The benefits of flotation tanks
The use of flotation tanks is becoming increasingly popular, but what are the benefits to floating around in a pod in the dark with nothing to entertain you for a good hour of your day?
ZERO GRAVITY:
It is the high volume of epsom salt solution that allows you to float at the water’s surface. This means that for an hour, your joints are effectively non-weightbearing. This is particularly beneficial if you are carrying an overuse injury, be it training or everyday life (the desk warrior). The spine is able to decompress and realign and muscular skeletal system is able to completely relax.
IMPROVED CIRCULATION:
The affect of zero gravity facilitates improved circulation to the extremities which are harder to reach when the heart and vessels are working against gravity. Our waste maintenance system is also improved with increased blood flow to the lympathic system. Recovery is enhanced through efficient disposal of lactic acid.
DECREASED CORTISOL LEVELS:
An hour in the tank allows you to escape the stress of the world around you, promoting a relaxed state which lowers your body’s cortisol levels. When chronically elevated, cortisol levels can lead to weight gain (particularly through visceral fat storage), a weakened immune system and an increased risk of chronic disease.
REDUCES INFLAMMATION:
In today’s society most of us are deficient in magnesium, even with supplementation there is very little in our diet. The large volume of epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) that is dissolved in the tank allows us to absorb magnesium through our skin, this has huge benefits for overall health and wellbeing.
Magnesium has natural anti-inflammatory properties which allow us to recovery from injuries and chronic muscular-skeletal pain. It is also said to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, improve sleep, reduce stress levels and has been correlated to lower incidences of Coronary Heart Disease.
IMPROVED MENTAL GAME:
An hour in the tank, is an hour away from the constant stimuli of our day to day lives. As a result of this reduction in stimuli the right hemisphere of our brain becomes more active while the left hemisphere relaxes. This creates mental clarity, and with increased creativity and problem-solving from the right side, we’re able to look at the bigger picture.
Alongside this, theta wave activity is enhanced. These waves are rhythmic and relaxing which allows us to reach a state of meditation. This extreme relaxation promotes the release of endorphins and serotonin, through which we have improved mood, reduced stress and pain relief.
PRETTY COOL RIGHT....?
Given all the psychological and physiological benefits of floating, seems like it would be rude not to give it a try. Here's a couple of float centres I recommend either side of the pond:
London: https://floatworks.com/
Austin: http://zerogravityinstitute.com/
Coach Harri
The content in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health.