Floatation therapy places people in a state that is known as or referred to as deep relaxation rendering our mind to go into ‘nothing else matters’ mode (theta state). This is the same state our brain is in when individuals are about to slip into a deep sleep or for fleeting seconds when waking up.
The entire gist behind the mechanics of floatation therapy or sensory deprivation tank therapy revolves around this deep relaxation during which time our brain readjusts the number of stress hormones it produces to a lower rate and increases the feel-good chemicals which are critical to good health. In a simpler narration, our bodies are optimized when we are subjected to floatation therapy which is the primary reason for subjects coming out of the therapy in better moods or happier states.
And as most of us are already aware off, happiness is a success factor towards attaining optimal health. Clinical evidence on floatation tank therapy had been scarce since its invention in the 60s and was only available in abundance at the turn of the century after the therapy had been introduced as an auxiliary treatment by medical faculties. Apart from enhanced immune response systems and better moods, the therapy was also found to promote quicker recovery from physical injuries, pain reduction, better focus, and a more balanced chemical spectrum.
Even the Epsom salt used in the solution of floatation therapy to create buoyancy plays a significant role in the scheme of things. Epsom salt contains magnesium and magnesium is one of the few elements that are able to seep through the skin and replenish the amount of magnesium needed by our bodies.
Our bodies need magnesium to maintain a healthy neurological system and cell functions and most of us generally suffer from an acute deficiency of magnesium brought on by unbalanced diets.
Bringing things into perspective, floatation therapy basically frees up brainpower during the therapy by creating a shield against external stimuli which generally keep the brain engaged. When this happens the brain is deceived into establishing the environment we are in as safe and brings down our fight or flight response to a minute level and move our brain into a state referred to as “deep relaxation”.
In this state the brain is in theta mode which is equivalent to the relaxation level that individuals who have practiced meditation for years are able to achieve. Floatation tank therapy, thus, is a shortcut that brings us to that state without the need for going through meditation training. The theta state of the mind is experienced by everybody for a few seconds when they are about to sleep or just when they awake and it has been observed that ‘eureka moments’ often take place soon after the brain steps out of this state of mind.
Added to the fact that float therapy is also affordable to most of us and these centers are found in most major cities, it has become a sort of popular ‘quickie retreat’ for people from all walks of life. Anything else that is able to deliver the same level of benefits from a medical or mental perspective would easily cost ten times more than floatation therapy.