ANY OPINIONS ON FLOATING? | |
snook (OP) User ID: 35398860 United States 04/17/2013 05:59 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
snook (OP) User ID: 35398860 United States 04/17/2013 06:02 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | [link to www.soulerfloat.com] Health Benefits of Floating Researchers and float tank users report many different beneficial effects from floatation, from general well-being through to mental and physical benefits. The density of the water is such that it provides the floater with the ability to float with complete buoyancy. 1000 pounds of Epsom salt is added to 10 inches of water, which makes it impossible for the patient to sink. The water inside the float tank is maintained at a constant temperature which is very close to the temperature of human skin. This assures that the floater is protected from the unpleasant sensation of overly hot and cold temperature. An alternative name that has been given to flotation therapy is R.E.S.T. therapy. R.E.S.T. is an acronym for Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy. Just as the name implies, the idea behind R.E.S.T. is based on the premise that, in today’s fast-paced world, we are constantly subjected to external stimuli and stress, so much so that we experience sensory overload. Flotation therapy is a technique where almost all external stimuli are screened out. This greatly reduces the central nervous system’s workload, and allows the floater to focus his or her energies inward to promote healing. Floating For Stress/Pain Management Flotation therapy can be a very effective tool for stress management, as outside stimuli are almost eliminated and central nervous activity slows considerably. With nothing to react to, the floater’s levels of the stress hormones epinephrine and adrenaline are decreased, while the levels of endorphins increase. These “feel good” substances are produced in the body by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, and work as natural pain relievers. With the promotion of relaxation also comes the promotion of the parasympathetic response (Paradise, 2009). The parasympathetic response allows the body to naturally balance itself out chemically and metabolically, allowing healing to take place. A recent study measuring the effects of flotation R.E.S.T. on chronic pain yielded some promising results. 37 patients suffering from chronic pain participated in the study, with 17 patients in the control group and 20 in the experimental group. The results of the study showed that those who had been suffering the most severe pain saw their pain levels drop appreciably after nine sessions in the float tank over a period of three weeks. The study also saw the patients’ levels of optimism rise and levels of depression and anxiety decrease (Kjellgren A., 2001). Also, flotation therapy is important in terms of being a small component in a larger, more comprehensive pain management program (Fine, Barrie). Relief from pain is noticed immediately during and immediately following floating and this can allow for a more positive outlook from the patient about the success of a more comprehensive pain-management program. Studies show that flotation therapy, along with other techniques, such as counseling and relaxation activities, worked more effectively than just one of these therapies alone (Fine, Borrie).  Souler Float will also be participating in an upcoming Fibromyalgia floatation research project. It’s open to anyone interested in the healing and therapeutic benefits of floatation therapy for the relief of fibromyalgia. More information can be found here.  Floating for Increased Motivation/Elimination of Addictive Behaviors  The use of flotation therapy for the elimination of addictive behaviors has been well-documented. It seems to be particularly effective when used as a complement to other therapies, including hypnotherapy (David). Studies with follow-ups from 18 months to 5 years show an average abstinence from smoking rate of about 50 % when flotation therapy is combined with other treatments (David). This is a much higher average than other single-treatment modalities. For example, the nicotine patch alone has been found to be only 5 % effective, while the use of antidepressants have been 40 to 50 % effective, but without long-term follow-up studies (David). The way flotation therapy seems to help with regard to addictive behaviors and motivation again centers around its role in facilitating the release of endorphins. These natural pain relieving substances seem to help with the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms associated with addiction. In this way, flotation therapy offers the important benefit of helping eliminate cravings, thus decreasing the chance of a relapse episode (David). The relaxing nature of the therapy also influences the floater to have a more positive outlook on the rest of the treatment program and to be more open to suggestions made by the practitioner. Effects of Flotation Therapy on the Mind  When a person lies in a flotation tank, the brain gradually begins to relax, and brain waves shift from higher frequency Beta, to Alpha, and eventually Theta. As the brain waves shift into the Theta stage, endorphins are released which help to alleviate pain and fatigue and provide the floater with an overall sense of wellbeing (Paradise, 2009). Usually, the Theta stage is reached only before falling asleep for a brief period, but flotation therapy allows the person to enter the theta stage for a longer period, usually for a few minutes during the last half-hour portion of an hour long float session. During the Theta stage, the person experiences clear mental imagery. The Theta stage allows access to the right brain, which is associated with increased alertness, creativity, mental clarity, problem solving ability, and learning. General Health Improvements Promotes total calm and peaceful relaxation Eliminates fatigue and jet lag Improves sleep Alleviates stress (mental and physical) Energises, rejuvenates and revitalises Increases motivation, diminishes depression, anxiety and fear Facilitates freedom from habits, phobias and addictions Mental Benefits of Floatation Stimulates left/right brain synchronisation Shifts brain waves from beta to lower frequency alpha, theta and even delta Creates mental clarity, alertness Increases creativity, problem solving Heightens visualisation Deepens meditation Expands awareness, intensifies acuteness of all the senses, accelerates learning Enhances hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis  Physical Improvements of Floatation Decreases the production of cortisol, ACTH, lactic acid and adrenaline Increases production of endorphins Speeds up rehabilitation and recovery Relieves pain (arthritis, migraines, injuries and so on) Boosts immune function Improves circulation and distribution of oxygen and nutrients Reduces blood pressure, pulse, heart rate and oxygen consumption Improves athletic performance Helps prevent sports injuries, speeds healing processes |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 17584550 United States 04/17/2013 06:04 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
^Isaac^ User ID: 22410667 United States 04/17/2013 06:04 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I've never tried it. The nearest floating tank is in kc for me.... I want to try it while stoned. |
snook (OP) User ID: 35398860 United States 04/17/2013 06:21 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
snook (OP) User ID: 35398860 United States 04/17/2013 06:23 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |