Float Tanks: The Ultimate Sensory Deprivation Experience
If you're looking for a unique and transformative experience, float tanks might be just what you need. This post explores the world of sensory deprivation and float tanks, diving into the benefits, the experience, and tips for preparing for your first float. You'll learn how floating can help with stress, anxiety, and pain relief, and how the weightless and peaceful environment can allow you to disconnect from the outside world and enter a state of complete relaxation. Whether you're a seasoned floater or considering trying it out for the first time, this post has everything you need to know.
Introduction
Float tanks, also known as isolation tanks or sensory deprivation tanks, are a type of therapy that involves floating in a small, enclosed tank filled with water and Epsom salt. The water is heated to skin temperature, which creates a weightless and sensory-deprived environment that allows individuals to disconnect from external stimuli and experience deep relaxation.
In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of float tanks and how they work, as well as share some tips for getting the most out of your float tank experience. Whether you are looking to unwind after a long day or are seeking relief from chronic pain, float tanks can offer a unique and rejuvenating experience.
Whilst float tanks may be referred to as a form of sensory deprivation, it is actually quite an intense sensory experience. The feeling of the water on one’s skin, as well as the floating sensation itself from a proprioceptive point of view as well as the temperature can provide quite a different sensory input from our usual experience.
History of Float Tanks
Float tanks, also known as isolation tanks or sensory deprivation tanks, were developed by John C. Lilly in the 1950s. Lilly, a neuroscientist, created the first float tank as a tool for sensory deprivation research. Early studies using float tanks focused on the effects of sensory deprivation on brain function and behavior.
Lilly was interested in exploring the effects of sensory deprivation on the brain. Today, float tanks are popular in the wellness industry and are used for a variety of purposes, including stress relief, pain management, and enhancing creativity and productivity.
What Happens During a Float Tank Session?
A float tank is a small, enclosed tank filled with water that has a high concentration of Epsom salts. The salt water makes the body buoyant, allowing the individual to float effortlessly. The tank is designed to eliminate all external stimuli, including sound, light, and touch. During a float tank session, the individual is completely alone with their thoughts.
To prepare for a float tank session, it is recommended to avoid caffeine and to shower before entering the tank. Earplugs are provided to eliminate sound, and the tank can be left open or closed depending on personal preference.
During the session, individuals typically experience a deep sense of relaxation and may enter a meditative state. Some may even fall asleep. The lack of external stimuli allows the brain to enter a state of deep relaxation, which can have numerous benefits for mental and physical health.
Benefits of Float Tanks
Research has shown that float tanks can provide a range of benefits, including pain reduction, stress reduction, increased well-being, and relief from burn-out syndrome. Float tanks can also complement psychotherapy by allowing individuals to explore their thoughts and emotions in a safe, supportive environment.
The Science Behind Float Tanks
The exact mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of float tanks are still being studied. Theories include the role of physiological markers like stress hormones and endorphins, as well as the potential involvement of the endogenous cannabinoid system.
Altered States of Consciousness and Transpersonal Experiences
The sensory deprivation experienced during a float tank session can lead to altered states of consciousness, which are characterized by changes in perception, thought, and emotion. Common experiences during float tank sessions include a sense of timelessness and a feeling of being disconnected from the body.
Some individuals may also have transpersonal experiences, which involve a sense of connection to something larger than the self. These experiences can have profound effects on one's sense of meaning and purpose in life.
Are there any negative effects or other considerations?
While float tanks are generally considered safe and beneficial, some people can definitely experience negative effects from the experience. Here are some of the potential negative effects of float tanks:
Claustrophobia: Some individuals may feel anxious or claustrophobic in the enclosed space of a float tank. This can be particularly true for those who are not used to being in small, enclosed spaces.
Nausea: Floating in a tank can cause some individuals to feel nauseous, particularly if they experience motion sickness. This is usually due to the sensation of floating and the lack of sensory input.
Disorientation: The lack of sensory input and the weightlessness of floating can cause some individuals to feel disoriented and dizzy. This can be particularly true for those who are not used to the sensation of floating.
Panic: In rare cases, individuals may experience panic or anxiety during a float tank session. This can be due to a fear of the unknown or a fear of losing control.
It is important to note that these negative effects are not a given, and people might experience any adverse effects from float tank sessions. For people with a history or trauma, PTSD, or cPTSD or other mental health conditions, it is worth being cautious. On the flip side, doing a float might actually be a form of an exposure task and help with practising distress tolerance.
If you are concerned about any potential negative effects, it is always a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider or the people at the float business before trying a float tank session. Additionally, if you do experience any negative effects during a session, it is important to stop the session immediately and speak with the staff at the float tank facility.
Conclusion
Float tanks and sensory deprivation offer a unique and effective tool for relaxation, stress reduction, and personal exploration, without substances such as psychedelics. While the science behind the benefits of float tanks is still being explored, the experiences of some people who have used them are overwhelmingly positive. Float tanks offer a way to disconnect from the demands of daily life and reconnect with one's inner self.