Float Therapy History & Benefits

Float Therapy

History & Benefits

Float therapy, also known as sensory deprivation therapy, has recently gained popularity as a way to relax and reduce stress. But did you know that the concept of float therapy dates back to the 1950s? In this blog, we’ll explore the history of float therapy and some of its potential benefits.

The history of float therapy begins with Dr. John C. Lilly, a neuroscientist interested in exploring the effects of sensory deprivation on the brain. In 1954, Lilly constructed the first isolation tank, essentially a soundproof and lightproof chamber filled with water heated to body temperature and saturated with Epsom salt. The high salt concentration allowed a person to float effortlessly on the water’s surface, creating a sense of weightlessness.

Lilly and his colleagues conducted numerous experiments with the isolation tank, monitoring participants’ brain waves and behavior as they floated. They found that sensory deprivation could induce a deeply relaxed state and alter consciousness and perception. Lilly coined the term “isolation tank” to describe the device, later known as a float tank or float pod.

In the 1970s, commercial float tanks began to appear in the United States and other countries, and float therapy began to gain a wider audience. In the decades since, float therapy has continued to evolve, with the development of new types of float tanks and the introduction of various techniques, such as guided meditation and music.

So, what are the benefits of float therapy? Evidence suggests that float therapy can positively affect the mind and body.

Firstly, float therapy is known to be an effective stress reliever. The sensory deprivation environment can help to quiet the mind and reduce anxiety, allowing the body to enter a state of deep relaxation. Studies have shown float therapy can decrease cortisol, the hormone associated with stress, and lower blood pressure and heart rate.

In addition to reducing stress, float therapy has positively impacted mood. The deep relaxation induced by float therapy can improve feelings of well-being and happiness and may even help to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Float therapy can also be beneficial for physical health. The Epsom salt used in the water is high in magnesium, essential for healthy muscle function, and can help alleviate soreness and inflammation. Floating in the zero-gravity environment can also relieve pressure on the joints and spine, making it a good option for people with chronic pain conditions.

Finally, float therapy may have cognitive benefits as well. The sensory deprivation environment can enhance creativity and focus and improve memory and learning. Studies have shown that float therapy can increase the production of theta brain waves, which are associated with relaxation and creativity.

The history of float therapy is one of scientific inquiry and innovation, and the potential benefits of this practice continue to be explored. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve your mood, or relax, float therapy may be worth considering as a part of your self-care routine.