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Imagine yourself effortlessly floating in water that's about 93.5 degrees F--not too hot, not too cold. You're in total darkness. All is silent except for the comforting sounds of your own breathing. In this pleasurable and totally stress-free environment, every muscle feels deeply relaxed. Your thoughts wander, but you don't really think about much of anything.
What you're experiencing is R.E.S.T. (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy)--more commonly known as flotation therapy. In this stimulus-free setting, your heart and breathing slow down, muscle tension dissolves, and stressful feelings disappear. To achieve this state of bliss, all you have to do is sign up for a session in a float tank at a flotation center. The tank is slightly longer than a bathtub and contains very salty water that allows you to effortlessly float on your back. Some tanks have no lighting or sound; others are in a room that is dimly lit and has recorded music of your choice piped in. Float sessions last for an hour or so.
Flotation has benefits other than reducing stress.
- Listening to instructional tapes while floating can sharpen learning skills.
- Flotation can help to control blood pressure.
- Regular flotation sessions can help to alleviate arthritic pain, other types of chronic pain,
and nausea resulting from chemotherapy.
Note: Flotation may not be appropriate for everyone. Anyone who is being treated for a mental health problem should check with his or her therapist before considering flotation therapy.
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