Therapeutics have been practiced worldwide since ancient times for various reasons. Across cultures, different types of therapy and mindfulness techniques are used to improve health and enhance the overall well-being of a person. In modern times therapy is extremely important for the treatment of several health conditions and psychological disorders.
Apart from that, the fast-paced world demands a hectic lifestyle and work schedule that has increased our workload and mental stress as well. Nowadays people are seeking alternate measures to alleviate their stress and lighten their minds through various forms of therapeutic techniques.
Float therapy is one such technique that has gained popularity over the years because of its unique approach. Float therapy is also known as sensory deprivation or isolation tank therapy.
The following article aims to explore float therapy and its benefits in promoting mental health and overall well-being.
What is Float Therapy?
Float therapy or Floatation therapy is a sensory deprivation technique to reduce problems such as anxiety, stress, and fatigue.
It involves using specially made tanks which are filled with water solution containing salt and water. The salt used is epom salt which allows a person to free float on the surface of the tank. The tank is completely black, soundproof, and bulletproof. The design eliminates any kind of sensory stimulus from the environment and surroundings. The floating session is usually about the duration of 60 to 90 minutes.
Benefits of Float Therapy for Mental Health
1. Stress Reduction
Float therapy provides relief from everyday stress and the full chores of life. The calm environment of sensory deprivation tanks is designed in a way to reduce the noise from the surroundings. It reduces stress and creates a relaxing state where our mind, body, and thoughts are in control. Floatation therapy reduces the stress hormone known as cortisol and increases the release of endorphins, which leaves the participants feeling refreshed and relaxed.
2. Provides relief from Anxiety
Float therapy can provide solutions to multiple problems. It seems to have helped people manage their anxiety and has proven beneficial in cases of anxiety disorders. The sensory deprivation tank relaxes the mind and allows our thoughts to stay calm and at peace.
When the mind is at ease, the thoughts are vigorous which helps us to focus more and think thoughtfully. The alone state of self-reflection provides a clear understanding of what is triggering anxiety and how to cope with it.
3. Improved Sleep
Stress and other mental health problems tend to disrupt our sleeping patterns which in turn reduce our thinking capacity and productivity.
Stress often causes insomnia or other sleeping problems that affect the overall mood of a person. Floatation therapy can help maintain the circadian rhythm of the body which is responsible for deciding the time for waking up and falling asleep in a person. It improves sleep quality by reducing stress and soothing our minds.
4. Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving
Stress and anxiety affect our mood and thinking capacity to a great extent. Reduced thinking ability can disrupt our productive workplace and studies because it affects our problem-solving abilities as well.
In sensory deprivation, there is a lack of anything that could distract our mind hence it is an ideal environment to relax and think calmly. In various cases, sensory deprivation tanks have been beneficial for people by allowing them to brainstorm new ideas due to clarity in thinking.
5. Pain Management
Prolonged cases of pain are common with mental health problems. Floatation therapy uses Epsom salt to float a person in the tank, this salt is known for music-relaxing exercises that provide relief from pain in the muscles. Improved blood circulation in muscles alleviates pain in the body and reduces muscle tension, releasing feel-good hormones of endorphins.
6. Mind-Body Connection
In the fast-paced busy lifestyle, people leave no room for a break in a hectic schedule. There is no time for mind and body connection which is necessary for clarification in life. Float therapy enhances their mind and body connection by providing a calm and quiet state away from tension, anxiety, and a stressful day.
7. Enhanced Self-Awareness
A deep sense of self-assessment in life is necessary for our life to make the right decisions and take a pause when it is necessary. The isolation tanks offer the opportunity to self-introspect our thoughts in a calm and composed state.
Participants are able to express their deep thoughts and emotions previously unexpressed or unknown. It allows them to reflect on their thoughts without others judging and disapproving of them negatively. Improved self-clarity in life helps us make the right informed decisions in life.
Float therapy is an emerging and unique approach to therapeutic techniques that provide a valuable impact on the mental well of a person. It helps manage mental and spiritual well-being by helping to reduce stress, and anxiety promotes sleep, boosts mood, and provides a sense of awareness of the surroundings. Floatation therapy is a holistic approach to mental and physical well-being that allows an individual and new kind of experience towards their self-care.
