DRIVER FOR RESEARCH:
With the current trend of abusing chemicals substance in treatment, there’s a growing need for alternative therapy like floatation. Sensory Deprivation Therapy is one of the most promising method with high value in improving:
- Stress management
- Chronic pain & rheumatoid arthritis
- Athletic performance
- substance abuse
- Pre-menstrual syndrome
- Children with autism
- Creativity enhancement
- Anxiety reduction
- Smoking cessation
- Eating modification
STRESS MANAGEMENT
Floatation therapy research supporting stress management:
Bood, Sundequist, Kjellgren, Norlander, Nordström, et al. (2006) Eliciting the relaxation response with the help of flotation-rest (restricted environmental stimulation technique) in patients with stress-related ailments. – See abstract of research here
This study aimed to investigate long-term effects of the flotation-REST (restricted environmental stimulation technique) 4 months after treatment. Results indicated that pain areas, stress, anxiety, and depression decreased, whereas sleep quality, optimism, and prolactin increased. Positive effects generally maintained 4 months after treatment, but prolactin returned to initial levels. It was concluded that flotation tank therapy is an effective method for the treatment of stress-related pain.
K. Honnsson, A. Kjellgren (2016) Promising effects of treatment with flotation-REST (restricted environmental stimulation technique) as an intervention for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. – See summary of research here
A. Kjellgren, J. Westman (2014) Beneficial effects of treatment with sensory isolation in flotation-tank as a preventive health-care intervention. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. – See summary of research here
A Kjellgren, F Lyden & T Norlander. (2008) Sensory Isolation in Flotation Tanks: Altered States of Consciousness and Effects on Well-being. Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden – See full research here
S Bood, L & K Nordstrom (2006) Eliciting the Relaxation Response With the Help of Flotation–REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique) in Patients With Stress-Related Ailments. Karlstad University. – See full research here (Depression research)
Dirk Van Dierendonck & Jan Te Nijenhuis (2004) Flotation restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST) as a stress-management tool: A meta-analysis – See summary of research here
A., Barabasz M., Dyer R. & Rather N. (1993). Effects of Chamber REST, Flotation REST and Relaxation on Transient Mood State. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp.113-120. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc. – See summary of research here
Ewy G., Sershon P., Freundlich T. (1990). The Presence or Absence of Light the REST Experience: Effects on Plasma Cortisol, Blood Pressure and Mood. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary. – See summary of research here
CHRONIC PAIN & RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Floatation therapy research showing how floating helps chronic pain and rheumatoid arthritis:
Fibromyalgia Floatation Project – The International Floatation Research Group (Ongoing) – Website
Borrie R & Dr T Russell (2011) Floatation REST Therapy Results in Pain Relief and Relaxation for Fibromyalgia Patients. London, Berlin, Colleyville & Rotterdam. – See summary of research here
H Edebol, T Norlander, S A Bood (2008) Chronic Whiplash-Associated Disorders and Their Treatment Using Flotation-REST – See summary of research here and full view of research here
Sven-Ake Bood (2007) Bending and Mending the Neurosignature. Karlstad University Sweden – See summary of research here.
A Kjellgren, U Sundequist, T Norlander, T Archer (2001) Effects of flotation-REST on muscle tension pain – See summary of research here
Turner J. Jr & Fine T.H. (1985). REST-Assisted Relaxation and Chronic Pain. Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, Ohio, USA – See summary of research here
ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
Floatation therapy research supporting the benefits for athletes:
Morgan P.M (2013) The acute effects of flotation restricted environmental stimulation technique on recovery from maximal eccentric exercise. Northern Illinois University – See Summary of research here
Oshin Vartanian, PhD & Peter Suedfeld, PhD. (2011) The Effect of the Flotation Version of Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique (REST) on Jazz Improvisation. University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada – Complete Research Here
Bayler D (2000) Effects of REST on improving golfing performance – See Summary of research here
Bond J. AIS (1997). Floatation Therapy Current Concepts – Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra – See
Summary of research here
Baker D.A. (1990). The Use of REST in the Enhancement of Sports Performance-Tennis. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary. pp.181-187. Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press. – See Summary of research here
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Floatation therapy research on biological effects:
Barabasz M., O°Neill M. & Scoggin G. (1990). The Physiological Panic Button: New Data. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary. pp.112-119. Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press.
Budzynski T.H. (1990). Hemespheric Asymmetry and REST. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Theoretical and Empirical
FLOATATION LITERATURE
Floatation therapy research literature:
Barabasz A.F. & Barabasz M. (eds.) (1993). Clinical and ExperimentalRestricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. (Based on the 4th International Conference on REST) New York:
Springer-Verlag New York Inc. Hutchison M. (1984). The Book of Floating, Quill, New York.
Toledo, Ohio: IRIS Publications. Fine T.H. & Turner J.W. (eds.). (1990). Restricted Environmental Stimulation:
Research and Commentary. (Based on the 3rd International Conference on REST).
Had a nice and friendly staff member help us out! A great first experience and I hope to be back soon! Unfortunately the power went out towards the end but that is beyond their control as blackouts occur quite frequently in Vietnam
Great experience! It was my first time there and the staff member/ owner took his time to explain to us the benefits and walked us through the process. Unfortunately there was a power trip towards the end of my session, but the staff member/ owner were witty calm about it and brought it a huge speaker to wake us up (just in case we hadn’t got up).
This is an absolutley amazing find in Hanoi. I always tell people that floating is the perfect practice if your looking to improve your health, inner peace, and general wellbeing - and that is certainly the case at 'float Hanoi' as well! I have been floating regularly for a few years in the US, and I can say that the tanks and facilities here are truly top of the line. Also Minh, one of the owners, was incredibly welcoming and helpful - he even took me to find an ATM machine after my float so i could pay him! Then followed by showing me a gas station so I could fill up my motorbike (Ive only been here two days). 🙂 Float Hanoi exemplifies what selfless service is all about - I feel at home in Hanoi already just from my first experience here (Of course im also relaxed and rejuvinated from the float itself). I bought a package of 5 "one hour" floats, and when those are up, I will be buying a package of 5 "ninety minute" floats. All that said, just do yourself a big favor and give this place a real shot! You wont be at all dossapointed. ????
The last time I floated was back in Bangkok in 2019. My husband and I were regulars at the facility there. The Hanoi float center feels much more “homemade” than the one in Bangkok. Not saying that neither is better than the other; the setting feels very different, which is something to keep in mind. Otherwise, the tanks work the same - the only difference would be that you have the option to pry the tank’s cover open slightly with the ones in BKK but here, it’s either fully close or open, which can be uncomfortable for first-time floaters. Also, if you haven’t meditated for a long time, it can be pretty challenging during the first few sessions as your mind WILL keep wandering. We did the couple floating session for 60 minutes, and we didn’t regret giving it a try. It was nice, dark, and quiet (something you don’t get much from living in Hanoi). The staff understands and speaks English very well. The online reservation was hassle free, and the team will contact you a day before by phone to reconfirm. Note that they are not really responsive on Facebook messenger, so it’s better to call. It’s a straight forward experience, you go in, pay, rinse a bit, float, get out, rinse again, dress up and leave. Nothing to complain about and would personally return.
Quietest place in HCMC*. I've been floating for over four years and was so happy to find this place in Vietnam. The set up is very professional and sanitary. Owners are knowledgeable and extremely helpful. The prices do seem a bit high and geared towards tourists. I'll will return, but not as frequently as I'd like. *I would not suggest you float if there's going to be rain. During my float it started to pour and the noise was to the point you can not tune it out. I had to cut my float short as a result. No offer of offset cost or float time in the future, disappointing.
Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press. Suedfeld P. & Turner J.W. & Fine T.H. (eds.). (1990). Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Theoretical and Empirical Developments in Flotation REST New York : Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
Fine T.H. & Turner J.W. (eds.). (1983). First International Conference on REST and Self-Regulation. Toledo, Ohio: IRIS Publications.
Fine T.H. & Turner J.W. (eds.). (1985). 2nd International Conference on REST.
CREATIVITY ENHANCEMENT
Floatation therapy research for enhancing creativity:
Literature on REST Research Enhancement of Creativity Baker D.A.(1987).
The Effects of REST and Hemispheric Synchronization Compared to the Effects of REST and Guided Imagery on the Enhancement of Creativity in Problem-Solving. 2nd International Conference on REST. pp.122-126. Toledo, Ohio: IRIS Publications
SMOKING CESSATION
Floatation therapy research on ways it can help people quit smoking:
Barabasz M. & Barabasz A. (1993). Treatment of Trichotillomania and Smoking with Hypnosis and REST. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp.145-156. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
Fine T. & Bruno J. (1985). Floatation REST and Smoking Cessation: A preliminary Report, Health and Clinical Psychology. North Holland: Elsevier Science Publishers B.V.*
EATING MODIFICATION
Floatation therapy research showing how it can help with eating disorders:
Barabasz M. (1993). REST : A Key Facilitator in the Treatment of Eating Disorders. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp.121-126. New York: Springer-VerlagNew York Inc.
Dyer R., Barabasz A. & Barabasz M. (1993). Twenty-Four Hours of Chamber REST Produces Specific Food Aversions in Obese Females. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp.127-144. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
Borrie R.A. (1985). Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy used in Weight Reduction. First International Conference on REST and Self-Regulation. pp.144-151. Toledo, Ohio: IRIS Publications.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Floatation therapy research on ways it can help people with substance abuse:
Barabasz M., Barabasz A. & Dyer R. (1993). Chamber REST Reduces Alcohol Consumption: 3, 6, 12, and 24 Hour Sessions. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp.163-173. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
Adams H. (1988).REST Arousability and the Nature of Alcohol and Substance Abuse. Journal of substance Abuse Treatment. Vol.5, pp. 77-81.
PRE-MENSTRUAL SYNDROME
Floatation therapy research on reducing PMS:
Jessen W. (1993). The Effects of Consecutive Floats and Their Timing on Premenstrual Syndrome. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp. 281-288. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc
Goldstein D.D. & Jessen W.E. (1990). Flotation Effect on Premenstrual Syndrome. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary. pp.260-266. Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press.
CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
Floatation therapy research and autism treatment:
Harrison J. & Barabasz A. (1993). REST as a Treatment for Children with Autism. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp. 269-280. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc. – See Research Summary Here
Suedfeld P. & Schwartz G. (1980). Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) as a Treatment for Autistic Children. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. Vol.4, #3, pp. 196-201. William & Wilkins Co. – See Summary of Research Here
ANXIETY REDUCTION
Anette Kjellgren and Jessica Westman (2014). Beneficial effects of treatment with sensory isolation in flotation-tank as a preventive health-care intervention – a randomized controlled pilot trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
From abstract:
“Sensory isolation in a flotation tank is a method known for inducing deep relaxation and subsequent positive health effects for patients suffering from e.g. stress or muscle tensions pains. Very few studies have investigated this method as a preventive health-care intervention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects in healthy participants after receiving a series of flotation tank treatment. Sixty-five participants (14 men and 51 women) who were all part of a cooperative-health project initiated by their individual companies, were randomized to either a wait-list control group or a flotation tank treatment group where they participated in a seven weeks flotation program with a total of twelve flotation sessions. Questionnaires measuring psychological and physiological variables such as stress and energy, depression and anxiety, optimism, pain, stress, sleep quality, mindfulness, and degree of altered states of consciousness were used. Data were analysed by two-way mixed MANOVA and repeated measures ANOVA. Stress, depression, anxiety, and worst pain were significantly decreased whereas optimism and sleep quality significantly increased for the flotation-REST group. No significant results for the control group were seen. There was also a significant correlation between mindfulness in daily life and degree of altered states of consciousness during the relaxation in the flotation tank. It was concluded that flotation-REST has beneficial effects on relatively healthy participants.”
See summary of research here
O’Toole P. & Barabasz M. (1997). Effects of Rational Emotive Therapy and REST on Social Anxiety. 6th International REST Conference. San Francisco.
Pudvah M.B. & Rzewnicki R. (1990). Six Months in the Tank: The Long-Term Effects of Flotation Isolation on State Anxiety, Hostility, and Depression. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary. pp.79-85. Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press.
FURTHER RESEARCH
Borrie R., Dana J., Perry S., & Friedman M. (1993). Flotation REST, Physical Therapy and Psychological Intervention in the Treatment of Physical Disabilities. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp. 289-296. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
Cahn H.A. (1985). Sensory Isolation used with Cognition Modification Training to Restore Medically Declared Unfit Persons to Duty and Reduce Absenteeism in City of Phoenix Maintenance Workers. First International Conference on REST and Self-Regulation. pp.167-178. Toledo, Ohio: IRIS Publications.
Suedfeld P. (1980) Restricted Environmental Stimulation. Research and Clinical Applications John Wiley & Sons Inc; 1St Edition edition.