Flotation Therapy Has Many Physical Benefits
Flotation therapy at its core is very simple. Have you ever taken an Epsom Salt Bath or soaked your feet in Epsom Salt after a long day? There is 1300+ pounds of Epsom salt dissolved into each tank. This density of salt provides the flotation while inside the tank.
Epsom Salt:
Epsom salt is a simpler name for Magnesium Sulfate. Although scientifically a salt, it is not a salt in the traditional sense. Scientific studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are absorbed through the skin. This means that soaking in Epsom salt is the best way to feel the benefits. More Info on Epsom Salts
Physical Benefits of flotation therapy
There are several documented physical benefits that our float center can offer you. At The Flo, we strive to find an acceptable schedule for your budget so that you can get your body feeling its best. The flotation therapy tanks provide you with an almost weightless environment, effectively eliminating almost all external and internal pressure points on your body. Once your body is free of pressure points it can truly relax.
Here are just a few reasons how flotation therapy can benefit you physically
Reduction of Pain:
Many customers come to float centers seeking reduction in aches and pains. Floating is scientifically proven to reduce different forms of aches and pains. Mainly flotation therapy allows the body to relax and it allows an increase in blood flow while reducing blood pressure. When your body is in a state of relaxation your brain releases natural endorphins. Endorphins are hormones that make you feel good. By allowing our bodies to release these hormones we are allowing out body to reduce pain that is felt. We are left with feeling good and relaxed. In most cases allowing your body to fully relax will reduce the amount of pain that you feel.
This can be good for:
- Back pain
- Arthritis
- Chronic Pain
- Sore Muscles
- Sore Joints
- Pulled Muscles
- Strains
Stress Relief: The worst thing for your body and mind is stress. Stress is a proven contributing cause to so many diseases and conditions its had to believe. In this day and age pharmaceutical companies are making a fortune off of treating largely stress related issues. Flotation therapy helps our bodies to relax and let the stress melt away. Stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol built up in our system and cause many issues. By floating in a flotation therapy tank your body is allowed to fully relax while clearing your mind. When you are in this type of relaxed state there is no reason for adrenaline output. The Epsom salts help pull cortisol out of your system reducing the detrimental effects the build up of these chemicals could have.
Insomnia: Whether you come to the float center at 10:00 am or 8:00 pm we always tell our customers that they will experience the best sleep they’ve had in a while. Most of our customers confirm this. A few come when they need a goods nights sleep. This is because of the relaxation that floating provides for your body. By removing pressure points, release endorphin’s and reducing stress it can have a profound effect on your sleep patterns. It is said that 90 minutes in the tank is the equivalent of a deep restful 2 hour nap. This effect can also help with customers experiencing fatigue or jet lag.
Fatigue and Jet Lag: By allowing your body to rest and recharge floating can help with both jet lag and fatigue. Jet lag happens when you fly between large gaps in time zones. Floating can help reset your internal clock. If you’ve had a long day and still have a long night ahead of you, floating can give you the rest and relaxation you need to re-energize you for the night. Same with someone who works overnight and needs to have energy for the day. Some large corporate CEO’s have even discovered that floating for extended sessions (4hours) allows them to get more hours our of their day by skipping sleeping altogether.
High Blood Pressure: By reducing pressure points and allowing your body to fully relax. Float tanks are proven to lower blood pressure by allowing blood to flow through your body more efficiently. Although float tanks have been shown to reduce blood pressure it is recommended that you speak with your doctor before your float if they are currently treating you for your condition.
Fertility: Flotation therapy can provide the most relaxing effect your have every experienced. In many cases stress can be the most important cause preventing conception. It is recommended that a customer trying to use the therapy consult with one of our staff members for a plan right for them. While no scientific studies have been done to directly link flotation therapy to fertility. There have been several that have been done on the effects of stress which float therapy has been proven time and time again to reduce significantly.
Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a disorder that effects patient in several different ways. Patients experience tenderness in their entire bodies, aches, and dull pains. Many patients also experience fatigue, headaches, and insomnia. This condition effects up to 2% of the population and there are not many forms of relief. There have been several scientific studies done that show the effects of flotation therapy on patients suffering from this condition. There is also float centers across the country participating in research programs and providing reduced cost float sessions to customers refereed to them with fibromyalgia.
Flotation therapy can help by:
- Providing Immediate reduction of pain
- Maintaining a relaxed state for ongoing reduction of pain
- Increase the sleep quality of the customer
- Reduce stress and anxiety (see mental benefits)
- Boost Magnesium Levels
- Increase focus
Check out this studio submitted at Float Summit 2012 about the effects of flotation therapy on fibromyalgia patients . The effects of flotation REST on the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Athletic Benefits: Visit our page on athletic benefits for more information on how this therapy can help you with your performance both before and event or after.
Check out our information and blog sections for more information and links to external research reports and websites.
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