One of the newest health trends evolving in the media is float therapy. Lets take a peak at how the media describes float therapy to be beneficial and if medical research supports why people are raving about it!
First, lets look at the media:
Media Clip 1:
-Removes distractions from the environment
-Increases mental focus
-Deprives you from receiving sensory input
-Allows your mental and physical body to de-connect from the environment
-Utilized to reduce tension
-May be effective for those with anxiety or post traumatic stress disorder
Media Clip 2:
-Feel weightless in space
-Remove sensory input through vision, hearing, and feeling
-Increases relaxation
-regulates body temperature, blood oxygen, PH levels and blood glucose
-Reduces stress levels
-Regulates your body’s nervous systems
-Provides your body with a “balanced” state
-Increases mindfulness
-Boosts mental function
-Reduces chronic pain and anxiety
-Decreases chronic pain
-Give your body a break from the world
Media Clip 3:
-Reduces “everyday” stress
-Increases muscle recovery after heavy weight training, sports, running, etc.
-Restricts your sight, sound, taste,and touch while in the tank
-Reboots your nervous system
-Beneficial for muscle tissue recovery
-Increases visualization and focus
-Beneficial for neck, back, and spine injuries
-Improves body awareness
-Improve mental awareness
-Eliminates your body and brain having to work against gravity
-Overall physical and mental recuperation
Now, lets look at the medical research:
Article 1: “Can Float Therapy Really Treat Stress?”
Reference: Oaklander, M. (2015). Can Float Therapy Really Treat Stress? Time, 186(4), 26. Retrieved from http://library.neit.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=asn&AN=108405882&site=ehost-live
-According to the article listed above. There is research evidence that supports the use of float therapy to manage anxiety and stress. The article shares a story about a women who utilizes a float tank once a week for 90 minutes in order to escape the stress and anxiety of daily life. The literature also reports there is currently research underway to determine the benefits of using the tank to improve symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. According to this piece of literature, the media is presenting facts regarding the use of float therapy to improve mental health and reduce stress and anxiety.
Article 2: “In The Tank”
Reference: JAHROMI, N. (2013). In the Tank. (Cover story). Nation, 297(15), 27–32. Retrieved from http://library.neit.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=asn&AN=90460187&site=ehost-live
-The above listed article is a MUST READ for everyone! It talks about a gentlemen who has difficulty sleeping to begin with and often will sleep in his bathtub. Once he discovered float therapy, he began utilizing the 90 minute sessions religiously every week. He then decided to spend 24 hours in the float tank to observe the physical and mental effects it had on him. So, the gentlemen began his 24-hour float tank experience after he had walked on foot for four days straight. When he appeared at the float facility his feet were very swollen to the point of bursting out of his sandals. After his 24-hour float experience he describes how being in the tank physically heels your body, loosens up your muscles and tissues, and mentally clears your mind. According to this literature,research evidence supports the use of float therapy to improve physical body function and muscle recovery. The media has gotten the facts straight about the physical benefits float therapy!
Article 3: “Examining The Short-term Anxiolytic and Antidepressant fEfect of Floatation-REST”
Reference: Feinstein, J. S., Khalsa, S. S., Yeh, H., Wohlrab, C., Simmons, W. K., Stein, M. B., & Paulus, M. P. (2018). Examining the short-term anxiolytic and antidepressant effect of Floatation-REST. PLoS ONE, 13(2), 1–24. https://library.neit.edu:2404/10.1371/journal.pone.0190292
-This research article is a medical based article that really goes into detail on the therapeutic aspect of float therapy and the overall theory of Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST). This piece of literature provides the perspective of a medical professional to support the use of float therapy to improve a person’s overall well-being both physically and mentally and the benefits of this therapy to reduce depression. This research supports the information that has been discussed in the above media clips. I would recommend everyone to read this article in order to grasp a good understanding of how float therapy effects your body from a medical stand point.
Overall, The media pieces did an excellent job of providing their viewers with FACTS about float therapy and the health benefits. I would encourage everyone to read each article and view each clip as each piece provides a different perspective, insight, and understanding on float therapy!