Health and therapeutic applications of chamber and flotation restricted environmental stimulation therapy by Peter Suedfeld and Roderick A. Bow

Health and therapeutic applications of chamber band flotation restricted enviromental stimulation therapy by Peter Suedfeld and Roderick A. Bow

This review of previously published studies looks at the benefits of flotation therapy and finds evidence for:

Improved general relaxation.

Stress reuduction.

Pain relief.

Muscle hypertonicity.

It also goes on the examine how with many of the studies,  the measure that was being tested turned out not to be the only beneficial outcome.  Other positive side effects were:

The ability to think more deeply.

Increased ability to successfully implement positive health related behaviours such as starting an excise programme, reducing coffee or fattening foods.

Solving inter personal issues with friends, family and at work.

Reduction of anxiety.

Reduction of pain and muscle tightness.

Better sleep (some participates were able to come off medication.)

Increased assertiveness.

Improved weight control

General mood enhancement – relaxation, euphoria, calmness, vigor, energy and reduction of fatigue, anxiety, hostility, confusion, anger and depression.

Increased copping efficacy.

Increased self esteem.

The paper also interestingly discusses how whilst many participates in the above studies had reservations, the vast majority (over 90% found the experience to be “tolerable to pleasant” and were able to stay in for the full amount of time.