{"id":8543,"date":"2021-09-08T10:34:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-08T14:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vacayou.com\/magazine\/?p=8543"},"modified":"2026-03-26T19:26:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T17:26:42","slug":"does-float-therapy-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vacayou.com\/magazine\/does-float-therapy-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Float Therapy Really Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Remember when indoor tanning was all the rage? Imagine a similar experience, except instead of lying in a tanning bed that emits ultraviolet rays to produce a cosmetic tan, you are lying in a float pod filled with highly concentrated Epsom salt water that induces deep relaxation.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also known as sensory deprivation, the idea behind float therapy is to remove all stimuli from the senses and drift into a meditative, dream-like state that rejuvenates mind and body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The float pod shuts out noises, lights and other distractions that prevent you from being fully present.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Add to this a high dose of magnesium sulfate dissolved in lukewarm water meant to match your body temperature and voil\u00e0\u2014an environment that allows the body to float effortlessly free from gravity, taking all pressure off joints, bones, muscles and mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"salt<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"float<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Pod Life & Floating Away<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So, just floating around and doing nothing is apparently good for us? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Float therapy is not some mumbo jumbo. The study of sensory deprivation originated in Canada in the 1950s, but it was American neuroscientist and psychologist John C. Lilly who invented the float tank in 1954.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lilly\u2019s water-filled tank was an experiment with sensory deprivation to discover what happens to the brain when deprived of external stimulation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since Lilly’s eccentric experiments, further studies on sensory deprivation have been conducted, evaluating restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST) as a purported treatment for a number of health issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Floatation REST not only temporarily limits sensory input but also slows down the brain rhythms and releases theta waves, resulting in increased creativity and enhanced problem-solving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, ancient wisdom cites that salt therapy is an effective cure to ease stress and muscle soreness; modern wisdom, on the other hand, alleges that sensory deprivation is a therapeutic tool used for better sleep, more happiness and improved athletic performance.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"New<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Acupuncture\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"holistic<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Experience Nothing; Gain Everything <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Float therapy is backed by decades of science and offers positive benefits for healing body, mind and spirit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jamie Dorn is a personal trainer and holistic life coach at Elevated Life Coaching<\/a> based in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Taking a holistic approach to wellness means she addresses all aspects of her client\u2019s life\u2014honing in on dietary, physical and emotional goals and needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFloat therapy has grown in popularity in the holistic health scene and can provide the same benefits as other New Age alternative healing modalities such as yoga, sound baths and acupuncture,\u201d says Jamie.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"float<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The experience floaters enjoy even after one float is described as eye-opening. Being submerged in a near-zero gravity environment allows the body to feel weightless and the brain to be free. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPure curiosity drew me to my first float experience,\u201d says Jamie.\u00a0\u201cI am a lover of meditation and was interested to learn how floating would help me experience the present moment. I was also interested in learning how floating could be a complementary treatment for anxiety and back pain.\u201d \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jamie quickly discovered three benefits that float therapy has on mental and physical well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Don't<\/figure>
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1. Relax<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Floating is a good stress outlet and can ease symptoms of anxiety<\/a>. Floating activates the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing the heart rate and helping you get into relaxation mode. When this nervous system is in use, that\u2019s when healing, replenishment and relaxation can begin. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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2. Revive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Floating can benefit people with chronic pain conditions like arthritis as well as play an important role in sports recovery. It also flushes out toxins, which in turn helps ease muscle pain. Most importantly, floating helps you bounce back faster from workouts by decreasing the build-up of lactic acid. <\/p>\n<\/div>

\"Muscle<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Creativity\"<\/figure>
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3. Focus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Floating facilitates creative insights and heightens visualization to help reach the \u201cflow state.\u201d As your brain cycles between theta and alpha wave patterns, you can gain total mental clarity. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Post<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What to Expect as a First-Timer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While float therapy is not for everyone, getting tanked is easier than you think. Jamie shares pointers to help you embrace a float mindset. <\/p>\n\n\n\n