Flotation therapy, also known as sensory deprivation therapy, is a treatment that involves lying in a soundproof, lightproof tank filled with warm water and Epsom salt. The high salt concentration allows you to float effortlessly. Many people report feeling deeply relaxed after a session of flotation therapy.
But is flotation therapy really worth it? Let's explore the potential benefits of flotation therapy and help you decide if it's worth trying.
The potential benefits of flotation therapy include stress relief, reduced anxiety, improved sleep, and pain relief. Let's take a closer look at each of these benefits.
One of the most common reasons people try flotation therapy is to relieve stress. The relaxation response is a physiological state that is the opposite of the fight-or-flight response. When we experience stress, our body releases cortisol, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and tension. In contrast, during the relaxation response, our body releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
Flotation therapy provides an environment in which it is easy to reach the relaxation response. The lack of stimulus (sound, light, gravity) allows your mind to quiet down and focus on relaxing your body. As a result, you may find that flotation therapy helps you manage stress both in the short term and long term.
For many people, anxiety is caused by rumination or repetitive negative thinking. When you're anxious, your mind fixates on worst-case scenarios and things that could go wrong. This can lead to a spiral of negative thinking that makes anxiety worse.
Flotation therapy can help break this cycle by providing time and space for your mind to quiet down. Without the constant input of sensory information, your mind is free to focus on other things—or nothing at all. This can provide relief from anxiety in the short term and may also help reduce your overall anxiety levels over time.
Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night. If you're struggling with insomnia, you may find that flotation therapy helps you get the rest you need. The relaxation response induced by flotation therapy can help reduce racing thoughts and make it easier to fall asleep. In addition, magnesium sulfate—one of the key ingredients in Epsom salt—has been shown to improve sleep quality.
Several studies have shown that flotation therapy can help relieve pain associated with conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, and chronic back pain. One theory is that floatation therapy helps release endorphins—the body's natural painkillers—into the bloodstream. In addition, floating in warm water can help relax muscles and ease joint pain.
Flotation therapy offers a wide range of potential benefits, including stress relief, reduced anxiety, improved sleep, and pain relief. Book an appointment with us today, and we'll show you flotation therapy is worth it!
