It took about 7 decades for the “Floating Tank” to launch in our country!The flotation tank was first invented in 1950 by John C Lilly to explore human consciousness. It is an incredible and beneficial experience that is worth living.
It all started when I read about this tank in an advertising brochure for pool cleaning systems. It looked like an “egg” with a lid. Searching at google I read that John C. Lilly invented it seven decades ago. During flotation, scientists discovered that human brain produces theta waves. These waves are active during sleep, sleepiness and meditation. This means that the subconscious mind is being triggered to work.
All articles agreed. Floating is an ideal method for deep relaxation and refreshment. The mind runs a “meditation” process and the body heals itself as it floats in the specially constructed tank containing temperature-controlled 25 cm water p and a large amount of Epsom salts (rich in magnesium). When the body relaxes, the blood vessels expand and the blood flows into the muscles removing the toxins and relieving from pain and stress.
The lack of gravity relaxes the muscles and aligns the spine. Furthermore, Epsom salt solution promotes the absorption of magnesium and calcium.
My research convinced me that I had to try it. The water in floating tank had my skins temperature and its level was visibly low.
They gave me earplugs and I asked them to close the lid completely leaving the light on. I had the choice to switch it off and stay in the dark but I did not like the idea. It took me a few minutes to relax and without realizing it I lost the sense of time and physical orientation. I felt some twitches in my legs, hands and whole body and then I went back to the state of absolute relaxation.
I was sleeping, waking up, watching dreams … my body became one with the water.
I lifted my hand to push back the earplug and it looked like it weighed 100 kg! When my session finished it was time for me to go out I could not believe I had stayed in the Floating Tank for an hour! The days that followed were magical. I felt my legs lighter, my spine decompressed and my head rotation improved.
“Achilles” tendons and a foot pain during morning were gone. My physiotherapist noticed my general improvement and the decompression of my spine.
Floating method has been described as a “miracle” by people who have used it. It is the most effective way to relax in a very short time. It has been proven that one hour of “floating” is equivalent to 4-8 hours of sleep.
Varvara Solomonidou,Wellness Specialist, Personal Trainer, Seminar & Conference Lecturer, Pilates Master Trainer “AthensTrainers® Ultimate Pilates System®”, Member of Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), Member of European Lifestyle Medicine Organization (ELMO), DNAFit® Certified Trainer, General Manager & Owner of AthensTrainers®
Source: The Body Magazine