bring earplugs to use during the session. The water in the float tank is saturated with Epsom salt, which can be drying to the ears. Wearing earplugs can help to keep the water out of your ears and prevent discomfort.

4. Use the float tank as an opportunity to relax and let go of any distractions or worries. It can be helpful to set an intention for the float before getting in the tank, such as focusing on your breath or letting go of stress.

5. If you are feeling anxious or claustrophobic, it is important to listen to your body and stop the session if necessary. It is also a good idea to inform the center staff of any concerns or issues you may have before the session.

6. After the float, take a shower. Rinse off the Epsom salt and moisturize your skin to prevent dryness or irritation.

7. After the float, drink water. It is also a good idea to drink plenty of water to rehydrate.

In Sum There are a number of reasons why someone might choose to try float therapy, including to reduce stress and anxiety (Feinstein et al., 2018; van Dierendonck & Te Nijenhuis, 2005), improve sleep quality (Norell-Clarke et al., 2022), promote relaxation (Jacobs et al., 1984), improve creativity (Norlander et al., 1998), and aid in physical recovery from injuries (Broderick et al., 2019; Kjellgren et al., 2001). The sensory deprivation environment of the float tank may help to calm the mind, relax the body, and promote a feeling of well-being, which can be beneficial for a variety of purposes.

References

• ● Broderick, V., Uiga, L., & Driller, M. (2019). Flotation-restricted environmental stimulation therapy improves sleep and performance recovery in athletes. Performance Enhancement & Health, 7(1-2), 100149.

• ● Feinstein, J. S., Khalsa, S. S., Yeh, H., Al Zoubi, O., Arevian, A. C., Wohlrab, C., ... & Paulus, M. P. (2018). The elicitation of relaxation and interoceptive awareness using floatation therapy in individuals with high anxiety sensitivity. Biological psychiatry: cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging, 3(6), 555-562.

• ● Jacobs, G. D., Heilbronner, R. L., & Stanley, J. M. (1984). The effects of short term flotation REST on relaxation: a controlled study. Health Psychology, 3(2), 99.

• ● Kent, M. (2017). Food & Fitness: A Dictionary of Diet & Exercise. Oxford University Press.

• ● Kjellgren, A., Sundequist, U., Norlander, T., & Archer, T. (2001). Effects of flotation-REST on muscle tension pain. Pain Research and Management, 6(4), 181-189.

• ● Norell-Clarke, A., Jonsson, K., Blomquist, A., Ahlzén, R., & Kjellgren, A. (2022). A study of flotation-REST (restricted environmental stimulation therapy) as an insomnia treatment. Sleep Science, 15(Spec 2), 361.

• ● Norlander, T., Bergman, H., & Archer, T. (1998). Effects of flotation REST on creative problem solving and originality. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 18(4), 399-408.

• ● van Dierendonck, D., & Te Nijenhuis, J. (2005). Flotation restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST) as a stress-management tool: A meta-analysis. Psychology & Health, 20(3), 405-412.