Have you ever wondered what it would be like to float in a dark, silent tank with no external stimuli? This may sound like a strange or even scary idea, but it is actually a form of therapy that has been around for decades and has many benefits for your health and well-being.

Sensory deprivation tanks, also known as isolation tanks or flotation tanks, are used for restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST). They are designed to cut off all sensory input from the outside world, allowing you to enter a state of deep relaxation and meditation.

In this post, I will explain what sensory deprivation tanks are, how they work, and what benefits they can offer for your body and mind.

What are sensory deprivation tanks and how do they work?

A sensory deprivation tank is a large, enclosed tub that is filled with about a foot of water that is heated to your skin temperature and saturated with Epsom salt. This creates a buoyant environment that makes you float effortlessly on the surface of the water.

The tank is soundproof and lightproof, so you cannot hear or see anything. You also cannot feel gravity, temperature, or touch. The only thing you can perceive is your own breathing and heartbeat.

The idea is to eliminate all external distractions and stimuli, so that your brain can relax and focus inward. This can induce a range of effects on your brain, such as:

• Creativity: Some people may find that floating in the tank enhances their creativity, imagination, and intuition. This may be because the tank allows them to access deeper levels of consciousness and subconsciousness, where new ideas and insights can emerge.

• Focus and concentration: Some people may find that floating in the tank improves their focus and concentration, as well as their learning and memory. This may be because the tank reduces mental noise and distractions, and allows them to process information more efficiently and effectively.

• Relaxation and meditation: Some people may find that floating in the tank induces a state of deep relaxation and meditation, similar to what experienced meditators can achieve. This may be because the tank lowers the brain’s activity and shifts it from the active and alert beta waves to the calm and relaxed alpha or theta waves.

• Hallucinations: Some people may experience visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations in the tank, as the brain tries to fill in the sensory gaps. These are usually mild and harmless, and may even be enjoyable or insightful for some people.

What are the benefits of sensory deprivation tanks?

Floating in a sensory deprivation tank can have many benefits for your physical and mental health, such as:

• Stress and anxiety reduction: Floating in the tank can lower your stress and anxiety levels by reducing the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, and increasing the production of endorphins, the feel-good hormones. It can also calm your nervous system and lower your blood pressure and heart rate.

• Pain relief: Floating in the tank can relieve your pain by relaxing your muscles and joints, improving your blood circulation, and reducing inflammation. It can also help with chronic pain conditions, such as headaches, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and whiplash.

• Sleep improvement: Floating in the tank can improve your sleep quality and quantity by resetting your circadian rhythm, the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, and promoting the release of melatonin, the sleep hormone. It can also help with insomnia and jet lag.

• Mood enhancement: Floating in the tank can enhance your mood by boosting your serotonin and dopamine levels, the neurotransmitters that regulate your emotions, motivation, and pleasure. It can also help with depression and anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

• Spiritual experiences: Floating in the tank can trigger spiritual experiences, such as feelings of bliss, euphoria, oneness, and transcendence. It can also help you connect with your inner self, your higher self, or a higher power, depending on your beliefs and expectations.

How to try float tanks?

Before you book your session, here are some tips to prepare yourself and make the most of your experience:

• Eat something light about 30 minutes before your session, and avoid caffeine for 4 hours beforehand.

• Avoid shaving or waxing before your session, as the salt water can irritate your skin.

• Shower before and after your session and use earplugs to prevent water from entering your ears.

• Enter the tank nude and close the lid or door behind you.

• Gently lie back and let the water support you. Try to relax your body and mind, and breathe deeply and slowly.

• If you feel uncomfortable or claustrophobic, you can open the lid or door at any time. You can also end your session early if you wish.

• Enjoy the experience and observe what happens in your body and mind.

Sensory deprivation tanks are a unique and powerful way to explore your inner world and enhance your well-being. They can help you relax, heal, and grow in many ways. Why not give them a try and see for yourself? You may be surprised by what you discover.

-Healthline 2023