What is Floatation Therapy/REST
Floatation therapy, also known as sensory deprivation or reduced environmental stimulus therapy (REST), involves floating in a tank filled with saltwater at body temperature. The tank is designed to limit sensory input, creating a relaxing and meditative experience. Floatation therapy has been shown to have numerous benefits, including reducing sympathetic nervous system activity, lowering cortisol levels, and relaxing the brain into a theta state.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “fight or flight” response and can become overactive in response to stressors. Floatation therapy has been shown to reduce sympathetic nervous system activity, leading to a more relaxed state. This can also help to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can interfere with healthy body functions.
The theta state is a level of consciousness associated with deep relaxation, meditation, and creativity. During this state, the body releases pain-reducing endorphins, making it an ideal state for healing and processing. Floatation therapy has been shown to relax the brain into a theta state, potentially leading to improved concentration, learning, and creativity.
Research suggests that floatation therapy’s effects on well-being and performance may be more effective than other stress-reduction techniques. These positive effects may become stronger through repeated exposure to floatation therapy. Additionally, floatation therapy may be particularly beneficial for those who have sustained a traumatic brain injury or concussion.
Overall, floatation therapy provides a unique and relaxing experience that can have numerous benefits for both physical and mental health.
How Diane Used Floatation Therapy After a Traumatic Brain Injury
Diane suffered a traumatic brain injury after being dropped on a concrete sidewalk when she was a senior in high school. Her cognitive abilities weren’t as sharp as they used to be so six months after her accident she requested brain scans and began looking for further healing.
Diane engaged in 30 days of floating in a row and had an incredible restorative experience. She describes it as hyper-meditation and she gained insight into her own cognitive function and well-being.
After the first 30 days, she transitioned to floating three times per week and then eventually to twice per month. As she relaxed her body she was able to work through mental and emotional trauma and eventually gain true body awareness and her energetic existence.
Floating helped her to have more control of her focus and thoughts. Through consistent floatation she gained insight into how to improve her cognition and memory. She experienced an improvement in dealing with brain fog. Her energy levels increased significantly – before floating she reports a general feeling of lethargy and depression while after floating those difficulties were minimized.
She tracked her levels of anxiety and self esteem through her experience and discovered that as she became less anxious She also gained more control of her “automotive negative thoughts” – she learned to let go of negative thoughts and detach from negative emotional energy.
Her sense of herself before floating was foggy – as her awareness of her body and mind increased she found confidence in moving forward with life.
To anyone suffering from a traumatic brain injury or concussion, Diane strongly recommends trying floatation therapy in the same way she did – 30 days of daily floating.
Personal Floatation Stories From Concussion Survivors
Anne was diagnosed with Post Concussion Syndrome after sustaining a traumatic brain injury in a sledging accident. She shares her experience of using floatation tank therapy to treat PCS. She shares that floating is like being in a dream because she’s not totally awake or asleep. She reports that she’s never had a relaxing experience in her life that even compares to floating.
She thinks that floating consistently has helped improve her sleep – since her accident she’s had trouble sleeping peacefully so this was a big deal to her. Anne has done a lot of research herself to find ways to recover – follow her recovery journey on her YouTube channel.
Using Float Tank Therapy To Help Treat A Brain Injury
Geoff shares his experience floating in a sensory deprivation tank to treat post concussion syndrome from his traumatic brain injury. He floats in order to give his mind time without any sensory input. You can follow Geoff on his YouTube channel.
