An isolation tank, sensory attenuation tank, flotation tank, or float pod is used for (REST) restricted environmental stimulation therapy. It is light-proof or dark, soundproof, its temperature is the same as your skin’s temperature, and it is filled with saltwater to foot or less. The water in an isolation tank or sensory deprivation tank is almost saturated with magnesium sulfate (Epsom Salt), which helps the person in floating more easily.
John C. Lilly, an American physician, and neuroscientist designed the first isolation tank in 1954. Commercial isolation tanks were created and studied for the benefits of health in the 1970s. In past there was a lot of trust issue about it in people regarding its safety, that’s why it was not easily available? Now a day’s finding a floatation tank is easy because spas and float centers are offering float therapy. Its health benefits are as under.
-
Decrease pain
-
Improve sleep
-
Muscle relaxation
-
Increase focus and concentration
Isolation tank risks
When researchers researched the risks of the isolation tank, they reported very minor health risks when participants or volunteers were in good health or completely stable health-wise. But research also showed that if someone is already suffering from hallucination, so isolation tank could be disturbing for that person. And they may experience psychosis-like hallucinations.
In 2015 a small study was conducted by researchers on isolation tanks. Researchers divided volunteers into two groups; this grouping was done on basis of which volunteers were vulnerable to hallucinations. In that study, researchers found that, if a person does experience hallucinations, that person should stop going to the isolation tank, because in-tank he/she could experience more hallucination and that would not good for the mental health.
Some other people may not enjoy the isolation tank, who is scared of spending time in darkness, soundproof, enclosed, and isolated space. These kinds of people should avoid sensory deprivation tanks. The occurrence of drowning accidents in a flotation tank is extremely rare but it might happen, when someone is drunk or high due to drugs then he/she must be prevented to enter the tank.
SUMMARY
An isolation tank is used for restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST). The water in an isolation tank is saturated with magnesium sulfate (Epsom Salt), which helps the person in floating more easily. With many health benefits like it improves sleep, increases focus, and decreases pain but it could scary for those people who have hallucinations.
Conclusion
An isolation tank is widely being used around the world, if you want to get some peaceful moments and sign off from this noisy world then an isolation tank is the best option for you. I hope you have enjoyed this read and if so then please share this write-up.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Do you wear clothes in an isolation tank?
Most people avoid wearing any clothes in an isolation tank because it is a private space. If anyone has worn clothes in the tank, then these clothes will touch and press the body and may cause a distraction.
Is an isolation tank scary?
Studies show that people can experience psychosis-like hallucinations, which could be disturbing.
Can an isolation tank make you sick?
It could make you sick when high humidity is created inside the tank by the water and the air temperature, which may result in nausea.
Does floating help with weight loss?
It can trigger self-motivation and you can use that motivation for weight loss. As we know it increases concentration then you would be more focused on losing weight.
Do isolation tanks dehydrate you?
You will be feeling silky and smooth after spending time in the isolation tank. You will not be dehydrated.