Sensory deprivation floatation therapy, also known as floatation therapy, float meditation or isolation therapy, involves laying in a specially designed tank filled with water and Epsom salt, creating a buoyant environment. The sensory deprivation float tank is soundproof and lightproof, providing a sensory-deprived experience where users can disconnect from external stimuli.
Floating is short for “Floating rest”, or as science refers to the relaxation method – * Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique *. The method was developed in the USA in 1954, but first came to the Nordic countries in 1985, when the first center opened in Sweden. Floating is described as a shortcut to deep relaxation. Where meditation and yoga require you to learn certain techniques, here you can just lie down and flow into total relaxation. The method has been well known among athletes for many years and interest among the medical profession is growing.
When floating, the body lies in a tank with 25 cm deep salt water that maintains 34.8 degrees. Air, salt water and skin have the same temperature inside the tank. This creates a feeling of weightlessness and all the muscles in the body are allowed to relax. The brain also gets rest from the sound and light of the surroundings. Epsom salt * (magnesium sulphate) * is added to the water, calms the nervous system and makes the muscles relax. A typical treatment lasts for one hour.
Floating can be something for you who are stressed, burnt out or have trouble sleeping. It can also be beneficial if you have a headache, poor blood circulation, high blood pressure or tense muscles in the shoulders and neck after heavy physical work or exercise. Torstein Norlander, professor of psychology at the Medical University of Karlstad, is behind a study that shows that floating reduces stress-related pain and depression, among other things. It is recommended that you take time to relax a bit after the treatment to maximize the effect.