Senseless Sanctuary: The Therapeutic Benefits of Sensory Deprivation Tanks
Our culture is more stressed than ever. As a result, there’s a huge demand for mental health support these days. That demand is coming with a plot twist: forget the pills from big pharma; Enter stage left eclectic technologies and modern alternative medicine. We don’t want happy pills. We want tools that offer real therapeutic benefits for mind, body, and spirit. We want sensory deprivation!
What Is a Sensory Deprivation Tank?
A sensory deprivation tank, also known as an isolation tank or a float tank, is an enclosed, shallow pool of salt water. Inside the tank, with the lid closed, no sound or light can enter. Users float in the tank in water that’s saturated with medical-grade Epsom salt. The water is skin temperature (about 94 °F), and the air in the room is also kept warm. There’s no sensory stimulation whatsoever inside these tanks, and the sense of gravity falls away and leaves users feeling weightless.
The History of Sensory Deprivation Tanks
The sensory deprivation tank was invented in 1954 by John C. Lilly, a pioneering neuroscientist, researcher, author, and psychonaut. Over the next two decades, Lilly investigated the effects of sensory deprivation on the human body and mind. He studied float volunteers and experimented on himself, floating under the influence of hallucinogens like LSD.
How Does a Sensory Deprivation Tank Work?
When floating in a sensory deprivation tank, users enter a state of deep relaxation due to the lack of sensory stimulation. The skin-temperature water filled with Epsom salt allows for effortless floating, creating a distraction-free environment for introspection.
Benefits of Float REST
Float REST therapy offers a range of benefits, including stress relief, enhanced creativity, improved sleep quality, and pain relief. The absence of sensory input allows the mind to enter a meditative state, promoting relaxation and mental clarity.
A Guide to the Sensory Deprivation Tank Experience
Before a float session, it's important to prepare by showering, avoiding caffeine, and keeping an open mind. During the session, focus on your breath and allow yourself to relax fully. After the float, take time to reflect on your experience and integrate any insights gained.
Conclusion
Sensory deprivation tanks offer a unique therapeutic experience that can benefit both the mind and body. By creating a distraction-free environment for relaxation and introspection, float tanks provide a space for mental clarity and stress relief. Consider trying a sensory deprivation tank session to explore the benefits for yourself and enhance your overall well-being.
Call to Action
Ready to experience the therapeutic benefits of sensory deprivation tanks? Find a float center near you and book a session to explore the transformative effects of float REST therapy.