Wellness
The lowdown on the meditative wellness treatment.
(Mayors enjoy a good soak, too.)
What Is Float Therapy?
Float therapy isnt new, and its actually becoming more common.
In 2011, there were85 float centersin the United States; today, youll findmore than 550.
If you continue doing it regularly, Rowe says the benefits increase with deeper relaxation and stress relief.
And all you have to do is… lie there.
This thenimpacts mental health as well as physical health, she says.
This means that they can create the environment that is most relaxing to them, she says.
For example, a float pods door can be opened or shut.
Risks Of The Treatment
Generally,float therapy is safe for everyone and side effectsare rare.
Some may experience nausea after their first session, but this is not likely.
The gorgeous views dont hurt, either.
(Just how soothing could it be to get cradled like a baby for 45 minutes?)
Having the assistance of a massage therapist as you float has unique perks.
The therapist is then able to free and lengthen the spine in a gentle back-and-forth wave-like motion.
In a more traditional pod, your body floats in whichever position you find yourself most comfortable.
The only hard part?
Leaving the warm geothermal water when its all over and exposing yourself to the frigid Icelandic air.
Studies referenced:
Feinstein, J.S.
Examining the short-term anxiolytic and antidepressant effect of Floatation-REST.
PLoS One.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796691/
Kjellgren, A.
Beneficial effects of treatment with sensory isolation in flotation-tank as a preventive health-care intervention a randomized controlled pilot trial.
BMC Complement Altern Med.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4219027/
Loose, L (2021).
Flotation Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy for Chronic PainA Randomized Clinical Trial.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
2021;4(5):e219627.
