The Value of Stillness
Deprivation therapy treatments, referred to simply as "float tanks," have recently garnered lots of buzz. However, float tanks have been around since the 1950s. Sensory deprivation is achieved through floating in a tank that cuts off all sources of sensory experience: sight, sound, smell, and touch. Float tanks are filled with 12 inches of water that is almost the exact same temperature as the floater’s body, along with Epsom salt. The salt allows you to remain restfully floating at the water’s surface in complete silence without needing to exert any effort to stay afloat.
Some people report that float tanks can actually bring about a "psychedelic experience" in which they see various geometric patterns. While these experiences are difficult to prove, a slew of research is now showing that floating is an effective, noninvasive method for: lowering levels of cortisol, lowering blood pressure, restoring a normal breathing rate, and promoting positive feelings of well-being. According to recent research published in the Journal of Complimentary & Behavioral Medicine, sensory deprivation works by reducing the body’s stress response, inducing deep relaxation, and quieting mental chatter. Sensory deprivation has profound physiological effects on people because it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, while at the same time decreasing activity of the sympathetic nervous system.
Sensory deprivation also has profound psychological effects on people. Studies show that float sessions reduce markers of bodily distress syndrome (BDS). These BDS signs are correlated to things like fibromyalgia symptoms, chronic fatigue syndrome, and somatization disorder. In 2016, researchers from the Department of Psychology at Karlstad University in Sweden tested the effects of float tanks on symptoms of general anxiety disorder (GAD). The study showed that 37 percent of participants in the float-treatment group reached full remission from GAD-related symptoms at post-treatment, while the rest of the participants experienced beneficial effects related to depression and emotional regulation.
Although most people who try sensory deprivation tanks report really enjoying the experience with no unwanted side effects, not all do. If you find it hard to stay in small spaces without feeling tense, then you may not like how floating feels. Having said that, the more time spent floating will increase how comfortable you are with sensory deprivation.
Some people report that float tanks can actually bring about a "psychedelic experience" in which they see various geometric patterns. While these experiences are difficult to prove, a slew of research is now showing that floating is an effective, noninvasive method for: lowering levels of cortisol, lowering blood pressure, restoring a normal breathing rate, and promoting positive feelings of well-being. According to recent research published in the Journal of Complimentary & Behavioral Medicine, sensory deprivation works by reducing the body’s stress response, inducing deep relaxation, and quieting mental chatter. Sensory deprivation has profound physiological effects on people because it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, while at the same time decreasing activity of the sympathetic nervous system.
Sensory deprivation also has profound psychological effects on people. Studies show that float sessions reduce markers of bodily distress syndrome (BDS). These BDS signs are correlated to things like fibromyalgia symptoms, chronic fatigue syndrome, and somatization disorder. In 2016, researchers from the Department of Psychology at Karlstad University in Sweden tested the effects of float tanks on symptoms of general anxiety disorder (GAD). The study showed that 37 percent of participants in the float-treatment group reached full remission from GAD-related symptoms at post-treatment, while the rest of the participants experienced beneficial effects related to depression and emotional regulation.
Although most people who try sensory deprivation tanks report really enjoying the experience with no unwanted side effects, not all do. If you find it hard to stay in small spaces without feeling tense, then you may not like how floating feels. Having said that, the more time spent floating will increase how comfortable you are with sensory deprivation.
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