The flotation therapy has gained popularity recently as it is deeply relaxing. Also known as sensory deprivation therapy, it is a therapy undertaken by floating in a warm salt water. You will be cut off from the world and its calming effect will have an influence on the way your body works. This experience also leaves an incredible impact on your brain. Here is how it works.
What Is Sensory Deprivation Therapy?
During a flotation therapy, you will be floating in a type of isolation tank. You are deprived of all sensory experience. This is the best way to take a break from your busy schedule – diminish or reduce all the sources of incoming stimuli. The loss of sensory output results in relaxation of your body. The hot tub or float tank will be filled with water mixed with Epsom salt. The presence of Epsom salt or technically magnesium sulfate gives buoyancy to the water and will keep you on the top of the water. You don’t need to swim; you just float. You float in skin-temperature water, wearing earplugs. As the water is heated to match the skin temperature, you may not feel the water.
This state will lead to a deep state of calmness and tranquility. Floating lowers the levels of cortisol, which is a stress hormone. This will help you stay calm during the process, reducing negative activities in the body. Thus, it is an effective stress-preventative method. It will also bring in mindfulness in your daily life. It could also alleviate muscle pain, depression, fatigue, and anxiety. Apart from that, there will be a tremendous effect on your blood flow, which will, in turn, have a productive effect on your body, including your brain. Let’s see how it is done.
How Floating Helps Your Brain Health
As we mentioned before, flotation enhances your full body circulation. Thus, oxygen is delivered efficiently to different parts of the body. With an improved blood supply, the brain will also function well. This vasodilation has numerous effects. As you know, efficient blood flow can lower hypertension, reduce the risk for cardiovascular diseases and even prevent erectile dysfunction.
Floating induces your brain to a deep relaxation stage. It is called a theta stage, a slower rate of the brainwave. During flotation, there will be an increase in the theta waves in our brain. People usually experience it when they practice intense mediation. Or it is similar to the stage we reach right before falling asleep or waking up. Whenever your brain produces theta brain waves, you feel relaxed and it brings in happiness. The increase in theta brainwaves is also linked to a positive effect on creativity. In the absence of any external stimuli, the brain is forced to come up with its own stimuli. Thus, you will be good at creative thinking.
Also, floating promotes the release of endorphins. Do you recollect the role of endorphins from your science classes? They are a group of hormones secreted within the brain and nervous system, with a number of physiological functions. They are known as the brain’s “feel-good chemicals.” As the levels of endorphins go high, we feel less stressed out. Floating ensures the release of endorphins, thus, raising your positive energy. This is highly beneficial for professional athletes as it helps them prepare their brains for activities that require visual-motor coordination.
Floating your way to optimal brain health is indeed a good idea. It does not have any known side effects. But, it may not work for everyone. However, if you feel anxious in an isolation tank or inside a small closed place, it’s better to stay away from this.
