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Self Care in 2025 In today's fast-paced world, finding moments of true relaxation is more crucial than ever. Enter the world of floatation tanks and infrared saunas – two unique wellness experiences that offer a powerful combination of stress relief, pain management, and overall well-being. Why Consider These Two Powerhouses in 2025? Let Stress Melt Away: Floatation Tanks:  Experience the magic of weightlessness as you float effortlessly in a sensory deprivation environment. This profound relaxation can quiet your mind, ease muscle tension, and leave you feeling deeply rejuvenated. Infrared Saunas:  Immerse yourself in the gentle warmth of infrared heat. This deeply penetrating heat relaxes muscles, reduces stress hormones, and promotes a profound sense of calm. Sleep Soundly: Floatation Tanks:  The deep relaxation experienced in a float tank can prepare your body for optimal sleep. Infrared Saunas:  Infrared heat can increase melatonin production, a hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle, leading to improved sleep quality. Pain Relief: Floatation Tanks:  The buoyancy of the floatation tank reduces pressure on joints and muscles, offering relief from various types of pain. Infrared Saunas:  Infrared heat increases blood flow and reduces inflammation, providing soothing relief for aches and pains. Detoxification Powerhouse: Floatation Tanks:  Epsom salt in the floatation solution helps draw toxins from your body through the skin. Infrared Saunas:  Infrared saunas induce deep sweating, which can effectively eliminate toxins from your body. Sharpen Your Mind: Floatation Tanks:  The reduced sensory environment in a float tank can quiet the mind, improving focus and concentration. Infrared Saunas:  Increased blood flow and oxygenation to the brain in an infrared sauna can enhance cognitive function and mental clarity. Ready to Experience the Benefits? Both floatation tanks and infrared saunas offer unique and transformative experiences. Consider incorporating them into your wellness routine in 2025 for a more relaxed, rejuvenated, and healthier you. Disclaimer:  Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new wellness practice, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

Breathwork for Floatation Therapy Floating is an increasingly popular way to unwind and meditate. It offers a unique escape from daily stress through sensory deprivation tanks. By integrating breathwork techniques into your floating experience, you can tap into even greater mental and physical benefits. In this post, we will explore practical breathwork practices to promote mindfulness and elevate your floating journey. Understanding Breathwork in the Context of Floating Breathwork encompasses various techniques that consciously regulate breathing patterns to achieve desired emotional and physical states. When practiced during floating sessions, breathwork amplifies feelings of calm and clarity. The soothing environment of a float tank is ideal for concentrating on your breath, allowing you to enter a state of deep inner stillness. Breathwork techniques can vary widely and can be customized to meet individual preferences. Alongside relaxation, these techniques can lead to emotional release, improved energy flow, and heightened focus. The Benefits of Breathwork While Floating Incorporating breathwork during float sessions can yield a range of benefits: Deep Relaxation : Breathwork triggers the body's relaxation response, effectively lowering stress and anxiety levels. A study found that regular practice can reduce cortisol levels by up to 30%. Enhanced Mindfulness : Focusing on breath maintains mental awareness, improving the meditative aspects of floating. Research indicates that breath-centered practices can increase mindfulness scores by 25% within weeks. Increased Oxygen Flow : Certain breathwork techniques improve oxygen flow, enhancing sensory experiences in the float tank. Enhanced oxygenation can positively impact mental clarity and energy levels. Emotional Release : Specific breathing patterns can help release pent-up emotions. This cathartic experience fosters a sense of lightness, both physically and mentally. Heightened Awareness : The combination of sensory deprivation and structured breathing allows for greater self-awareness, leading to valuable insights and personal growth. Popular Breathwork Techniques to Explore Diaphragmatic Breathing Diaphragmatic breathing, also known as deep or abdominal breathing, engages the diaphragm to promote deeper inhalations. Practicing this technique before floating helps release tension and allows for greater buoyancy in the water. How to Practice : Find a comfortable position, sitting or lying down. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Inhale deeply through the nose, letting your abdomen rise while keeping your chest still. Exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your abdomen fall. Practicing this for five minutes prior to floating can cultivate a sense of calm. Box Breathing Box breathing is a rhythmic technique that enhances focus during floating. It involves a structured pattern of inhalation, holding, exhalation, and holding, each lasting for the same length of time. How to Practice : Inhale through the nose for a count of four. Hold the breath for four counts. Exhale slowly through your mouth for four counts. Hold at the bottom for four counts. This method not only encourages mindful awareness but also helps regulate your breathing, fostering a clear mindset. Alternate Nostril Breathing This technique balances the body’s energies and promotes mental focus. By switching nostrils during your breath, you engage both brain hemispheres, enhancing relaxation. How to Practice : Sit comfortably and close your right nostril with the thumb of your right hand. Inhale deeply through your left nostril, close it with your ring finger, and open your right nostril to exhale. Inhale through the right nostril, close it, then exhale through the left. Continue for five rounds before entering your float tank. 4-7-8 Breathing This technique promotes relaxation and can significantly reduce anxiety. It is especially beneficial before a floating session. How to Practice : Inhale through the nose for four counts. Hold the breath for seven counts. Exhale completely through the mouth for eight counts. Repeat this cycle four to eight times to encourage a calm mindset. Preparing for Your Floating Session To make the most of breathwork during your float, consider the following tips: Choose the Right Environment : Select a float tank that feels comfortable and peaceful for your session. Practice Breathwork Before Floating : Spend five to ten minutes using breathwork techniques in a quiet area prior to entering the tank. Set Your Intentions : Reflect on what you aim to achieve during your float, whether that's relaxation, emotional release, or clarity. Stay Present : Once inside the tank, maintain awareness of your breathing without overwhelming yourself with different techniques. Listen to Your Body : Pay attention to your body's signals throughout the experience and adjust your breathing as needed. Discovering the Depths of Breath and Floating Incorporating breathwork into your floating sessions can unlock new levels of relaxation, insight, and self-discovery. Whether you choose diaphragmatic breathing, box breathing, or another technique, focusing on your breath enhances both the meditative aspect of floating and its transformative effects. As you embark on your floating journey, remember that your breath is a powerful tool. By honing your breathwork techniques, your float tank can become not only a place of physical buoyancy but also a sanctuary for profound relaxation and mental clarity. Explore these techniques, discover what resonates, and elevate your floating experience to new heights.

As we transition into the Autumn season, it’s essential to focus on strengthening our immune systems to stay healthy and resilient. One of the most effective and relaxing ways to do this is through the use of infrared saunas. This Autumn, we’re excited to highlight the incredible benefits of infrared saunas for your health. Harnessing the Power of Heat Shock Proteins Infrared saunas work by emitting infrared light, which is absorbed by the skin and heats the body from within. This process stimulates the production of heat shock proteins (HSPs), which play a crucial role in protecting cells from stress and enhancing immune function. HSPs help repair damaged proteins and improve cellular resilience, making your body more robust against infections and illnesses. The Science of Hormesis Hormesis is a biological phenomenon where a beneficial effect results from exposure to low doses of an agent that is otherwise harmful at higher doses. In the context of infrared saunas, the mild stress induced by heat exposure triggers hormesis, leading to improved immune response and overall health. This controlled stress helps your body adapt and strengthen, preparing it to better handle future challenges. Why Choose Infrared Saunas? Detoxification: Sweating in an infrared sauna helps eliminate toxins from the body, supporting liver and kidney function. Improved Circulation: The heat increases blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs. Stress Reduction: The soothing warmth of the sauna promotes relaxation and reduces stress, which is vital for maintaining a strong immune system. Understanding the Science Infrared saunas elevate the body’s core temperature, mimicking the natural fever response that helps combat infections. This increase in temperature primes the immune system, making it more effective at fighting off seasonal illnesses. The deep penetration of infrared heat into tissues raises core body temperature, preparing the immune system for the challenges of the colder months. Navigating Stress and Aging Modern life often brings stress, which can weaken immune resilience by increasing cortisol levels. Infrared saunas help counteract this by reducing cortisol and inducing mild oxidative stress, which can strengthen the immune response. Aging also poses challenges to immune health, as it can impair the body’s ability to replenish immune cells. Infrared saunas, particularly those emitting near-infrared wavelengths, show promise in stimulating mitochondrial function and mitigating age-related immune decline. Embracing Sleep and Circadian Rhythms Deep sleep is crucial for maintaining a strong immune system. However, disruptions to circadian rhythms, often exacerbated by reduced light exposure in cooler months, can compromise this defense. Infrared saunas can help restore sleep patterns by mimicking natural temperature fluctuations, thereby reinforcing immunity. Experience the Benefits Take the opportunity to experience the rejuvenating effects of infrared saunas and give your immune system the boost it needs. Whether you’re looking to prevent seasonal colds or simply want to enhance your overall well-being, infrared saunas offer a natural and effective solution. Explore the benefits of infrared saunas and step into the new season with a stronger, healthier you! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further information about infrared saunas. We’re here to support your wellness journey every step of the way.

For most of us catching Covid now means nothing more serious than a few days in bed, but for many others the covid-19 era is not over yet. There are a great number of people who are still suffering with long-Covid, which continues to have a huge impact on their daily lives. Over the past 2.5 years (Nov 2021 - May 2024) Floating Point has been supporting long Covid patients with recovery and managing their symptoms via BLIS (Berkshire Long Covid Integration Service) which have included the following, - Fatigue - Brain Fog - Problems Sleeping - Joint and muscle pain - Depression - Anxiety All 80 participants in this case study had been suffering with long Covid symptoms for a minimum period of 6 months. Their treatment plan consisted of two 60 min float sessions and one 40 min infrared sauna session, this was over a period of 4 weeks with 10 days between treatments. We tracked and recorded data via specially designed research questionnaires that were completed pre and post treatments to ascertain the efficacy of the treatments in relation to reducing long covid symptoms. The most common symptoms across all participants were fatigue, brain fog, depression and anxiety. Here are the key results from the case study, The infrared sauna had the biggest impact on the severity of fatigue, there was an overall average decrease of 2 positions on the scale within the parameters of 0 being not present & 10 being life disturbing. There were a few participants where their fatigue levels dropped by 3 points. Eg. 7 to 4. This was an overall drop in severity of fatigue symptoms of around 25%. The results from the floatation therapy sessions also point to a decrease in the severity of fatigue, again with an average decrease of 2 positions on the scale within the parameters of 0 being not present & 10 being life disturbing. This was an overall drop in severity of fatigue symptoms by 20%. There was also a decrease in levels of anxiety, with an overall average decrease of 2 positions on the scale, with 5 participants dropping by 3 positions. This was also the case for levels of depression, where there was an average decrease of 2 positions on the scale within the parameters of 0 being not depressed & 10 being extremely depressed. This was an overall drop in severity of depression and anxiety by 20%. There is a good bank of quality research that highlights the benefits of floating for the reduction of anxiety and stress. This was definitely noticeable for many of the participants, we had one participant who was having panic attacks 6+ times a week, following their first float session they had 2 panic attacks all week. Research published in PLoS ONE by Dr Justin Feinstein (2018) 13, specifically noted how floating affects people with signs of stress, depression, and anxiety. After just one float participants mood improved and anxiety was reduced. The Infrared sauna had a noticeable impact on the reduction of fatigue and brain fog in the days after their sauna session. Robust evidence suggests that sauna use promotes mild hyperthermia, which, in turn, induces a wide array of beneficial physiological responses. These responses reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and activate cellular defence systems such as heat shock proteins, which provide protection against many diseases. Both treatments had a very positive impact on the participants, it gave their minds and bodies a chance to rest, recharge & relax which is important. Managing long Covid is mentally and physically challenging, floating and the infrared sauna have shown to be beneficial in both these areas and improving quality of life. An overall decrease in levels of fatigue, brain fog, anxiety and depression by an average of 20% is quite a significant drop for those suffering with long Covid. We hope to help many more people moving forward. We have seen a number of patients return and seen further improvements to their overall health and wellbeing. Here are a few comments from the participants, 'The day following my IR Sauna I woke with a clear head (very rare since having Covid) and feeling energised. I have had 2 good night’s sleep and feel less fatigued and more alert.’ ‘I feel less stressed and anxious after the sessions.’ ‘I felt less stressed and had less anxiety attacks.’ ‘The float did help me with focusing on my breathing, and relaxing.’ ‘I felt so relaxed and chilled, I thought I would be anxious as it was the 1st time, I had done anything like this before. Michael was so nice and welcoming, and the facilities was so calm and clean. My body pain was so much lower after and still several hours later. It will be interesting to see how my body feels tomorrow. I suffer from depression and my brain has not felt this empty for years if that makes sense.’ ‘Slept well. Able to clean windows today without feeling burnt out.’ ‘I felt a real feeling of boosted energy after my session. Felt extremely relaxed and this feeling stayed with me over next few days too. I managed to also play my mixed badminton for the 1st time. My breathing has also felt easier.’ ‘For my own individual needs, I found the infrared Sauna very relaxing and allowed me to destress a lot.’ ‘I am feeling more energised generally and though I still get bit breathless and have some days when I get very wiped out, I mainly feel like I am able to do more. I push myself at work now but still Not fully up to managing my normal exercise level yet. Hopefully it will be something I introduce soon again.’ If you are managing long-covid or are suffering with some of the associated symptoms please get in touch with us. For more information on reducing cortisol levels and inflammation please read the previous blog post

Poor and insufficient sleep are a major public health problem, with more 1 in 3 adults not getting the high-quality rest they need to meet their sleep needs. Sleep deprivation contributes to chronic disease, accident and injury risks, compromised cognitive performance, social and emotional dysfunction, reduced mortality, and a lower quality of life. Improving sleep can have nothing short of transformational, life-altering, life-extending effects, and float therapy can serve as a solution for sleep issues. Sleep problems—including restless, unrefreshing sleep and insomnia—develop for any number of reasons. Psychological stress, anxiety and depression, physical pain and inflammation, stimulation from the constantly buzzing, brightly-lit world we occupy—these and other factors all contribute to today’s widespread problems with sleep. Scientific evidence going back decades shows the benefits that float therapy has in addressing sleep problems. Research shows that regular float sessions lead to improvements in symptoms of insomnia, and a shortening of the time it takes to fall asleep, and improves both sleep amounts and sleep quality. Some fascinating recent research indicates that float therapy alters brain activity to look more like the lighter stages of sleep itself, when we’re in a deeply relaxed, mixed state of consciousness. One of the most promising scientific findings about floatation REST and sleep? Many studies show that the benefits for sleep that come from floating can last for several weeks or months, and even longer when a regular floating routine is maintained as a long-term practice. What’s behind these benefits? Floating triggers a series of bio-chemical and neurological changes that directly support healthy, sound sleep. Those same floatation-induced changes also improve physiological and psychological health—and those improvements in turn help serve as a solution for sleep. Let’s take a closer look. Floating’s sleep-promoting pathways Floating lowers cortisol. Cortisol is intricately connected to both stress and sleep. A stimulating, alerting hormone, cortisol—like the body’s other hormones—runs on a 24-hour bio clock in the body. Cortisol levels rise to their peak first thing in the morning, and fall to their lowest levels in the middle of the night. High cortisol levels typically go hand in hand with diminished levels of melatonin, a hormone that is essential for paving our way to sleep each night. Elevated cortisol levels can interfere with sleep and in turn, a lack of sleep can aggravate cortisol levels outside of a healthy range. Too-high cortisol throws the body’s bio clock—it’s 24-hour circadian timekeeper—off course, which causes sleep problems and increases risks for disease. There’s a strong and growing body of research that shows significant reductions to cortisol from floating. Floating reduces stress. Unfortunately, many people live in a state of hyperarousal, with chronic stress that interferes with sleep, disrupts circadian rhythms, and strains the body’s immune system.  The lack of external stimuli in the float environment has the effect of all but eliminating the body’s stress response, breaking the hold of mental and physical hyperarousal and hypervigilance. Spikes in cortisol are one major component of that response. Floating appears to take us out of “flight or fight and moves us into “rest and recover.” There’s a growing body of research showing that beyond lowering cortisol, floating can lead to reductions in other key physiological and psychological signs of stress and anxiety. Float therapy has been shown to: lower blood pressure, reduce stress related muscle pain and tension, improve fatigue and lower anxiety levels, while increasing positive mood, energy, and relaxation. Floating boosts slow, sleep-like brain waves.  Several studies demonstrate how floatation therapy can move people into different, more relaxed states of consciousness, including the kind of deep relaxation where time perception is altered and creativity is enhanced. Recent analysis shows that the mind’s consciousness during floating may take on characteristics of Stages 1 and 2 sleep. And other studies have shown that floating increases the presence of low frequency delta and theta brain waves, which are also present during sleep. These changes are similar to what happens in the brain during meditation.  Meditation also alters brain activity, decreasing high-frequency beta waves and increasing low-frequency theta wave activity in different parts of the brain. A waking brain that’s populated with theta waves is likely to be in a state of flow—that wandering, daydreaming, internally focused state of consciousness that is linked to creativity and to mental rejuvenation, as well as to the onset of sleep. The universal benefits of floating like these make it a great solution for sleep problems for every demographic. The psychological benefits of floating for sleep Anxiety and depression are major sleep-disruptors. When these conditions improve, so does sleep. Anxiety and depression often occur together, and one or both are present in a significant majority of individuals with sleep problems. Some of the most promising recent research investigating float therapy involves its impact on anxiety and depression, and other mental health conditions that co-occur with them. Research shows that a series of regular float sessions can significantly reduce symptoms anxiety and depression, and improve our ability to regulate emotions. As one 2018 study demonstrates, even a single float session can work quickly to provide short term relief for both anxiety and depression. Alongside reductions to the psychological symptoms of anxiety, floating also can ease anxiety’s physical symptoms, including muscle tension and elevated blood pressure. Scientists have documented the increase in the degree of interoceptive awareness that comes from floating. Interoceptive awareness is an awareness of the self, of body, mind, and feelings. Enhanced interoceptive awareness is one of the hallmarks of a mindful, meditative state—and it’s one essential part of what makes meditation and mindfulness so effective in helping us sleep better, as well as treating emotional dysregulation, stress, physical pain and psychological conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder. The physiological benefits of floating for sleep Just as psychological stress creeps in to our daily lives and takes its toll on sleep and well being, physical pain also creates an ongoing, sleep-disruptive presence in our lives, often without our full awareness. Stress and pain frequently occur together, reinforcing one another in a cycle that’s especially challenging for sleep. That debilitating cycle of poor sleep, stress, and pain can also lead people to seek help from prescription sleep and pain medications, or to self-medication with alcohol, caffeine and other drugs. A possible solution for sleep could be reducing your overall pain. Pain relief is one of the most prominent benefits of floatation REST therapy, according to research. Studies have documented how floating can help a range of pain-related conditions, including: Muscle tension and stress-related pain. Our “fight or flight” stress response—with the excitatory hormones and inflammation surges that come with it—is a primary trigger for pain. Floatation therapy is effective in reducing muscle pain and the physical pain connected to psychological stress, including headache, neck and back pain. Finding relief for chronic and intermittent physical pain ant the psychological frustration that goes with it can remove major impediments for many adults who struggle to get the sleep they need. Fibromyalgia. Sleep troubles are a core symptom of fibromyalgia. Float therapy can help people with fibromyalgia floatation therapy on fibromyalgia reduce pain sensitivity and pain intensity, reduce muscle tension and improve ease of movement, and lower anxiety. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis is almost always accompanied by sleep problems. Float therapy has been shown to benefit two of the most common types of arthritis. Studies show that floatation rest is effective in treating pain, increasing strength and range of motion in people with rheumatoid arthritis, and improving pain and function in osteoarthritis, while also addressing the stress and anxiety that accompanies the condition. Exercise recovery.  The practice of floating can help the body heal and recover after exercise, according to recent research. This 2013 study found that a one-hour float session after vigorous exercise resulted in significant reductions to pain sensitivity as well as significantly lower levels of blood lactate, a compound produced by the body during intense exertion. Exercise and sleep reinforce one another. Less pain means better rest, which translates to a more consistent exercise routine, and even better sleep. Float therapy can be an amazing experience that can act as a solution for sleep issues, book in for a chat to see how we can help you get more rest. Check out the podcast I recorded with Riley Jarvis 'The Sleep Consultant'. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYNKK_moyhA&t=5s

Flotation therapy, also known as restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST), is a relaxation technique that involves floating in a tank filled with Epsom salt water. The tank is dark and soundproof, which helps to reduce sensory stimulation and promote deep relaxation. Flotation therapy has been shown to have a number of benefits for athletes, including reducing muscle soreness, improving mood, and promoting better sleep. A recent study published in the journal Performance Enhancement & Health investigated the effects of flotation therapy on muscle soreness and mood in elite athletes. The study included 60 elite athletes from a variety of sports. The athletes completed a modified multidimensional mood-state questionnaire and a visual analogue scale to assess muscle soreness immediately before and 10 minutes after a flotation session. The results of the study showed that flotation therapy significantly reduced muscle soreness and improved mood in the athletes. The largest effect sizes were seen for the mood-state variables "worn-out," "at ease," "tense," "fresh," and "exhausted." The study also found that napping during a flotation session did not provide any additional benefits in terms of muscle soreness or mood. However, the researchers noted that the sample size for the napping group was relatively small, so further research is needed to confirm these findings. The researchers concluded that flotation therapy is a safe and effective way for elite athletes to reduce muscle soreness and improve mood. They suggested that flotation therapy could be used as a regular recovery strategy for athletes, particularly during periods of intense training or competition. Practical implications for athletes The findings of this study suggest that flotation therapy could be a valuable tool for elite athletes to improve their recovery and performance. Flotation therapy can help to reduce muscle soreness, improve mood, and promote better sleep. All of these factors can contribute to improved athletic performance. Here are some specific ways that flotation therapy could be used by athletes: To recover from a tough workout or competition: Flotation therapy can help to reduce muscle soreness and improve mood after a tough workout or competition. This can help athletes to feel fresher and more energized for their next training session or competition. To prepare for a competition: Flotation therapy can help athletes to relax and focus on the lead-up to a competition. This can help them to perform at their best. To manage stress and anxiety: Flotation therapy can help athletes to manage stress and anxiety, both of which can have a negative impact on performance. If you enjoy sport on any level, I encourage you to consider trying flotation therapy to see if it can help you to improve your recovery and performance.

Floating, can be a powerful tool for exploring consciousness and the inner workings of the mind. In this post, we'll explore how floating can facilitate consciousness exploration and how you can use this unique therapy to enhance your personal growth and self-discovery. What is consciousness exploration? Consciousness exploration refers to the practice of examining and investigating one's own consciousness, thoughts, and feelings. It involves delving deep into the inner workings of the mind, and exploring the nature of reality and the self. Consciousness exploration can be achieved through various practices such as meditation or floatation therapy. How does floating facilitate consciousness exploration? Floating is a unique therapy that can facilitate consciousness exploration in several ways. The reduction of external stimuli such as light and sound - can help to quiet the mind and bring attention to the internal workings of the body and mind. This can allow for a deep sense of relaxation and introspection, creating an ideal environment for consciousness exploration. Additionally, the weightlessness of the body in the water can help to create a feeling of detachment from the physical body, which can be useful for exploring the nature of the self and the ego. Many people report experiencing profound insights, clarity, and heightened states of awareness during floatation therapy. How can you use floating for consciousness exploration? If you're interested in using floating for consciousness exploration, here are some tips to get started: 1. Set an intention for your floatation session. What do you want to explore or learn about yourself? What questions do you want to ask? 2. Practice mindfulness and awareness during your float. Try to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment or attachment. 3. Use visualization or guided meditation exercises to explore different aspects of your consciousness, such as your inner child, past traumas, or future aspirations. Overall, floating can be a powerful tool for consciousness exploration and personal growth. Whether you're looking to gain clarity, insight, or a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you, floatation therapy can help you to achieve a state of relaxation and introspection that is ideal for exploring the inner workings of the mind.

Many people have some fear or concern before they use the Pod for the first time. Fears such as being alone in the dark, drowning, not having enough air, claustrophobia, and others. These fears are usually the result of the thought or idea that YOU won't be in control of the situation, but in this situation you are completely in control at all times. You can go in and out of the Pod as you please. You can use the Pod with the door completely open, you can keep it partially open, or you can close it. There is an interior light. You can turn that light off or leave it on. There is no particular way to use the pod that is more correct than another. Any way you use it that is comfortable for you, is correct. If you close the door while inside the Pod, once the light is turned off it is completely dark and that may be disorienting. When you get in and before you lie down, open and close the door several times, noticing how it feels different from the other surfaces. If at any time you try to push the door and it doesn't open, it's not the door. The solution within the Pod is only 25cm deep. It is made up of 40% Epsom salt. You can't sink in the Pod, regardless of your size and fitness level. You will float effortlessly and it is 100% safe to sleep in the Pod. Since there is no pressure or hot spots anywhere on the body, you do not have the desire to toss and turn the way you do while on a mattress. If you *were* to somehow roll over while sleeping in the Pod, you would wake up the very instant the salt water touched your eyes or sinuses. The Pod is designed so that it is not airtight. You'll have plenty of air. To keep the Pod air fresher, an air circulation system brings additional air from the room. The air enters at the front of the Pod. You normally float with your head at that end. You can also brace the door open slightly if this is more comfortable for you. The Magic of Near Zero Sensory Input Of those that come to us with a phobia-based fear, we would say 90% of them settle right in to their first session without any issue. For the remaining 10%, fears and concerns are typically dissolved by the second or third session. The float Pod itself is excellent at calming the mind and any fears it may harbor within it. This is simply the nature of the zero stimulation environment. We have had a surprising number of particularly sceptical clients complete a session and say something along the lines of "I just couldn't be afraid. I even tried to think of things that normally upset me, and they had no power over me while I was in there." The float pod is actually a wonderful place to work through your phobias and anxieties. The near zero stimulation environment triggers some pretty profound physical and mental effects. There is no pressure anywhere on the body. The solution is the optimal temperature for our bodily systems. Our brains aren't constantly processing input. We are no longer struggling against the pull of gravity. As a result our blood pressure is reduced; stress hormone levels fall and endorphins are released. This creates an immensely pleasurable experience. It is downright difficult to feel anxiousness or fear once you enter that incredibly soothing physical and mental space. People might assume that time drags along while doing nothing inside the Pod, but that could not be further from the truth. Once you reach the super-relaxed theta brainwave (lucid dream/meditation) state all concept of time vanishes. The session ends in what feels like mere minutes after that. It sounds counterintuitive at first, but most claustrophobic clients find having the door closed with the light off far more comforting than leaving the light on. The online photos of our float Pods are always a bit deceiving. They don't give an accurate sense of the Pods true size and interior space. Each Pod is about the size of a car and the interior is completely open. Once you lie back into the solution, you can stretch your arms up in front of you and you will not be able to reach the ceiling of the tank. We have had clients 6'5"+ float very comfortably here. Float Pods are not new. The safety record of floatation therapy is indisputable. Hundreds of thousands of people all over the world have enjoyed the benefits floating has to offer over the last 60+ years. To date, no sober floater has ever been seriously injured during a session. Expectations Realistic expectations are essential. Floating does come with a learning curve. The float experience resembles an onion. At first you might only get one or two layers deep. Whether you suffer from a phobia or not, it is important to recognize that it takes 3-5 sessions to REALLY get a feel for floating's potential. A great number of beginners settle right in and have an incredible first float, but for a number of others the initial sessions can be challenging. In the beginning you might find some difficulty getting physically comfortable within the new environment. You might not be able to quiet your thoughts. You may experience some fleeting feelings of claustrophobia or anxiety. You may even end your initial sessions early. THIS IS ALL COMPLETELY NORMAL.These challenges WILL be overcome if you choose to stick with the practice. The Pod always wins out in the end. If a challenge arises, you must ask yourself how badly you want the benefits that floating can provide. Ask yourself if you are willing to commit to the practice and push through the possible initial discomfort. It is best to view floating as an ever evolving path to improvement, much like a healthy diet, meditation or exercise regime. The benefits of floating are real, they are yours for the taking - but they may not come effortlessly. Floating is not a one shot miracle cure, but if you stick with it miraculous changes can happen. One of the greatest gifts floating can provide is the realization that YOU are truly the master of your own thoughts.

The phrase ‘switch off’ comes up during conversations at the centre. I am here to ‘switch off,’ ‘I almost switched off,’ ‘I totally switched off,’ or ‘I couldn’t quite switch off.’ If we had a penny for every time that phrase was used in a week, we would have quite a healthy sum of money. The desire to step away from reality and empty your mind appeals to a vast number of people. As we listen to people coin the term ‘switch off,’ I have been intrigued by why we are in search of such a feeling. It appears many of us are living inside our heads for so much of the time that we miss seizing the sights and sounds around us. We miss the smaller details, sipping a drink so we can savour it, the simple act of taking a breath or enjoying the warmth of water upon our skin. The float pod creates an environment for such wonderous feelings to take place, but it does not guarantee a ‘switched off’ experience. This is not necessarily a negative thing since our brain is such an extraordinary part of us. The fact that we can conjure up dreams in our deepest state is fascinating in its own way. Sometimes a switched on float may sound a bit like this; ‘I couldn’t stop thinking!’ – Perhaps this is the perfect time to think, maybe you have not had a minute to yourself all day and your brain needs to process all that has happened. Maybe it will provide you with greater clarity. ‘My mind was racing,’ - For first timers your mind may very well race as the experience can feel novel and surreal. For regulars, slowing down thoughts takes some practice and there is never a time where you will maintain one approach. Floats change all the time. ‘I was thinking about mundane tasks,’ – Your mind does not need to go into the deeper questions every second of the day; it’s ok if you thought about cooking or cleaning. Give your mind permission to have a break from the analytics of life. ‘I felt a little bored,’ - It’s not the destination but the journey that counts! Boredom is just the beginning of igniting a little or big spark to our imagination. In our overstimulated world, a lack of stimulation is ironically what your mind probably needs. These are just a few of things that can come up and when you read it over it does make a bit more sense. Yet it does beg certain questions, why do we struggle to embrace the thinking process? Do we tend to worry more or feel frightened by our own emotions? Is it much harder to confront the harder questions or the occasional mundane moments? Without over-thinking things, let’s try to break things down step by step. 1) Your breath is a focus point even if you are thinking, it is possible to bring yourself back to your breathing. Every time you do wonder off in your brain, practise counting to 10 then inhale and exhale. There is no set time for when you do this so guide yourself back when you feel ready. 2) Sometimes letting yourself feel at ease with thoughts and emotions involves slowing down. One exercise that may help is to pick a word from your thought processes to visualize. Watch that word float in the air. It does not matter what the word means; the point is to slow things right down so visualize just one word. 3) Fully immerse yourself into the ‘mundane task thinking’ that comes up. You may find some small pleasure in letting your mind drift into that state. There is no set way to relax so it is best to accept what comes up rather than fight it. 4) Give yourself permission to be bored because your mind may need it. Some of our best laid plans occur when we are bored as that time away from stimulation allows our brain to re-boot. The step-by-step process is not a definitive guide to to reach ‘nothingness’ in every float session. This blog post is a conversational piece which aims to highlight how some float sessions can be. We do not want to have unrealistic expectations of reaching nirvana. The expectations may prevent some of us from getting the most of out our sessions. We place too much ‘pressure’ on the desire to relax, too much emphasis on ‘not thinking,’ on ‘escapism.’ Our minds and bodies are powerful enough to know when to relax but we need to trust there may not be one set way to decompress. And guess what, this is ok! The beauty of floatation therapy means you end up feeling lighter regardless of what you did or did not think about. You have placed yourself in an environment where you can pause even if it is momentarily. No-one is asking anything from you, the opportunity to be alone is there and your body is free from the natural pull of gravity. Ultimately the idea of switching off does not need to take over as the state you are placed in is already doing what it needs to. You are completely free to be whoever and whatever you like in the pod. There is no need to expect, wait for something to happen or worry about why you are thinking because it is your unique experience.

There is nothing quite like a 20-minute sweat session in a sauna. You feel more relaxed and rested after you are done, and the heat helps relieve sore muscles and improves your overall health and well-being. But if the high temperatures of a traditional sauna are just too much for you to handle, an infrared sauna may offer the benefits of a sauna without the extreme heat. What is an Infrared Sauna? Unlike a traditional sauna, infrared saunas do not heat the air around you. Instead, they use infrared lamps (that use electromagnetic radiation) to warm your body directly. “These saunas use infrared panels instead of conventional heat to easily penetrate human tissue, heating up your body before heating up the air.” An infrared sauna can operate at a lower temperature (usually between 48˚C and 80˚C) than a traditional sauna. Manufacturers claim that in an infrared sauna, only about 20 percent of the heat goes to heat the air and the other 80 percent directly heats your body. Supporters of infrared saunas say the heat penetrates more deeply than warmed air. This allows you to experience a more intense sweat at a lower temperature. This environment is more tolerable, which allows you to stay in the sauna longer while increasing your core body temperature by two to three degrees. We have a Clearlight Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna; this sauna has three types of infrared waves in one sauna: · NEAR-infrared spectrum · MID-infrared spectrum · FAR-infrared spectrum The near-infrared (NIR) spectrum, delivered at the ideal wavelength of 880nm without extreme heat or light, stimulates your mitochondria (energy-producers of the cell) to promote immune cell growth and activity. It also helps reduce inflammation and pain and speeds healing. The mid-infrared (MIR) spectrum is a longer wavelength that penetrates deep into your tissues, helping the body to heal from within. The MIR spectrum increases circulation, speeds healing, and supports deep, restorative sleep. The far-infrared (FIR) spectrum is the longest wavelength, so it is deeply healing as it penetrates far into the body where toxins are stored. It raises your core body temperature and helps the body counteract stress. What are the benefits of an Infrared Sauna? The supposed benefits of using an infrared sauna are similar to those experienced with a traditional sauna. These include: Reducing stress Relief from sore muscles Pain relief Cardiovascular benefits Improves function of the immune system Reducing Stress We know that stress increases the levels of cortisol in the body, and it turns out that cortisol in turn lowers the body’s ability to fight off germs. Stress makes you more susceptible to catching a cold and becoming ill. Cohen, S., Tyrrell, DA., Smith, AP, (1991) In 2015 a Finnish study by Mero, A. Tornberg, J., Mäntykoski, M. Puurtinen, R. (2015) found that far infrared sauna bathing with its 3-4 cm penetration into tissue reduced cortisol levels in men who had just exercised. A review study by Shanshan S, Wang X, Chiang J. Y, Zheng L. (2015) also found far infrared therapy to be helpful for lowering cortisol. Offsetting heightened stress hormones like cortisol will help your body stay balanced and ready to fight off any bugs or viruses that comes along. Relief from sore muscles A small study conducted of 10 healthy, physically active men in 2015 concluded that the deeply penetrating heat of a Far Infrared Sauna set at mild temperatures and light humidity are “favourable.” A. Tornberg, J., Mäntykoski, M. Puurtinen, R. (2015) Additionally, in a NASA study done by Dr. Whelan et al. (2000) with near-infrared heat, determined that LED technology allows for deep penetration of tissue and increased cell growth from the inside. Finally, a 2003 study conducted by Kandolf-Sekulovic L, Kataranovski M, Pavlovic M.D, (2003) at the Department of Dermatology and Institute of Medical Research by showed that use of near-infrared heat therapy helped the production of white blood cells to alleviate inflammation and reduce swelling, two key factors in easing bodily pain.³ Translation: Infrared saunas could be used as a post workout recovery tool for athletes and other physically active folks. The authors also highlight the fact that FIRS provide a “comfortable and relaxing” experience. Pain relief One promising finding is that infrared saunas could help reduce pain for certain people. In a small study by Oosterveld, F.G.J., Rasker, J.J., Floors, M. et al. (2009) 17 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 17 patients with ankylosing spondylitis (an inflammatory disease that can affect the spine) completed eight infrared sauna sessions over the course of four weeks. Results showed that during these sessions, patients experienced decreased pain and stiffness to a statistically significant degree. And, over the course of the four-week trial, the patients showed clinical improvements in pain, stiffness, and fatigue. Also promising: The study did not find any adverse effects from the infrared sauna sessions, and the sauna sessions did not exacerbate the patient’s diseases. These findings suggest infrared saunas are a feasible treatment for patients with inflammatory arthritis, though the authors note that folks should chat with their doctor before using infrared saunas for treatment and that more research on the topic involving bigger populations is definitely needed. A Japanese study published in the journal, Internal Medicine by Matsushita K, Masuda A, Tei C. (2008), showed that chronic pain patients suffering with Fibromyalgia experienced a significant reduction in pain levels (nearly 70%) after the first session of infrared sauna therapy. Pain scores also decreased significantly and remained low throughout the observation period. Researchers concluded that infrared heat therapy is effective for chronic pain treatment. Cardiovascular benefits Infrared therapy is like giving yourself a passive cardio workout – whenever you need it! The infrared sauna heats your muscles with infrared rays and produces an increase in blood flow similar to regular exercise. In fact, blood flow during infrared sauna use has been reported to rise from a normal rate of 5-7 quarts per minute to as much as 13 quarts per minute. Matsushita K, Masuda A, Tei C. (2008) The elevation in body temperature from a sauna session also produces an increase in blood flow that mirrors the benefits of a passive cardiovascular workout. Regular infrared sauna use – especially in the mid-infrared range – has been shown to significantly stimulate blood flow, even after your health sauna session is completed. A 2018 meta-analysis of seven studies by Källström M. et al (2018) concluded that infrared sauna sessions were associated with short‐term improvement in heart functioning for patients with heart failure. Improves function of the immune system When your body is fighting an infection like a cold or flu, the immune system causes an increase in temperature, anywhere from 100.9°F (38.3°C) or higher, which is considered a fever. This elevated temperature creates a less suitable environment for these destructive bugs. Infrared saunas work similarly to a fever in the body. The infrared heat penetrates the skin and works deep in the tissues, raising core body temperature to about 102°F (39°C). The body responds to this simulated “fever” by stepping up its immune response and mobilizing the Th1 branch of the immune system. This branch is antiviral and antibacterial, as opposed to the antiparasitic and anti-allergic Th2 system. Additionally, increasing the body temperature to within the range of a fever has been shown by Evans S.S, Repasky E.A, Fisher D.T. (2015) to improve the adaptive immune response. This helps the body “remember” the microbes you have been exposed to, and to be better prepared to fight them next time around. Near-infrared light activates white blood cells and increases antibodies against pathogens. In fact, a NASA study showed this same near infrared therapy, delivered by LEDs deep into body tissue, can quadruple cell health and tissue growth Dr. Whelan et al. (2000) Several studies have shown that LEDs stimulate white blood cell production and collagen growth by increasing energy at the cellular level. A study done at the Medical College of Wisconsin demonstrated that LED-produced near infrared (NIR) helps promote cell health and regeneration. Infrared Sauna Use & COVID-19 Most recently, and something we are excited to learn more about, Dr Rhonda Patrick talked about Sauna use and immunity with regards to COVID-19. Here is what she had to say: “No data suggest that sauna use or other modalities of heat stress such as steam showers or hot baths will have any effect on COVID-19 illness. However, robust evidence suggests that sauna use promotes mild hyperthermia, which, in turn, induces a wide array of beneficial physiological responses. These responses reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and activate cellular defence systems such as heat shock proteins, which provide protection against many diseases. Data from a 2017 study suggest that sauna use reduces the risk of developing certain chronic or acute respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia, by up to 40 percent. Sauna use reduced the incidence of common colds in 25 participants who used the sauna one to two times per week for six months compared to 25 controls who did not. It is noteworthy that it took three months before sauna use had a protective effect. The mechanism by which frequent sauna use reduces the incidence of pneumonia and colds is unknown but might be related to modulation of the immune system. Levels of white blood cells (especially lymphocytes, neutrophils, and basophils) are increased in both trained and non-athletes after sauna use. While these findings are interesting, they are still preliminary and larger studies are needed to confirm. Increasing evidence suggests that certain heat shock proteins play a role in both innate and adaptive immunity. Heat shock proteins can directly stimulate innate immune responses, such as the maturation and activation of dendritic cells and the activation of natural killer cells. This indicates there may be a direct role for heat shock proteins in regulating the innate immune response, which plays an important role in the body's ability to fight off a disease that it has never been exposed to before”. *Disclaimer - As stated above, Infrared Saunas may help your immune system in a positive way. But please don't book in if you are showing any symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has had COVID-19 recently. To book in for an Infrared Sauna session contact us via our website. Statements included above taken from: ‘Psychological stress and susceptibility to the common cold’ - Cohen S, Tyrrell DA, Smith AP, Carnegie Mellon University (1991) ‘Effects of far-infrared sauna bathing on recovery from strength and endurance training sessions in men’ - Mero, A. Tornberg J, Mäntykoski M, Puurtinen R, University of Jyväskylä (2015) ‘Far-infrared therapy for cardiovascular, autoimmune, and other chronic health problems: A systematic review’ - Shanshan S, Wang X, Chiang J. Y, Zheng L. Hefei University of Technology (2015) ‘The NASA Light-Emitting Diode Medical Program- Progress in Space Flight and Terrestrial Applications. CP504, Space Technology and Applications International Forum’ - Whelan et al (2000) ‘Immunomodulatory Effects of Low-Intensity Near-Infrared Laser Irradiation on Contact Hypersensitivity Reaction.’ - Kandolf-Sekulovic L, Kataranovski M, Pavlovic M.D, Military Medical Academy (2003) ‘Infrared sauna in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis’ - Oosterveld, F.G.J., Rasker, J.J., Floors, M. et al. Saxion University of Applied Sciences (2009) ‘Efficacy of Waon Therapy for Fibromyalgia’ - Matsushita K, Masuda A, Tei C. Kagoshima University Hospital (2008) ‘Effects of sauna bath on heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis’ - Källström M, Soveri I, Oldgren J, Laukkanen J, Ichiki T, Tei C,Timmerman M, Berglund L, Hägglund H, Uppsala University (2018) ‘Fever and the thermal regulation of immunity: the immune system feels the heat’ - Evans S.S, Repasky E.A, Fisher D.T. Roswell Park Cancer Institute (2015)

Many of us are aware of the term sensory deprivation and its association with Float tanks, but is this term accurate to describe the true float experience? Firstly, let’s look at the definition of ‘Sensory Deprivation’ taken from the Collins dictionary, ‘An experimental situation in which all stimulation is cut off from the sensory receptors’. Sensory input is greatly reduced during a float session, no light, no sound, we can’t really smell much nor taste anything in the float environment. In addition to this, once we lose sensation of water around us then our tactile system or sense of touch diminishes to a degree. These all form part of the five basic sensory systems, 1. Visual 2. Auditory 3. Olfactory (smell) system 4. Gustatory (taste) system 5. Tactile system But you also have the following: 6. Vestibular (Sense of head movement in space) System – The vestibular system contributes to balance and orientation in space. It is the leading system informing us about movement and position of head relative to gravity. The vestibular system contains three semi-circular canals, which are approximately at right angles to each other: the horizontal canal, which detects rotation around a vertical axis (as when you do spins in ice skating), the anterior semi-circular canal, detects movement in forward/backward plane as in a nodding movement. The posterior canal detects movement in a frontal plane as in when doing a cartwheel. The canal on each side has an almost parallel counterpart on the other side. Each pair of canals works in a push-pull fashion: when one is stimulated, its partner is inhibited. Together the partners allow us to sense rotation in all directions. 7. Proprioceptive (Sensations from muscles and joints of the body) System – The proprioceptive system senses the position, location, orientation and movement of the body muscles and joints. Proprioception provides us with the send of the relative position of neighbouring parts of the body and effort used to move body parts. 8. Interoception – The eighth, often neglected sensory system is the Interoceptive System. Interoception refers to sensations relate to the physiological/physical condition of the body. Interoceptors are internal sensors that provide a sense of what our internal organs are feeling. Interoception detects responses that guide regulation, including heart rate & respiration. Interoception works the vestibular and proprioceptive senses to determine how an individual perceives their own body. Well-modulated interoception helps the individual detect the proprioceptive and vestibular sensation normally. Interoception is associated with autonomic motor control and is different to mechano-reception (The ability to detect and respond to certain kinds of stimuli – notably touch, sound and changes in pressure or posture – in your environment) and proprioception (in the muscles and joints). Interoception creates distinct feelings from the body including pain, temperature, itch, muscular and visceral sensations, hunger, thirst and the need for air. Essentially, we have both external and internal senses, during a standard float session the sensory input for your external senses is minimised as we already know. What we now know is that once these senses have been dampened, we become more aware of our internal senses through interoception. Let’s break it down and look at the different stages during a float session and how this affects your different senses. *This is based on a 60 min float session with 10 minutes of music at the start of the session and 5 minutes at the end, 45 mins of silence and with the lights in the pod off and the lid closed, water temperature is 35.5 degrees Celsius. The first 10 minutes: Music will play to help ease you into the session, at this point your auditory senses will be active. 10 – 20 minutes: You will initially be aware you are in water as you are trying to get into a comfortable position and allowing the water to settle around you. At this point your tactile system will be active. From here on in things get interesting…. Assuming you have the lights off in the pod and no music. 20 minutes – 55 minutes: Now, around the 20 minute mark you will hopefully have settled into a comfortable position and the following will have happened. All five basic sensory systems will have had their input greatly reduced. 1. Visual – No external light source, the only light source being produced from phosphenes inside your eye. A phosphene can be defined as the perception of light with no light actually being present. This entoptic (within-eye) phenomenon can include the perception of colours, flashes of light, and dots of light and dark that are not physically present. 2. Auditory – No external sounds, but there are other sounds which I will discuss below. 3. Olfactory (smell) system – You shouldn’t be able to smell anything in the clean, neutral environment of the pod. 4. Gustatory (taste) system – Unless you have eaten or drunk something with a strong taste you really won’t be tasting anything. 5. Tactile system – The reduction of the other sensory inputs is quite apparent, whereas the reduction of the tactile system is subtle. This is where you lose sensation of being in water, as your skin temperature and water temperature are the same. Once the tactile system is blissfully unaware it is in water, your internal senses kick in and you become more aware of your body’s internal processes. Let’s break these down into the different parts so we can get a better understanding of what is going on. During this period many people report the sensation of spinning around, drifting towards the left or right and on occasion the sensation that they are floating downstream. We have even had a few people state that they felt they were standing up during their Float session. This is all whilst they are lying still in the water, why does this happen? This is all down to your vestibular system and proprioceptive system; we know the vestibular system contributes to balance and orientation in space and the proprioceptive system senses the position, location, orientation and movement of the body muscles and joints. Astronauts experience similar sensations of disorientation during their first few days in the microgravity of space. A floater will not experience the same microgravity in a float pod as gravity is still exerting a force on the body, but the dense Epsom saltwater places the body in a balanced state. With the sensation of being in water removed and the action of floating on the water this confuses the vestibular system and proprioceptive system, with both systems trying to work out which way the body is orientated and the position of the arms, legs and head as they are not moving. The sensation of spinning does not last long, but the feeling of floating or being suspended continues and there is a smaller amount of disorientation which adds to the sensation of floating. We have briefly touched upon the vestibular and proprioceptive systems in relation to our physical position within this weird and wonderful alien environment of the float pod. The final sensory system and probably one of the most important is the interoceptive system, as I stated earlier ‘Interoceptors are internal sensors that provide a sense of what our internal organs are feeling.’ Some researchers believe that our perceptions of wellbeing, energy and stress are based on sensations representing the physiological condition of our bodies. They suggest that interoception is a foundation of subjective feelings, emotion and self-awareness. There is evidence that the anterior insula-cingulate system may integrate interoceptive information with emotional salience to form a subjective representation of the body. The question is how does interoception help us? Interoception has a big impact on how we feel, in our busy, stressed-out world we have lost the ability to do this subtle but important body check. We have stopped taking the time to check in with ourselves and see how we feel. By ignoring this hardwired impulse, we are missing an opportunity to feel better. When you start to become more aware of your body and how it feels you can start to impact your body’s functioning for the better. Everything from decreasing respiration to lowering your pulse to reducing the stress you carry in your body is possible with a higher sense of interoception. This is what happens during a float session, we become more aware of our breathing and heart rate slowing down. This in turn helps us to greatly reduce stress and anxiety, being more aware of internal processes helps us to understand what our bodies need to feel better. Interoception can have a huge impact for those suffering with anxiety. Dr Justin Feinstein, one of the leading experts and researchers in floatation therapy from the Laureate Institute of Brain Research has produced research about the benefits of floating and interoception. (1) In this study it was hypothesised that, ‘By removing exteroceptive sensation, Floatation-REST would enhance awareness for interoceptive sensation.’ It was found that, ‘Floating significantly enhanced attention regulation (ability to sustain attention on body sensations) and self-regulation (ability to regulate distress by attending to body sensations such as the breath).’ It appears that the Float environment seemed to increase the intensity and attention to the interoceptive sensations related to the breath and heartbeat. This is more so than experienced meditators who show poor interoceptive awareness with regards to the cardiac sensation under resting conditions. (2,3) The study shows how the float environment could help anxious individuals by helping them to anchor their attention onto internal sensations such as breath and heartbeat. This happens as a result of the extreme filtering of all external sensory distractions and stressors, this in turn enhances the interoceptive feeling of the heartbeat and the breath. We know the float experience minimises visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory and tactile sensory signals. We also know that during a float session our internal senses such as the vestibular system, proprioceptive system and our interoceptive system are enhanced. Enhancing the the interoceptive system also aids in effective emotion regulation. Effective emotion regulation involves the ability to accurately detect and evaluate cues related to physiological reactions to stressful events, accompanied by appropriate regulation strategies that temper and influence the emotional response. There is compelling evidence demonstrating links between poor or disrupted awareness of sensory information, or interoceptive awareness, and difficulties with emotion regulation. (4) Therefore this makes the float tank the perfect tool to increase interoceptive awareness with minimal effort and maximum benefit. Not only are you reducing the amount of tension, slowing your heart rate and breathing you are enhancing what I would argue as being one of the most important systems in your body when dealing with stress, chronic pain or trauma. Yes, you may be reducing the input into your basic sensory systems but what you gain is a major positive sensory enhancement through interoception. This is why I steer clear of the term sensory deprivation, as it is not a positive term and only focuses on what is taken away and not what you gain. Next time you float, just listen... You never know what you will learn about yourself. 1. Justin S. Feinstein, Sahib S. Khalsa, Hung Yeh, Obada Al Zoubi, Armen C. Arevian, Colleen Wohlrab, Marie K. Pantino, Laci J. Cartmell, W. Kyle Simmons, Murray B. Stein, and Martin P. Paulus (2018): The Elicitation of Relaxation and Interoceptive Awareness Using Floatation Therapy in Individuals With High Anxiety Sensitivity. Biological Psychiatry 3:555–562 2. Khalsa SS, Rudrauf D, Damasio AR, Davidson RJ, Lutz A, Tranel D (2008): Interoceptive awareness in experienced meditators. Psychophysiology 45:671–677. 3. Khalsa SS, Lapidus RC (2016): Can interoception improve the pragmatic search for biomarkers in psychiatry? Front Psychiatry 7:121 4. Cynthia J. Price, Carole Hooven (2018): Interoceptive Awareness Skills for Emotion Regulation: Theory and Approach of Mindful Awareness in Body-Oriented Therapy (MABT). Frontiers in Psychology 9:798

Floatation Therapy or Floatation REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique) has been around for many years, since 1954 when John C. Lilly an American Neuroscientist built his first upright tank to study the effects of reduced sensory input on the mind. Instead of turning off, the mind stayed on and continued to have experiences independent of external sensory stimuli. The floatation tank is a place to minimize the information coming into the sensory processing channels of the body, to be isolated from the stressors that await in the outside world. It can be used as a tool to re-programme our behaviour and improve our mental & physical health. Floating is now being used by many top athletes and teams, including Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Novak Djokavic, Tom Brady (New England Patriots), The Australian Institute of Sport, The British Rowing Team and the US Navy SEALS among a number of others across the globe. Here are 7 reasons why you should float, 1. Stress Reduction Stress can have a huge impact on our lives, when we experience an abnormal amount of stress we can suffer from depression, anxiety, insomnia, decreased self-esteem, irritability, compromised immune system and impaired performance. In our fast paced society stress management is of the utmost importance. Floatation therapy has been used successfully in clinical stress management and has been found to reduce blood pressure, cortisol levels, and other stress-related neuro-chemicals such as norepinephrine, adrenaline and ACTH (Turner & Fine, 1983; Turner & Fine, 1991; Dierendonck, 2005). These neuro-chemicals are known to trigger the fight-or-flight response, which is great if we need to react quickly to life-threatening situations. But not when our body overreacts to stressors that are not life-threatening, such as traffic jams, work pressure, and family difficulties. By eliciting the relaxation response, floatation therapy puts us in a calm, unshakable, steady, balanced, and totally concentrated state of mind that allows us to manage stress effectively. 2. Anxiety Relief Previous research has presented floatation therapy as a tool to help reduce stress and increase relaxation. Although, many studies have used healthy subjects, only a few studies have surveyed floating for people with anxiety. Recent research published in PLoS ONE by Dr Justin Feinstein (2018), specifically noted how floating affects people with signs of stress, depression, and anxiety. The study included 50 participants indicating a wide variety of stress-related symptoms and anxiety disorders such as social and generalized anxiety, panic, and post-traumatic stress. 30 healthy individuals also involved in the study offer context. After experiencing floatation therapy, 47 out of 50 patients felt floating could be an efficient intervention for minimizing levels of anxiety. As well as this, every participant requested to try the treatment again. Therefore, the study suggests that floating may be successful treatment for anxiety since after just one float participants mood improved and anxiety was reduced. Floatation therapy has the ability to trigger the relaxation response in the body. The relaxation response, which is the opposite of the fight-or-flight response, impacts the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, and slowing breathing. 3. Pain relief and pain management There is a significant amount of evidence that suggests that float therapy is a useful option for people who deal with chronic pain. It can be an effective, all-natural treatment for many different types of pain, including muscle tension pain. For individuals managing muscle tension pain, the study ‘Effects of flotation-REST on muscle tension pain’ by Kjellgren et al. (2001) showed how floatation therapy drastically reduced the most acute perceived pain in patients, while those who had very low perceived pain saw no results. Participants also experienced lifted optimism, a better night’s sleep and a reduction in the degree of depression and anxiety due to treatment with REST therapy. Athletes struggling with post-workout pain may also benefit from floatation therapy. After rigorous physical training, athletes often have trouble coping with pain caused by an increase in blood lactate. In a study by Morgan, P.M. et al (2013) which involved 24 college students, they observed how float therapy encouraged faster recovery and less pain after physical training by reducing blood lactate levels. 4. Sports recovery For recreational exercisers and performance athletes it is incredibly important to recognize how to balance training, stress and recovery time. As it stands, there is no standard agreement on the amount of rest needed between training sessions. Nonetheless it was found that 1-2 days’ rest between sessions for the most untrained and trained athletes should be ideal. Floating lowers the amount of recovery time needed decreasing lactic-acid levels, increasing blood circulation, and relieving the pain of injuries. Blood is free to circulate easily by relieving gravitational pressure reaching tendons, joints, muscles, and ligaments that may be tender or injured. This improved circulation enables your body to carry biochemicals and waste away such as lactic acid – a toxic by-product of glucose metabolism. During strenuous physical activity lactic acid gathers in the muscles and can cause cramping, tightness and pain. As well as minimizing the quantity of negative biochemicals and increasing the good ones, floating can help athletes with pain relief. Floatation does this via the release of endorphins, alongside greater awareness of painful areas holding knots and tension; allowing athletes to heal in good time and conquer fatigue. Morgan et al. (2013). Floatation therapy offers undeniable health benefits by reducing recovery time and stress in an extremely relaxing environment, floating provides strong advantages to both high-level athletes and recreational exercisers. 5. Performance For a long time, researchers have known that an athlete’s mental game plays an enormously crucial role in their performance. A study by Richardson (1998) effortlessly explains why floating works so positively to improve an athlete’s mental training. Richardson states: “Floatation-REST works to enhance athletic performance because it provides a profoundly relaxing experience in an environment conducive to greater amounts and better quality of sports-related imagery, planning strategic thought processes than possible in other environments”. The tank guides the athlete to control each aspect of the sought-after athletic experience. The individual can go through the motions of match or technique, fully absorbed in visual, auditory, tactile and olfactory imagery. In the study by Suedfeld & Bruno (1990), it was found that the true key to effective imagery is deep relaxation. Suedfeld also discovered that float tanks increase the clarity, intensity, production, and controllability of mental imagery. For athletes determined to step up their mental game, clearly, floatation therapy is needed to enhance performance. 6. Creativity Floating can be great for creativity and for those who are having a mental block and need space to let their mind be free to formulate new ideas or to gain a new perspective on a particular issue. In 1987, the University of British Columbia performed a research study on psychology professors who self-reported their own creativity. The tests were performed before and after floating, and they rated their ideas in a blind sampling 6 months later. The study found that professors came up with more ideas after floating, and that those ideas were generally more creative. Suedfeld, P., Metcalfe, J. & Bluck, S. (1994). Studies were also done at the Karlstad University in 2008, showing a marked change in post-float brains in the areas of consciousness, cognition, imagination, and personality, Kjellgren, A., Lyden, F. & Norlander, T. (2008). Floating resets the mind, in a sense, and makes it easier to concentrate and stay productive. These effects can last for days, helping you make creative leaps and stay on top of your game. 7. Altered states of consciousness Floating can help you to access altered states of consciousness in a safe way with minimal effort required. In 2008, Kjellgren, Lyden, Norlander from Karlstad University ran a study focusing on the subjective experience of floatation and the extent to which an altered state of consciousness is part of this experience. They interviewed subjects from previous floatation studies to understand their view of their experiences whilst in the tank and their perceived after-effects. They found a number of common experiences that regular floaters had experienced during the float sessions including, changes in their perception of time, visual and acoustic changes in perception, dissolution of body boundaries, increased creativity and transpersonal experiences (an experience of unified connectedness beyond the ego level). The float tank provides the perfect environment to reach altered states of consciousness and explore your mind on a totally new level. Whether you need mental & physical recovery, looking to improve your performance or need time to de-stress then I highly recommend giving floating a try. The UK/ROI Float Directory is a great place to find float centres near you. It can take a couple of sessions to get into it but once you do you will be hooked. Statements included above taken from: 'Effects of Relaxation Associated with Brief Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) on Plasma Cortisol, ACTH, and LH' - John W. Turner, Jr., and Thomas H. Fine, Medical College of Ohio (1983) 'Restricting environmental stimulation influences levels and variability of plasma cortisol' - John W. Turner, Jr., and Thomas H. Fine, Medical College of Ohio (1991) 'Flotation restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST) as a stress-management tool: A meta-analysis' - Dirk Van Dierendonck & Jan Te Nijenhuis, University of Amsterdam/ Leiden University (2005) 'Examining the short-term anxiolytic and antidepressant effect of Floatation-REST' - Justin S. Feinstein, Sahib S. Khalsa, Hung-wen Yeh, Colleen Wohlrab, W. Kyle Simmons, Murray B. Stein, Martin P. Paulus, Laureate Institute of Brain Research (2018) 'Effects of flotation-REST on muscle tension pain' - Anette Kjellgren MSc, Ulf Sundequist MA, Torsten Norlander PhD, Trevor Archer PhD, Karlstad University Sweden (2001) 'The Acute Effects of Floatation Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique on Recovery from Maximal Eccentric Exercise' - Paul M. Morgan, Amanda J. Salacinski and Matthew A. Stults-Kolehmainen, University DeKalb, Illinois (2013) 'Imagery, progressive muscle relaxation and restricted environmental stimulation: Enhancing Mental Training and Rowing Ergometer Performance Through Flotation REST' - Sean Oliver Richardson, The University of British Columbia (1995) 'Floatation REST and Imagery in the Improvement of Athletic Performance' - Peter Suedfeld and Talino Bruno, The University of British Columbia (1990) 'Explaining the effects of stimulus restriction: Testing the dynamic hemispheric asymmetry hypothesis' - Peter Suedfeld, G. Daniel Steel, Alistair B.C. Wallbaum, Susan Bluck, Nigel Livesey and Lorianna Capozzi, The University of British Columbia (1994) 'Sensory Isolation in Flotation Tanks: Altered States of Consciousness and Effects on Well-being' - Anette Kjellgren, Francisca Lyden, and Torsten Norlander, Karlstad University (2008)