Life in the modern world puts us into such a state of chronic tension and stress that we may not even know what true relaxation really feels like. The weightless tranquility of the float chamber provides a unique opportunity to screen out external stimuli and allow you to shift your mind and body into peaceful and deeply relaxed state, unlike any you have experienced!
Gravity causes thousands of pounds of pressure per square inch to be exerted on our bodies, which can lead to stress, tension, pain and structural problems. The buoyancy experienced in the float chamber allows each part of the body to be totally supported, every muscle and joint to relax completely and blood to circulate more freely.
By relieving pressure on joints, bones, muscles, and tissues, floating can alleviate chronic pain, including arthritis, back pain, headaches and fibromyalgia. Floating stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers, potentially reducing the need for pain medication. A recent study with fibromyalgia patients found a significant decrease in pain associated with regular float sessions.
High levels of stress have reached epidemic proportions in our culture and can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, decreased immune function, substance abuse, depression, obesity and diabetes.
Floating provides powerful and almost instant relief from stress. You will find it nearly impossible to maintain a high stress level with the consistent use of floating. Studies have shown that floating is an effective treatment for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), depression and anxiety and can be used in conjunction with psychological therapy.
Stress relief is incredibly effective at helping people sleep better at night. Many people have trouble falling asleep, including those suffering from insomnia, because their brain has trouble downshifting from Alpha to Theta waves – the gateway to sleep. By floating, the brain naturally drops into the Theta state, making it easier to make the transition to Delta waves required for REM sleep. For those suffering from jet lag, floating can help reset your sleep cycle and relieve aches and pains from flying, making sleeping on your next flight easier.
Athletes use floating to enhance their performance and speed recovery from injuries. In this nearly zero-gravity environment, blood and lymph circulate more freely and efficiently to carry away lactic acid and heal damaged tissues faster. Injuries have been shown to heal up to twice as fast while floating. Visualization techniques can be used to prepare the mind and body for a workout or competition.
Floating has been used, with documented success, by Olympic teams in the US, Australia, the UK and Sweden, professional sports teams including the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys and elite athletes such as 1998 Ironman champion Peter Reid and Olympic champion Carl Lewis.
Floating has been shown to integrate and balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain so the brain functions more efficiently, allowing for enhanced problem solving and leaps in creativity. Floating also leads to an increase in the generation of low frequency theta waves by the brain. Theta waves are associated with vivid imagery, creative ideas, ‘a-ha’ moments and states of elevated consciousness. They are common in children but rare in adults, normally seen only in experienced meditators after years of practice. A theta state can happen in your very first float session, making it a quick and easy shortcut to the benefits of meditation.
Regular floats will allow you to experience the cumulative benefits of this amazing practice! You may find that a monthly float is perfect, or you may prefer to float weekly or incorporate some longer floats to expand and deepen the results you experience. If you are a first time floater we recommend that you plan for three float sessions, scheduled one week to one month apart. Generally, it can take up to 3 floats to receive the full benefits and become accustomed to the process.
