The practice of weightlessly floating in a tank filled with warm saltwater, with no sound or light, may sound rather odd to many, but flotation therapy is in fact exceptionally good for the mind, body and soul, boasting a variety of benefits.
Tim Strudwick, floatation expert and founder of I-sopod, shares the components of floatation therapy which have the greatest impact on your wellbeing. These three components are designed to relax the body and mind, which makes floatation a form of restorative therapy that boasts an abundance of benefits, ranging from improved quality of sleep, burnout recovery and boosted moods.
1. High Concentration of Magnesium
2. Sensory Deprivation
The removal of sound and light stimulants, aka sensory deprivation, is vital in allowing your brain to rest and unwind. This deprivation triggers the brain into producing theta brainwaves, which essentially means your brain is functioning in a meditative state. Traditionally this can take a lot of practice to achieve, however when floating it takes no time at all. It quite literally creates a clear pathway into meditation, which leads to a peaceful moment of mindfulness and a deep state of relaxation.
3. Zero Gravity
The feeling of weightlessness, which is a result of the high concentration of Epsom salts, is an extraordinary feeling that allows the muscles to completely relax and enables blood to flow more freely. The body can then flush out excess cortisol and adrenalin, reducing any physical tension and allowing the body to restore and relax.