Research
PUBLICATIONS // ARTICLES // DOCUMENTARIES // CELEBRITY TESTIMONIALS
Examining the short-term anxiolytic and antidepressant effect of Floatation-REST
“Floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy) reduces sensory input to the nervous system through the act of floating supine in a pool of water saturated with Epsom salt… Participants reported significant reductions in stress, muscle tension, pain, depression and negative affect, accompanied by a significant improvement in mood characterized by increases in serenity, relaxation, happiness and overall well-being.”
Beneficial effects of treatment with sensory isolation in flotation-tank as a preventive health-care intervention – a randomized controlled pilot trial
“Stress, depression, anxiety, and worst pain were significantly decreased whereas optimism and sleep quality significantly increased for the flotation-REST group. No significant results for the control group were seen. There was also a significant correlation between mindfulness in daily life and degree of altered states of consciousness during the relaxation in the flotation tank.”
Exploring the Acute Cardiovascular Effects of Floatation-REST
Full research article / findings regarding cardiovascular health and blood pressure variability when comparing subjects using Float-REST to non-floatation activity.
Reduced Environmental Stimulation in Anorexia Nervosa
“The purpose of the study was to explore the safety of Floatation Therapy for users suffering with AN triggered Orthostatic Hypotension, and impact of Floatation Therapy on conditions associated with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) which include, but are not limited to Anxiety, Personality Disorders and Mood Disturbances.”
The Paradox Of Listening To Our Bodies
“He is also investigating the use of float tanks as a form of interoceptive therapy. In a study he published in 2020, twenty-three women with anorexia floated in sensory-deprivation chambers for ninety minutes at a time, once a week, for four weeks. They reported experiencing heightened awareness of their heartbeats and breathing, but not of their stomachs or digestive systems; many also reported feeling relaxed, energized, serene, and happy.”
Float Nation Documentary
“People all across the globe are visiting float tank centers in hopes of reaching states of sensory deprivation. With decades of promising research, why is floating so unknown and underutilized? The result of a trip across the United States, Float Nation explores the resurging trend of floating, its many uses, and the reason for its disappearance.”
Float Research and Applications for Athletes & Military
“Dr. Josh Hagen joins us from the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute at West Virginia University where he researches benefits and applications of Float Therapy for a variety of populations. His talk at the 2019 Float Conference focuses on military and athletes as they incorporate Float Therapy into their recovery and optimization programs.”
Media Hype & Celeb Endorsements…
Increased media attention and celebrity endorsements have brought much deserved attention to float therapy and its benefits. Segments on floating have aired on The Today Show, Rachael Ray, CBS This Morning, and The Joe Rogan Podcast to name a few, while publications such as TIME, Men’s Health and Women’s Health have written about the benefits of float therapy. MVP Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors shares it as one of his go-to’s for muscle recovery and a key to his success. Quarterback Tom Brady reportedly had his own float tank at home that was an important part of his self-care ritual. Tim Ferris, author of The 4-Hour Workweek, is a proud supporter of float therapy. Special operations groups including the Navy SEALs use floatation therapy to treat concussion trauma. This list is by no means exhaustive, and more and more people are championing float therapy.
Red Light Linked to Lower Blood Clot Risk
Humans and mice exposed to long-wavelength red light had lower rates of blood clots that can cause heart attacks, lung damage and strokes, according to research led by Elizabeth Andraska, M.D. (seated) and Matthew Neal, M.D., both of the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC.