Sadly, stress is rampant in modern society and continuous stress causes all kinds of harm to the body and mind. Some of this harm can be permanent or very long lasting so it’s vital to tackle it and floatation is a good way to do it. Theories vary about why exactly it is so effective at reducing stress but the results are consistent in demonstrating that floating immediately lowers stress levels and repeated floating lowers them for longer and longer periods. Here are some of the contributing factors that make floatation such a good way to fight stress.
Magnesium
Having an hour away from your life in a float pod is no doubt an important reason why it’s so helpful in relieving stress but research suggests there’s more to it than that. You float in a floatation tank because the water is saturated with Epsom salts and these are rich in magnesium which is proven to reduce stress hormones and stimulate a neurotransmitter which helps to calm the mind. It also helps to regulate blood sugar which is helpful in relieving stress because low blood sugar can make people feel edgy and nervous.
Sensory Deprivation
The complete lack of sensory input is something that puts people off getting into a floatation pod but extensive research shows that this treatment is very successful in treating PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and anxiety because of the calming effect it has. Like meditation, which tries to force the mind to focus on only one thing, floatation allows the mind to escape from troubling thoughts and worries. Many people find the first time they try it, their brain just does its usual trick of reminding them about everything they should be worrying about or thinking about for a large proportion of the time but, the more times they float, the more this brain activity reduces. Therefore, this time away from any mental stimulation provides people with time away from their worries and problems and the relaxation and clarity of mind this creates is carried with them after they leave.
Theta Waves
One of the reasons people experience such a feeling of relaxation when they float is that the brain can enter the theta wave state which is the state between wakefulness and sleeping. Meditation and hypnosis aim for you to reach this state as its incredibly relaxing and is the state your mind is in when you experience REM sleep. It’s this phase of sleep where your brain essentially sorts itself out and inducing it through hypnosis, meditation or floatation creates a profound state of calm and clarity of mind. The more your brain goes into this state, the better and more lasting effects it has plus, the more often you enter it, the easier it is to enter it the same way next time. That is why frequent floating is recommended for maximum benefit.
Whether the stress relief brought about by floating is due to magnesium causing chemical changes in the brain, a lack of stimulation allowing the brain to relax, a change in brain wave frequency, all or none of the above, the evidence is overwhelming that it works. Book here to fight stress through floatation or call 01273 933680 for more information.
