Float spas, offering sensory deprivation therapy, have gained considerable popularity in recent years. Also known as floatation tanks or isolation tanks, these spaces promise a unique experience with several potential health benefits. By floating in a meditation-like state, users aim to improve circulation and mental health. This article delves into the world of float spas, examining the benefits and risks associated with this increasingly common practice.
What is a Float Tank?
A float tank is a specially designed enclosure filled with a solution of approximately 300 millimeters of water and Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate). This solution is heated to match the outer skin temperature. The high concentration of salt creates a buoyant environment, allowing users to float effortlessly on their backs with the back of their head partially underwater. Typically, tanks are large enough to allow full stretching without touching the roof, floor, or walls.
The tanks are soundproof and dark, creating a sensory deprivation experience that encourages a quiet, meditative state. The Epsom salts in the solution contribute to stress relief and can dull aches and pains. Most float tank sessions last about an hour, providing an opportunity for deep relaxation and introspection.
Key Benefits of Floatation Therapy
Flotation therapy provides several health benefits, primarily centered around relaxation, stress relief, and detoxification.
Relaxation and Muscle Tension Relief
One of the primary advantages of using a sensory deprivation tank is to alleviate mental anxiety and muscle tension. The Epsom salt and water solution creates a buoyant environment, allowing for complete muscle relaxation, similar to experiencing zero gravity. When floating, the body is free from the constant pull of gravity, which reduces pressure on joints and muscles.
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Migraine and Stress Relief
Floating in a tank can effectively relieve migraines and provide stress relief. Epsom salts are high in magnesium, which helps remove harmful substances, such as free radicals, from the body. Free radicals can damage cells and increase inflammation, contributing to conditions like cancer and autoimmune disorders.
Detoxification and Improved Health
Magnesium in Epsom salts promotes bone and heart health and improves insulin sensitivity, which can help prevent diabetes. The detoxification process involves the removal of impurities from the body, facilitated by magnesium absorption through the skin.
Debunking Myths About Float Tanks
Despite the documented benefits, several misconceptions surround flotation therapy.
Myth: Floating Can’t Help Sleep Disorders
Contrary to this belief, floating in a tank has been shown to improve sleep quality. The deep state of relaxation induced by floating can help individuals deal with sleeping disorders such as insomnia, which often results from built-up stress, anxiety, and depression.
A study demonstrated that participants in a seven-week-long flotation program experienced significantly less depression, anxiety, pain, and stress. Concurrently, sleep quality and optimism increased.
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Myth: It’s Dangerous to Sleep in a Float Tank
It is generally safe to fall asleep in a float tank. The buoyancy created by the Epsom salt makes it difficult to turn over, ensuring that individuals remain on their backs even if they fall asleep. The solution is typically 1.2 to 1.3 times denser than pool water due to the high salt concentration.
Myth: The Float Tank is Dirty
Flotation tanks are very clean. The high salt concentrations used in float tanks inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Reputable flotation tank businesses adhere to strict cleaning standards set by applicable laws and licensing bodies. Regular filtration, sanitization, and UV light treatment ensure water quality.
To minimize the risk of infection, users should wear earplugs and shower before and after the floating session.
Altered States of Consciousness
Some individuals worry about experiencing altered states of consciousness while in the tank. Profound relaxation and altered time perception are common, and some may even have out-of-body experiences. Some have found these unexpected states to be positive. Participants who experienced altered states of consciousness were also more likely to become more mindful in their daily lives. However, such experiences may not be for everyone.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
While float therapy is generally safe, it is essential to be aware of potential risks and side effects.
Boredom and Restlessness
Spending an hour alone in complete silence can be an unusual experience. First-time floaters may feel bored and restless as their active minds acclimate to the sensory-free environment.
Skin Irritation
Float tanks contain a high concentration of salt. Those with small nicks or cuts may experience a temporary burning or itching sensation as salt stimulates pain receptors in the skin. People with sensitive skin or chronic illnesses may experience more skin irritation.
Precautions include testing a small skin area in the water before full submersion and using ointment to shield sensitive areas. Rinsing well and using a gentle, hypoallergenic moisturizer after floating is also essential.
Anxiety and Claustrophobia
First-timers may experience anxiety. Remembering that one can exit the pod at any time can help alleviate these feelings. Individuals with severe claustrophobia may find the enclosed space uncomfortable, although larger float pools or cabins are available to address this concern.
Nausea
Nausea is a common side effect, particularly for new floaters. The feeling of weightlessness can cause a lack of equilibrium, leading to nausea.
Preventive measures include avoiding heavy meals and inebriants before the session, grounding oneself by touching the sides of the tank, practicing deep breathing, using props like a float pillow or doctor-approved nausea medications, and taking breaks as needed.
Ear Irritation and Infection
Submerging ears in water for an extended period can cause ear irritation, especially for those prone to ear infections or who have had ear surgery. Saltwater can cause irritation and pain for people with sensitive ears.
Waterproof earplugs can prevent water from entering the ear. Individuals suffering from tinnitus may find the silence of a float tank challenging.
Confusion
After an hour of isolation, re-entering the real world can feel strange. Some may feel ready to take on the day, while others feel fatigued. Scheduling sessions after work or on weekends can help mitigate this effect.
Hair Damage
Regular floats may strip color from dyed hair, particularly fashion colors like pink or green. Saltwater can also conflict with keratin treatments.
Dehydration
Prolonged exposure to the high salt content in float tanks can potentially lead to dehydration. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and after the session can mitigate this risk. Shorter sessions can also help the body acclimate.
Hallucinations
The absence of external stimuli can induce bizarre and unreal perceptions and thoughts, and even psychosis, when sensory deprivation tank therapy is used for an extended period.
Contraindications
Certain conditions make float tank use inadvisable. These include:
- Open wounds, ulcers, or cuts: As a rule, you should never do a float if you have open wounds, ulcers, or cuts.
- Claustrophobia: People with severe claustrophobia may find the enclosed space of the float tank uncomfortable.
- Contagious diseases: Contagious diseases, such as gastroenteritis or diarrhea, should avoid floating.
- Epilepsy: Environmental stimuli (including the lack of stimuli in a tank) can affect seizure disorders. Individuals with uncontrolled epilepsy should not float without consulting a healthcare provider.
- Low blood pressure: Float therapy can decrease blood pressure.
- Kidney disease: A tank uses Epsom salt, which contains magnesium. High levels of magnesium from Epsom salt can pose a risk for those with severe kidney issues.
- Severe Skin Conditions: Open wounds or severe skin conditions can be exacerbated by saltwater.
- Medical issues that cause hallucinations: You should not float if you have a medical issue that causes hallucinations.
Maximizing Your Float Therapy Experience
To get the most out of float therapy sessions:
- Consult Your Doctor: If you have any underlying health conditions, consult your doctor before trying float therapy.
- Choose a Reputable Center: Ensure the float center adheres to high hygiene standards.
- Prepare Properly: Avoid caffeine and heavy meals before floating, and arrive early to relax and mentally prepare.
- Set an Intention: Before entering the tank, set a clear intention or goal for your session. Whether it’s stress relief, creative brainstorming, or deep relaxation, having a purpose can enhance the experience.
- Practice Deep Breathing: Focus on deep, slow breaths to help your body and mind relax more deeply.
- Stay Open-Minded: Each float session can be different. Approach each experience with an open mind and without specific expectations.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and after your session.
The Science Behind Float Therapy
Float therapy's effectiveness is rooted in the principles of Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST). By minimizing sensory input, the mind and body enter a state of deep relaxation. This state has physiological effects, such as lowering heart rate and blood pressure.
Research suggests that REST may improve mental health by alleviating symptoms of anxiety and stress-related disorders. Some studies suggest that it can boost creativity, enhance problem-solving abilities, and reduce pain. The magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt also aids in detoxification by drawing out impurities from the body.
A 2022 study examined floatation-REST’s effects on cardiovascular change in comparison to watching a relaxing nature film. Study participants who underwent floatation-REST had significant decreases in diastolic and systolic blood pressure, breathing rate, and certain heart rate variability metrics.
Float Therapy vs. Meditation
Float therapy shares similarities with meditation, as both practices aim to calm the mind and promote relaxation. During float therapy, the darkened silence helps quiet the mind, relieving anxiety and stress. Some evidence suggests that individuals become more aware of their breathing and heartbeat, improving their ability to control them.
Practical Considerations
- Cost: A one-hour float therapy session typically costs between $50 and $100, depending on the location and membership status.
- Hygiene: Reputable float centers maintain strict hygiene standards, including regular filtration, sanitization, and UV light treatment.
- Preparation: Avoid shaving or waxing before a session, as the salt in the water can irritate the skin. Women who are menstruating should reschedule their session.