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While aquatic venues appear to be similar in design, they are quite distinct in the type of pathogens that they can harbor and spread to the users. The type of pathogens present depend on the population of users and the nature of aqueous system’s parameters (e.g., temperature, salinity, filtration system, and disinfection system). To select the proper disinfection system, it is vital to review reliable sources of information on aquatic disease outbreaks, disinfection systems, and physiological properties of pathogens of concern. Examples of these reliable sources include publications from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), industry leading organizations such as the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), and peer review journals on the implicated pathogens. This bulletin provides a brief overview on disinfections systems that should be considered in various aqueous venues, including swimming pools, hot tubs and spa, float tanks, and cold plunge tubs.

It's almost here - the floatiest day of the year. Monday, January 6, is World Float Day. World Float Day was developed by More Floats and is championed by the Floatation Tank Association. The Goal: To get more people floating, and to celebrate the float. The How: You should celebrate World Float Day in your own way, but here are some suggestions to get the ideas flowing! Offer a Buy One Get One deal for members that bring in a rookie floater Post on social media about World Float Day using #WorldFloatDay CLICK HERE  for free Canva templates you can customize  Challenge your members to schedule 12 floats in 2025 - either by purchasing gift cards or scheduling those floats Offer this Limiting Beliefs worksheet to your members and guests (download it below) Thanks so much to Micah with Rise Above Floatation for making this for us! Visit WorldFloatDay.com , watch the stories, and maybe share your story. Tell us how you celebrated! Either comment here, or tell us on social media. Happy World Float Day!

by: Anette Kjellgren, Andreas Lindahl, & Torsten Norlander 2009 Hypothesis:   The study investigates whether the experiences and effects of a 45-minute relaxation session in a flotation tank are influenced by two factors: Breathing Instructions:  Whether participants are given instructions on breathing relaxation. Sensitive Personality:  Whether participants have a high or low sensitivity as measured by the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Scale. Methodology: Participants:  48 individuals (20 men and 28 women, mean age 27.4 years) were recruited from Karlstad University, Sweden. Design:  Participants were divided into two groups: Breathing Instructions Group:  Given relaxation breathing instructions. No Instructions Group:  No specific instructions given. Each group was further divided based on their sensitivity (high or low) as determined by the HSP Scale. Procedure: Participants underwent a 45-minute flotation session. Various measurements were taken before and after the session including the Subjective Flotation Experience (SFE) questionnaire, Pain Matcher for detection threshold (DT) and upper threshold (UT) pain endurance, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HAD), Life Orientation Test (LOT), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Results: Subjective Experience: Comfort and stress reduction were not significantly affected by breathing instructions or sensitivity levels. High sensitivity participants rated the importance of flotation-REST higher than low sensitivity participants. Pain Thresholds: High sensitivity individuals had a lower upper threshold for pain endurance compared to low sensitivity individuals, indicating higher pain sensitivity. No significant differences in detection thresholds were found between the groups. General Findings: Flotation-REST induced deep relaxation and comfort regardless of breathing instructions or sensitivity. The experience in the flotation tank was generally perceived as comfortable and relaxing by all participants. Conclusion:   The study concluded that flotation-REST is effective in inducing relaxation and reducing stress, regardless of sensitive personality traits or the presence of breathing instructions. This suggests that flotation-REST is a robust method for stress reduction that is not significantly influenced by placebo effects or personal expectations. Download the Full Article: Marketing Takeaway: Enhance Your Relaxation with Flotation Therapy at [float center] Discover Deep Relaxation with Flotation Therapy – No Special Instructions Required! At [float center], we pride ourselves on offering top-notch wellness services, including our highly effective flotation therapy. Recent research has shown that the profound relaxation and stress relief experienced during flotation sessions are consistent, regardless of individual sensitivity levels or specific breathing instructions. This means that anyone can benefit from the rejuvenating effects of floating, without needing any prior preparation or techniques. Key Benefits of Flotation Therapy: Stress Reduction:  Floatation therapy significantly lowers stress levels, helping you feel more relaxed and at peace. Pain Relief:  Whether you have a sensitive personality or not, flotation therapy helps reduce pain and discomfort, making it an ideal choice for those with chronic pain or stress-related ailments. Enhanced Comfort:  Our flotation tanks provide a warm, tranquil environment that everyone finds comfortable and soothing, ensuring a positive experience for all. Why Choose [float center]? Personalized Experience:  We ensure every session is tailored to your comfort, allowing you to fully immerse in relaxation without any worries. Proven Effectiveness:  Backed by research, our flotation therapy offers tangible benefits, including improved mood, reduced anxiety, and better sleep quality. No Special Requirements:  Enjoy the benefits of flotation therapy without needing any specific breathing techniques or prior experience. Ready to Experience Ultimate Relaxation?  Join the many satisfied clients who have found relief and rejuvenation through our flotation therapy. Book your session today at [float center] and let us help you float your stress away! Call to Action:  Book your flotation session now and unlock the full potential of deep relaxation. Visit our website or call us to schedule your appointment. Discover why [float center] is the premier choice for wellness in [city]. Creative Visuals Idea: A serene image of a person floating effortlessly in a calm, dark flotation tank, with soothing blue tones and a gentle glow, capturing the essence of tranquility. An infographic highlighting the key benefits of flotation therapy, with icons representing stress reduction, pain relief, and enhanced comfort. A short testimonial video of clients sharing their positive experiences and the profound relaxation they felt during their flotation sessions at [float center].

So - you're interested in supporting some float related research, but you aren't sure where to start? One way to do this is to partner with a local research organization. Here are some ideas to get you started! Within a local college or university system seek out the: Department of Research Office of Research & Development Ask to speak to someone who might be interested in the use of float tanks in conjunction with their research. This may already require some amount of explanation or education. You may need to elaborate that you are looking to connect with someone currently doing research in the realm of but not limited to: clinical psychology doctoral programs nursing programs social work cognitive psychology physiology sports medicine physical therapy health & exercise science Alternatively, you can browse the faculty pages: these pages give information on the faculty member, their area of study and possibly additional details about on-going research they are involved in. These pages often have an email listed. Ask these faculty if they are aware of any undergrad researchers that might be interested. Get thoughtful and creative here, imagine ways that you could see the float tank being useful in their research. Keep an eye out for specific terms like: clinical populations or performance & recovery Search for University athletic department staff directories: reach out to athletic directors, strength coaches, individual sport coaches Have a well written email with proper introduction, a brief explanation of floating and your facility. Include links to other research they may find compelling, positive reviews of your facility and images of your facility. Dr. Emily Choquette with the Float Clinic at Laureate Institute for Brain Research has written up a resource to help you reach out to researchers. Click the link below to get started. Once you find the right partner, things should be smooth sailing from there. Shout-out to James Harder and Dr. Emilay Choquette for preparing these suggestions for us!

By: Arreed Barabasz, Marianna Barabasz January, 1993 SUMMARY: Effects of Flotation REST on the Immune Response: T-Cells, B-Cells, Helper, and Suppressor Cells Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation (pp.223-237)  January 1993 Patricia Ruzyla-Smith and Arreed Barabasz Hypothesis  The hypothesis of the study is that Flotation REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy) can positively influence the immune system by affecting T-cells, B-cells, and the balance between helper and suppressor cells. Model  The study uses the model of Flotation REST, which involves floating in a sensory-deprived environment, to test its effects on the immune system. This model aims to create a stress-free environment that might enhance immune function. Methodology  The methodology involves: Participants:  A selected group of 44 volunteers between the ages of 18-56 years old, students at a large rural university in the Pacific Northwest (US). Procedure:  The participants were randomly assigned to either two 1-hour float sessions or two control sessions.  Measurements:  Blood samples were taken before and after the sessions to measure the levels of T-cells, B-cells, and the ratio of helper to suppressor cells using standard immunological assays. Participants also took the SCL-90-R (a self administered symptom checklist) prior to each session, and again at the end of the trial.  Results  The results indicate that Flotation REST has a beneficial effect on the immune system. Key findings include: An increase in the number of T-cells and B-cells. A more balanced ratio of helper to suppressor cells. Overall enhancement of immune function, suggesting that the stress-reducing environment of Flotation REST can positively influence immune health. These findings support the hypothesis that Flotation REST can be a valuable tool for improving immune function through stress reduction. Download the full chapter: Marketing Takeaway Discover the Immune-Boosting Power of Floatation Therapy at [float center name]! Exciting new research reveals that Floatation REST can significantly enhance your immune system by increasing the vital T-cells and B-cells, and balancing helper and suppressor cells. Imagine boosting your body’s natural defenses simply by floating in a serene, stress-free environment. Our state-of-the-art float tanks at [float center name] are designed to create the perfect conditions for your immune system to thrive. Experience the scientifically-backed benefits of reduced stress, improved immune health, and overall wellness. Book your session today and give your immune system the boost it needs to keep you healthy and energized! Call to Action:  Feel the difference for yourself—schedule your floatation therapy session at [float center name] now and unlock the secret to a stronger immune system!

By: Arreed Barabasz, Marianna Barabasz, Rebecca Dyer, and Noel Rather January, 1993 Hypothesis The study hypothesizes that Chamber Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST), Flotation REST, and general relaxation can positively influence mood states, with Flotation REST expected to have the most significant impact. Methodology The study enrolled 45 upper level undergraduate and graduate level students at a large northwestern university to participate in a ‘relaxation and mood study.’ The average age was 21.6 years old; 21 participants were women and 24 were men. Participants were divided into three groups, each undergoing one of the relaxation methods: Chamber REST, Flotation REST, or progressive muscle relaxation training sessions. Chamber REST involved lying in a dark, quiet room with minimal sensory input. Flotation REST required participants to float in a tank of water saturated with Epsom salts, creating a near-zero gravity environment. The relaxation training group engaged in standard relaxation techniques such as listening to calming music. Mood states were assessed before and after the sessions using standardized psychological scales. Results The results indicated that all three methods led to improvements in mood states. However, Flotation REST showed the most significant positive effects, with participants reporting greater reductions in stress and improvements in overall mood compared to the other two methods. Chamber REST also showed notable benefits, though to a lesser extent than Flotation REST. The relaxation group experienced the least improvement, suggesting that more immersive sensory reduction techniques have a greater impact on mood enhancement. This study supports the hypothesis that reducing sensory input through Chamber and Flotation REST can effectively improve mood states, with Flotation REST being the most beneficial. Download the Full Paper An Example of a Marketing Idea You could use for your float center - Discover the Ultimate Mood Booster at [float center]! Recent research highlights the incredible benefits of Flotation Therapy in enhancing mood and reducing stress. This study shows that floating in a sensory-free environment significantly improves mood and lowers stress levels more effectively than traditional relaxation methods. Imagine lying effortlessly in warm, buoyant water, feeling the stress melt away as you float weightlessly. Flotation Therapy at [float center] provides this serene escape, allowing your mind and body to rejuvenate completely. With proven results in mood enhancement and stress reduction, our state-of-the-art flotation tanks offer you the ultimate relaxation experience. Don't miss out on this scientifically-backed method to improve your well-being. Book your float session today and experience the profound benefits for yourself! Call to Action Ready to transform your mood and relieve stress? Book your Flotation Therapy session at [float center] now and unlock the power of deep relaxation! Click here to schedule your appointment. Visual Idea A serene image of a person effortlessly floating in a flotation tank, with calm, blue water and soft lighting, capturing the essence of relaxation and tranquility. Overlay text: "Float Your Stress Away – Experience Ultimate Relaxation Today!"

By: Oshin Vartanian, PhD, and Peter Suedfeld, PhD, FRSC Published through Music and Medicine Online f irst on May 6, 2011 Hypothesis The study hypothesized that flotation REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique) would improve the instrumental fluency and creativity in jazz improvisation. Flotation REST involves floating in a dense, warm solution of Epsom salts in a dark, sound-reducing tank, inducing a state of relaxed alertness and concentration. Aim The aim was to determine if the beneficial effects of flotation REST, previously observed in enhancing perceptual-motor skills in sports and creativity in sciences, would extend to jazz improvisation. Model Participants included 13 college students enrolled in an intermediate-level jazz improvisation class. The treatment group (8 students) floated for one hour per week for 4 consecutive weeks, while the comparison group (5 students) did not engage in flotation. Both groups recorded their improvisation before and after the treatment period. Methodology Participants : 13 students (9 males, 4 females), aged 23.6 years on average, from a jazz improvisation class. Treatment : The treatment group floated in a flotation tank for one hour each week for four weeks. Control Group : The comparison group did not float but were promised flotation sessions post-study. Recording Sessions : Both groups recorded 5-minute improvisations one week before and after the 4-week treatment period. Ratings : Jazz instructors, blind to the treatment status, rated the recordings on improvisation, creativity, expressiveness, technical ability, and overall quality. Additionally, the instructor provided perceived change ratings and final class grades. Results Technical Ability : The treatment group showed a significant improvement in technical ability compared to the control group. Other Dimensions : No significant differences were observed in improvisation, creativity, expressiveness, or overall quality. Final Grades : The treatment group had higher final class grades compared to the control group. Conclusion The study found that a regimen of flotation REST significantly improved technical ability in jazz improvisation but did not affect creativity, improvisation, expressiveness, or overall quality. The positive impact on technical skills suggests that flotation REST could be a valuable tool for enhancing certain components of musical performance. Future research with larger sample sizes and physiological measures is needed to better understand the mechanisms behind these effects. Download the Full Article here: Here's an example Marketing Idea using this research: Unlock Your Musical Potential with Floatation Therapy! Are you a musician looking to elevate your skills and performance? Discover how floatation therapy can be your secret weapon! Research shows that floatation REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique) can significantly improve technical abilities in jazz improvisation. Imagine what this could do for you! Here’s how floatation therapy can help you: Enhance Your Technical Skills : Floating in a dense, warm Epsom salt solution helps you achieve a state of deep relaxation and heightened concentration, allowing you to fine-tune your technical abilities. Boost Your Performance : Musicians who floated regularly saw notable improvements in their performance. This could be the edge you need to excel in your musical endeavors. Achieve Relaxed Alertness : The stress-reducing effects of floatation can help you stay calm and focused during practice and performances, enhancing your overall musical experience. Join the ranks of musicians who are harnessing the power of floatation therapy to improve their craft. Book your float session today and take your musical abilities to new heights! Call to Action:   Ready to enhance your musical skills? Schedule your float session now and unlock your full potential! Contact us at [float center] or visit our website to book your session today!

By Thomas H. Fine & John W. Turner, Jr., Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, Ohio, USA Hypothesis: The study hypothesizes that Flotation REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy) can effectively assist in relaxation training for chronic pain patients, potentially more so than biofeedback-assisted relaxation. Model: The model involves a multimodal treatment approach that combines individual psychotherapy, biofeedback-assisted relaxation, and REST-assisted relaxation to manage chronic pain. Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Flotation REST in reducing the perception of chronic pain when used as part of a multimodal treatment program. Methodology: Participants:  15 chronic pain patients (10 males, 5 females), referred to the Behavioral Medicine Clinic of the Medical College of Ohio. Conditions:  10 with chronic low back pain, 3 with chronic shoulder pain, and 2 with chronic headaches. Procedures: Initial interviews to gather detailed patient histories. Baseline psychophysiological measurements using EMG and peripheral temperature. Training in autogenic relaxation techniques for home use. Biofeedback sessions (6 to 36 sessions, average 13) followed by REST sessions (2 to 18 sessions, average 7). REST sessions involved floating in a sensory-deprived tank with a tape recording of relaxation phrases. Pain and relaxation levels were self-reported by patients using standardized scales. Results: Patients reported a significant reduction in the intensity of pain but no change in pain frequency or duration for chronic intractable benign pain patients. Chronic recurrent pain patients experienced improvements in intensity, frequency, and duration of pain. 12 patients regularly used relaxation techniques to manage pain. REST was rated as more relaxing and pain-relieving compared to biofeedback-assisted relaxation. 8 patients achieved complete pain remission during REST sessions, compared to 1 during biofeedback. Conclusion: The study suggests that Flotation REST is a powerful tool for inducing relaxation and reducing pain perception in chronic pain patients, potentially more effective than biofeedback-assisted relaxation. The findings support incorporating REST into multimodal chronic pain management programs. Download the full paper below.

Anthony Rogan, Tony Morris, Peter Gibbons Summary Pain management in osteopathic medicine: The efficacy of flotation REST as an adjunct to spinal manipulation for acute non-specific low back pain. A case report  Hypothesis:  The authors hypothesized that Flotation Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (Flotation REST) combined with spinal manipulation (SM) would be more effective in managing acute non-specific low back pain (LBP) compared to spinal manipulation alone. Model:  The study used a single-case report model to evaluate the combined therapy's effects on a 26-year-old female nurse suffering from acute LBP. Aim:  The aim was to assess the efficacy of using Flotation REST as an adjunct to spinal manipulation in reducing pain and disability in patients with acute non-specific LBP. Methodology: Patient Selection:  A 26-year-old female nurse with acute non-specific LBP was selected for the study. Treatment Plan:  The patient received spinal manipulation treatments followed by Flotation REST sessions. Spinal Manipulation (SM):  Manual techniques including high velocity low amplitude manipulation and mobilization were applied. Flotation REST (FR):  Involved the patient floating in a soundproof and lightproof tank with a supersaturated Epsom salts solution at skin temperature, inducing deep relaxation. Duration:  The patient received three sessions of SM followed by three sessions of FR, each FR session occurring three days after SM. Outcome Measures:  Pain and disability were measured using the Revised Oswestry Low Back Pain and Disability Questionnaire (ROLBPDQ), Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAPS), and Profile of Mood States (POMS). Results: Pain Reduction:  The patient reported a decrease in pain intensity, with VAPS scores dropping from 10% pre-treatment to 0% at four weeks. Disability Improvement:  ROLBPDQ scores improved from 30% pre-treatment (moderate disability) to 16% at four weeks (minimum disability). Mood Stability:  The POMS data indicated stable, positive mood states throughout the treatment period, with no significant mood fluctuations. Sustained Relief:  The patient reported being pain-free at the three-month follow-up, suggesting lasting benefits from the combined therapy. Conclusion:  The combination of Flotation REST and spinal manipulation appears effective in managing acute non-specific low back pain, reducing both pain and disability. The results support the potential for larger, controlled studies to further validate these findings. Download the full paper below.

Summary of Research Paper Reduced Environmental Stimulation in Anorexia Nervosa: An Early-Phase Clinical Trial Sahib S. Khalsa et al. Published 6th Oct 2020 Hypothesis 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. It is also noted that existing ‘go to ‘ treatments for these mental health issues show little to no efficacy in treating these conditions when associated with AN. Following previous published studies relating to Floatation Therapy being used to treat Anxiety and other mood disorders, it was pondered whether REST via Floatation might positively impact affective and interoceptive symptoms in individuals with AN such as raised Respiratory and Cardiac Rate, increased muscle tension and emotional instability, especially where Food or related triggers are involved. Model With no previous study indicating a level of safety or tolerability using Floatation with participants suffering from AN, an initial open study was conducted with 50 individuals with diagnoses of Anxiety and mood related disorders. Following recruitment, the participants undertook a single 1hr session and following diagnostic questioning reported as being ‘well tolerated’ by the anxious sample, with no major safety concerns or adverse events which would prevent the study from proceeding. It was noted that ‘r egardless of diagnosis, the float experience induced a strong short-term reduction in state anxiety and a substantial improvement in mood’. A follow up study was then conducted where a further 31 individuals with diagnosed anxiety and mood related disorders were evaluated during a 90 min Floatation session with a ‘control/comparison’ made by the same participants watching a ‘relaxing’ film. Measures of self-reported affect and interoceptive awareness were collected before and after each session, and BP was measured during each session. Before engaging participants with AN, it was hypothesised that the increase in perception of the physical state and the reduction of Cardiac and Resp rates may worsen the effect of AN both physically and mentally. However, with no evidence to reference it was decided to recruit the initial participants with weight recovered AN and decided upon Orthostatic Hypotension as the ‘safety measure’. Orthostatic Hypotension could increase fall and/or a risk of feinting when transitioning from laying to standing (an action occurring at the end of each float) ( Sachs et al., 2016.) This measure was chosen as Orthostatic Hypotension is a major medical condition associated with acute dehydration that is especially common in underweight and even partially weight-restored AN patients ( Lanier et al., 2011 ). Aim and Methodology The primary objective of this study was to determine whether individuals with partially weight-restored AN would exhibit evidence of orthostatic hypotension following REST, inhibiting the use of REST for this purpose. If the risk was not shown, then the secondary objective of this study was to examine the acute effects of REST on BP during floating and subjective measures of emotional experience (including anxiety and mood), body image disturbance, and interception. These secondary aims were exploratory and intended to provide information on the subjective changes induced by REST in individuals with AN, assisting in the dentification of potentially useful targets for future studies. Participants exposed to four treatments, approx. 1 week apart. Session 1 was undertaken in a ‘zero gravity’ chair Session 2 was undertaken in an open Float Pool to acclimatise to the sensation of Floating Sessions 3 & 4 undertaken in an enclosed Float Pool. All sessions were set for 90mins with the participant able to end their session at any point. Outcome Measurements Blood Pressure Measurements - During each session, orthostatic BP was measured before and after each float. Multiple Diagnostic Questionnaires used to record perceived effects ranging from psychological effect on mood, anxiety levels etc, physical effects such as muscle tension and specialist diagnostic papers relating specifically to AN. Post Session Interviews were conducted by the researcher to assess the participant experience and record information provided. Results Primary Outcome of Orthostatic Hypotension measurement – None of the participants completing any float session exhibited evidence of meeting the established criteria for Orthostatic Hypotension. With respect to other safety measures, no falls were observed upon standing, and there were no reports of feeling lightheaded or dizzy. Additionally, there were no adverse events such as acute panic attacks, severe dysphoria, agitation, or increased suicidal ideation. Secondary Outcomes – With regard to blood pressure , the session undertaken in the Chair showed a slight increase in Systolic bp when compared to baseline and Pool Floatation showed a measurable decrease (with the lowest levels being recorded between the 25th and 65th minutes of the 90 min session) and the greatest decrease in the final session, although none of the changes were regarded as substantial. Diastolic BP showed a more consistent decrease across both sessions of floatation-REST as compared with chair-REST and a slight reduction from baseline. Psychological Diagnostic questionnaire results returned the following – Interoceptive Awareness Measures – during REST, participants reported feeling significant increases in the intensity of the sensations from their heartbeat and breath but not from their stomach/digestive system. Body Appreciation - analysis of variance comparing the post-float assessments vs. the initial baseline assessment did not observe a statistically significant difference across sessions. Body Image States Scale & Photographic Figure Rating Scale – in contrast to body appreciation, participants reported significantly reduced body image dissatisfaction from pre- to post-REST & across all four REST sessions, suggesting a statistically significant increase in more favourable body image state and impacting personal appreciation when comparing personal impression to that of a photographic image of themselves. Effect Sizes for Secondary and Exploratory Outcome Measures - REST elicited moderate (0.5) to large (0.8 and greater) effects on ratings of state anxiety, stress, refreshment, serenity, relaxation, energy, and PFRS body dissatisfaction. REST elicited small (0.2) to moderate (0.5) effects on BP, heartbeat and breath intensity, and negative attitudinal body image. REST appeared to have minimal effects on stomach/gastrointestinal sensation intensity ratings and positive body appreciation ratings. Post session Interviews - Overall, most participants found the REST experience to be positive. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the findings from this initial trial suggest that individuals with partially weight-restored AN can safely tolerate the physical effects of REST . They may also experience improvements in anxiety and body image disturbance, but further studies involving randomized controlled designs would be required to confirm this finding. Marketing Take Away The primary aim of the study was to investigate the safety and tolerability of REST in AN. There were no indications that Floatation therapy should be avoided by patients with Cardiovascular interference due to AN. The Secondary aim was to explore the impact of REST on affective symptoms, body image disturbance, and interception relating to AN. The study shows… Significant reductions in several affective measures from pre- to post-float, including self-reported state/levels of anxiety, stress and fatigue. It was also reported that there was a significantly positive affect on levels of relaxation, joviality, a feeling of refreshment, increased energy, and serenity. These results are potentially noteworthy for several reasons and the study states that current anxiolytic medications such as benzodiazepines ( Steinglass et al., 2014 ) and behavioural treatments for anxiety in AN show limited efficacy and Floatation Therapy could be used as an alternative treatment path. the magnitude of the effect of Floatation Therapy was large. they mirror our previous observations of acute anxiety reductions in transdiagnostic groups of individuals with heightened anxiety sensitivity ( Feinstein et al., 2018a ). “ It is important to emphasize that such observations are to be regarded as preliminary until they can be verified in subsequent studies employing control conditions and randomized participant assignment, to account for the potential impact of expectancies on responses to this novel behavioural intervention.” J Feinstein. Floatation-REST generated a significant anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect relative to the comparison condition that was characterized by reductions in perceived anxiety and muscle tension, alongside increases in feelings of relaxation and serenity. In addition, significant BP reductions were evident throughout the float sessions. It was also reported that these individuals were left with a perceived increase in perception of these measures, primarily the respiratory and Cardiac rates. Summarization of - Reduced Environmental Stimulation in Anorexia Nervosa: An Early-Phase Clinical Trial Sahib S. Khalsa, Scott E. Moseman, Hung-Wen Yeh, Valerie Upshaw, Beth Persac, Eric Breese, Rachel C. Lapidus, Sheridan Chappelle, Martin P. Paulus and Justin S. Feinstein Laureate Institute for Brain Research (LIBR), Tulsa, OK, United States, Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, United States, Laureate Eating Disorders Program, Tulsa, OK, United States, Children’s Mercy Health System, Kansas City, MO, United States, Department of Psychology, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, United States. Summarized by - N. Parsons 21/09/2021 Download the full paper below

We’re excited to provide this one-pager as a resource for FTA members to share the powerful benefits of float therapy for veterans and individuals recovering from PTSD. This ready-to-use PDF highlights research-backed benefits like pain relief, better sleep, and reduced anxiety, with links to additional studies and a video testimonial. Feel free to share it in your emails, social media, or on your website, or make edits to personalize it for your audience. Link to customizable Canva Template with video and links: Here Content Preview: Download PDF:

Summary of Research Paper ‘Treating stress-related pain with the flotation restricted environmental stimulation technique: Are there differences between women and men?’  Sven Å Bood PhD, Anette Kjellgren PhD, Torsten Norlander PhD Prof (2009) Key Take Aways Both sexes were recommended REST treatment to treat chronic, stress-induced pain (muscle tension) Positive effects were the same for both males and females Deep relaxation and reduction of stress hormones seemed to be contributors in the reduction of stress-related pain, with the releasing of endogenous endorphins (beta-endorphins) Improved the participants pain tolerance/threshold 69 women, 19 men from 3 different studies 32 had also received a diagnosis of depression, including symptoms such as fatigue, diminished energy, loss of self-esteem, problems with organizing daily life, problems with memory and processing new information, problems with sleep, poor restoration by rest, and feelings of low mood Floated 12 times over 7 weeks Set up Participants had been diagnosed by a physician as having chronic stress-related muscle tension pain Participants were treated with flotation-REST during 2-3 week periods consisting of two 45 min float sessions per week for 3 weeks Several measurements (degree of depression, anxiety, sleep quality and pain), as well as assessments of participants’ sensory DTs and PE (using the electronic device Pain Matcher) were performed before and after the treatment period Results Analysis indicated it had beneficial effects on stress, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and pain and that there were few differences between men and women Women were more depressed than men before treatment, but after treatment there was no difference between the sexes There was a difference between the men and women in the ability to endure experimentally induced pain, suggesting that men exhibited greater endurance both before and after the flotation-REST treatment. Results also showed that both men and women improved their ability to endure experimentally induced pain (higher scores for upper pain threshold) following a float treatment Download the full paper below