In this article:
- what is a flotation tank (sensory deprivation)
- the evidence on flotation, or sensory deprivation tanks
- my experiment with flotation therapy
- how it affected my heart rate variability (HRV)
I Took the Plunge in a Flotation Tank
I had been hearing the buzz about these on various podcasts I follow for a while, but I was not aware that flotation therapy was available locally. I was stoked when I drove by a sign in my local area that read: Fleauxt, Flotation and Dry Salt Therapy.
I dropped by when I had a spare moment and saw that they were running an awesome intro deal of 3 1-hour floats for $89. I was in!
At first, I was afraid to let my body relax as I was floating in the soundless darkness. I have never been able to float on my back in a swimming pool, and I’m told it’s all in my mind.
But the people who tell me that always have more body fat than me, which makes me believe body density is a bigger factor.
My body held tension. I breathed through my nose and let my body relax. I was so buoyant in this salt water that it was very easy. That sensation alone was phenomenal.
After some time in the warm water, I had to piss like a racehorse. I mean urgently! No holding it. I had gone before but, it turned out that my habit of drinking lots of water in the morning won’t work.
(On my second one hour float, I cut off all fluid consumption 2 hours before the float and had no problems holding it.)
When I finished and was resting in the relaxing, dimly lit recovery area:
I experienced all my senses in a more intense way. Sensations on my skin felt more rich and sensual. Colors were more vivid. Sounds and music had nuances I usually fail to notice. Like a combination of Valium, THC, and alcohol with no side effects, and no trips to jail or rehab!
I slept like a baby that night, from about 9:30 pm to 4:00 am. I woke up full of vigor and enthusiasm for life. My HRV reading was points higher, even though I had run twice that day. Check it out:
This is data of my N=1 experiment in favor of stress reduction benefits.
What is a Sensory Deprivation Tank (Flotation Tank)
Flotation therapy was developed from the research of John C Lilly. He studied the effect of sensory deprivation on the human brain and mind. People using the early tanks found they enjoyed the experience.
The relaxation caused by the flotation tank experience puts the body in a state where enhanced healing occurs. These have made a comeback. Athletes and biohackers are using flotation therapy tanks to enhance recovery from exercise and facilitate deep meditation.
The modern tanks use a high concentration of epsom salt dissolved in water. The water is so salty that you float effortlessly like in the Dead Sea. The water temperature is so close to your skin temperature that you can barely feel it. The tank is closed off from light and sound, so that sensory input is very minimal.
The Science Behind Sensory Deprivation and Flotation Therapy
This mode of therapy has had a few studies. Some show reduced markers of stress in the blood and some show no changes. The difference seems to be how the treatment is administered.
In the study where one session alone was performed, there was no change. I think this might be due to the stress elevation of a novel experience. I had a distinct fear and anxiety response during the first few minutes of my first float.
That fear and anxiety passed as I relaxed into it longer and used breathing techniques that I teach in the High Performance Breathing Program though.
The study that showed reduce markers of stress and reduction in stress related pain used repeated sessions.
Another benefit that is supported by science is the absorption of magnesium across the skin by epsom salt soaking.
According to a study cited in the reference section: “Low magnesium intakes and blood levels have been associated with type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, elevated C-reactive protein, hypertension, atherosclerotic vascular disease, sudden cardiac death, osteoporosis, migraine headache, asthma, and colon cancer. Almost half (48%) of the US population consumed less than the required amount of magnesium from food in 2005-2006.”
Epsom salt baths could supplement the lack of nutritional magnesium that seems to be an epidemic, and a factor in the obesity and diabetes epidemics of modern industrialized world.
References:
A restricted environmental stimulation technique in a flotation tank
Report on the absorption of magnesium sulfate (epsom salts) across the skin
Suboptimal magnesium status in the United States: are the health consequences underestimated?
Author:
Nick Ortego is a health coach specializing in biohacking for runners. He integrates methods with the ancient wisdom of yoga to help runners get the most out of every aspect of life. He is the owner of N 2 Action, a wellness studio in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, offering personal training, health coaching, yoga, and fascial stretch therapy.
Also find more on the Nick Ortego Fitness YouTube Channel
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