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The article "The Experience of Flotation-REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique): Consciousness, Creativity, Subjective Stress, and Pain" by Kjellgren, investigates the psychological and physiological effects of flotation therapy. Hypothesis The primary hypothesis was that flotation-REST would induce altered states of consciousness (ASC) and result in various psychological and physiological benefits, including pain reduction, stress relief, and enhanced creativity. The study also aimed to explore whether the context and participants' previous experiences of altered states would influence their experiences during flotation-REST. Aim The aim of the study was to systematically investigate the effects of flotation-REST on consciousness, creativity, subjective stress, and pain. The researchers sought to determine how flotation-REST compared to other methods of inducing ASC, such as chamber-REST, and to evaluate its potential therapeutic benefits. Model The study utilized several theoretical models to frame its investigation: Primary-Secondary Process Model : This model distinguishes between primary processes (instinctive, imaginative, and less logical) and secondary processes (logical, analytical, and reality-oriented) to understand the cognitive shifts during ASC. Stanislav Grof's Model : Focuses on different psychological levels experienced during ASC, including sensory, unconscious, perinatal (birth-related), and transpersonal levels. Transient Hypofrontality Hypothesis : Suggests that ASCs are primarily due to a temporary reduction in prefrontal cortex activity, leading to changes in cognitive and behavioral functions. Methodology The methodology included several experimental studies: Participants : Individuals with varying levels of previous ASC experience were recruited and randomly assigned to control or experimental groups. Procedures : Participants underwent flotation-REST sessions lasting 45 minutes, three times a week, over three weeks. The control group did not receive flotation treatments. Measurements : Various psychological and physiological assessments were conducted before and after the treatment period, including: Creativity tests (fluency, originality, deductive thinking) Subjective pain and stress questionnaires Blood samples to measure beta-endorphin and MHPG levels Anxiety and depression scales (HAD, LOT) Sleep quality assessments Results Altered States of Consciousness : Flotation-REST induced higher levels of ASC compared to chamber-REST. Participants reported deep relaxation, pseudo-hallucinations, and transpersonal experiences. Pain and Stress Reduction : The most severe pain intensity was significantly reduced in the flotation-REST group, while low pain intensity remained unaffected. Flotation-REST also significantly reduced noradrenaline metabolite levels (MHPG) but did not affect beta-endorphin levels. Creativity : Flotation-REST increased originality but impaired deductive thinking. Chamber-REST induced more realistic and elaborated thinking. Stress conditions influenced these outcomes, with stressed individuals showing different creativity patterns. Mood and Sleep : Flotation-REST elevated optimism, reduced anxiety and depression levels, and improved sleep onset and quality. Overall, the study concluded that flotation-REST is a promising method for inducing ASC and offers significant benefits for pain reduction, stress relief, and enhancing certain aspects of creativity . Download the full paper below.

Research Summary The study "The Effects of Flotation REST on the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia" explores how Floatation Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) impacts individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Hypothesis:  The study hypothesizes that Floatation REST can significantly reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia, which include widespread musculoskeletal pain, stress, anxiety, and poor sleep quality. Model:  Floatation REST involves floating in a pool of water with a high concentration of Epsom salts in an environment that minimizes sensory input. This therapy is believed to alleviate physical and psychological symptoms by promoting deep relaxation. Aim:  The study aims to assess the immediate and short-term effects of Floatation REST on various symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as pain, muscle tension, stress, anxiety, and overall well-being. Methodology: Participants:  81 individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia from five countries (Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, UK, US) participated in the study. Procedure:  Each participant underwent three one-hour Floatation REST sessions within a three-week period. Data Collection:  Before and after each session, participants completed questionnaires rating their symptoms on an 11-point Likert scale. The variables measured included pain, muscle tension, stress, energy, sadness, well-being, relaxation, and anxiety. Analysis:  Repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVA) and multilevel modeling (PROC MIXED in SAS) were used to evaluate the data, considering factors such as missing data and session-to-session changes. Results: Immediate Effects:  Significant reductions in pain, muscle tension, stress, anxiety, and sadness were observed immediately after each Floatation REST session. Participants also reported increased relaxation, well-being, energy, and ease of movement. Long-term Effects:  Improvements in pre-intervention symptom ratings across sessions indicated potential cumulative benefits from repeated Floatation REST exposure. Sleep Quality:  Participants noted improved sleep quality and duration after float sessions, although the results had some variability due to data collection issues. Participant Feedback:  Comments from participants highlighted subjective improvements in sleep, relaxation, memory, concentration, and reduced pain, contributing to overall well-being. In conclusion, the study provides compelling evidence that Floatation REST can offer significant temporary relief from fibromyalgia symptoms, with potential cumulative benefits over multiple sessions. The findings suggest a need for further research to explore long-term effects and the possibility of using Floatation REST as a regular therapeutic intervention for fibromyalgia. Download the full paper below.

It is essential to keep accurate and sufficient records when it comes to your business. Ashley Ashe has provided some key insights to help you do just that.

We set out to compile the best tips and tricks when it comes to maintaining a regular float practice. Feel free to use any of these on your own social media pages or as print outs to remind yourself and/or your float center staff to get into the tank.

Especially for float center owners, it can be difficult to maintain a practice of floating regularly. When it's tough to float regularly is usually when you need it most. Remember you always have time for you, even when it really doesn't feel like it. Check out this info graphic we put together with some helpful tips to consider when getting back into, or developing, a float practice.

This bulletin contains information on how to handle a variety of events that could occur at your float center. From code red to code brown, make sure you're prepared for the not-so-great, and for the worst.

Updated 3.7.2019 These Float Tank Standards represent our recommendations for the baseline best practices to ensure quality, sanitation, and safety while operating float tanks in a commercial setting. These recommendations are based on the current evidence that exists for float tanks, in addition to decades of operational experience, dating back to the invention of the commercial float tank in the 1970’s. These Standards are supported by an appendix that explains the research and reasoning behind these recommendations, as well as some supporting documentation.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) developed this handbook to provide small business employers with workplace safety and health information. The handbook summarizes the benefits of an effective safety and health program, provides self-inspection checklists for employers to identify workplace hazards, and reviews key workplace safety and health resources for small businesses.

World Aquatic Health Conference 2023 presentation: Survey of Float Tank Operating Practices by Dr. Laura Suppes, Dr. Roy Vore, and Ashkahn Jahromi This presentation shared the results of a study about disinfection for float tanks. It was presented at the 2023 World Aquatic Health Conference, hosted by the Pool & Hot Tub Association. Key Take Aways Recreational Water professionals are beginning to understand the importance of treating float tanks differently than pools and spas. The file shows the extreme differences between float tanks and pools/spas. The current, most commonly used guidelines for float tank disinfection are the Model Aquatic Health Code and the North American Float Tank Standards. The presentation also covered the results of the FTA Microbiology Project. When float tanks are operated according the FTA North American Float Tank Standard, the microbial health risk from bacteria in float solution is comparable to that in well maintained swimming pools and is substantially better than hot tubs.

Exploring the Positive Effects of Guided Meditation in Floatation Tanks: A Controlled Repeated Measures Study on Physiological and Psychological Wellbeing FTA - Millikin Psychological Research Outcome by Keely Watkins & Jeanne Mills Overall, participants experienced positive effects like higher levels of perceived relaxation state when listening to a guided meditation track within a 60-minute session compared to relaxation levels seen after meditating in a room. Although floating with and without the meditation tracks similar relaxation levels. However, participants as a whole experienced higher levels of heart rate coherence while floating with the guided meditation compared to when they floated without the meditation or meditated in a private room. What does this mean? Floating as a whole generated positive benefits for all participants for how they perceived relaxation after compared to meditating alone. However, body analysis (heart rate coherence) reveals that floating with the meditation provided higher bodily-evident stress relief and mental health benefits.

We get it. You're doing everything you possibly can to make your guests feel comfortable and prepared for a float. Retaining all of the information from an orientation or walk-through can be difficult. Whether it's their first float or their 10th, you worry they may miss a step or forget important reminders. Many float centers provide simple, in-room information about what to expect during and after a float. A visual reminder can make a huge difference in making sure your guests have the best possible experience every time they float. Here are some examples of in-room signage to help you create your own: Want to share your design? Please email it to us at info@floatation.org, and we will add it to the examples!

The FTA endeavors to facilitate the support and education of our esteemed members through the provision of comprehensive resources and pertinent information. However, it is incumbent upon each member to diligently undertake their due diligence and ensure adherence to the relevant state laws and complete coverage of all necessary information. The subsequent waivers are presented solely as templates, serving as a foundation for customization to align with the specific requirements and branding of your center. We strongly advise seeking the professional expertise of an attorney to meticulously review your draft, guaranteeing its compliance with all the requisite information mandated by your state. Float Light - At Float Light, they ask the guest to complete a Guest Registration and a Wavier form on their first visit. If they guest checks certain boxes on the Registration, they are asked to sign an additional waiver, covering specific conditions. The 3 forms are below: