Scientific Studies on Floatation Therapy: What the Research Shows

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). 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.

Try it at Ōmni Space. Float Vietnam’s float rooms are at 16C Quoc Huong, Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), open daily 9:00–21:00. Book a float or read the float therapy FAQ.