All About Flotation Therapy for men
- Written by Joe Curmi
Back in the 70s and 80s, flotation therapy was considered a trend only practiced by a few “hippies”. Nowadays, you’ll find celebrities and world-renowned athletes using this type of therapy. That’s because they’ve discovered several health benefits to gain from it.
Now, even license therapists recommend the use of flotation therapy together with conventional treatment methods. But, floatation therapy is not only for famous or rich people, as regular folks like you and me are also encouraged to make use of it.
If you’re reading this then you’re probably interested in what flotation therapy can do for men in particular. If you read on below, you’ll find all the answers you need to understand regarding this extraordinary wellness phenomenon.
What is flotation therapy?
Floatation therapy is a relaxation technique that makes use of a tank called the flotation tank. Think jacuzzi but with a lid on. This tank is is filled with water and Epsom salt. You’ll enter the tank, and the salt-water will boost you up into a floating position. You’ll remain in this position until you exit the tank. You’ll also be deprived of all senses, light, sound, touch, and smell.
Since the water matches your skin temperature the only thing you’ll be aware of while in the tank are your thoughts and emotions. This sounds pretty scary on paper. But the many years of research and studies have shown that it is a safe practice.
Where it all began
The discovery of flotation therapy began in the 1950s, with Dr. John C. Lilly. He was an American physician and neuroscientist whose research on the effects of sensory deprivation led him to build the first tank. He used it to study how the brain functions when deprived or isolated from all senses and made some interesting discoveries about human consciousness.
Advanced updates
Floatation tanks have come a long way from the earliest version Dr Lilly designed. Modern-day tanks are more advanced and are built with safety in mind. They’re also not the tiny tanks you might be imagining. So, men who are claustrophobic can be confident that they’ll have plenty of room to breathe and be comfortable.
The benefits of flotation therapy for men
Reality can be intense, to a point that many men struggle with stress, anxiety, depression, and so much more health-related issues.
Flotation therapy eases and reduces these everyday life stresses. It allows men to reach their potential zen or state of relaxation. Sounds too good to be true? Here’s how you can benefit from spending a few moments in Beyond Rest float tanks.
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Deep relaxation
When you’re in the tank, you have no access to noise, light, smell, and touch. You’re floating above-water without any effort. Also, the air and water in the tank match your skin temperature, so you’ll have no idea where your body and water begin. The only thing you can do is to focus on your breathing. This puts you in a meditative state that relaxes your body and your mind.
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Reduces stress
Stress is caused by increased levels of cortisol, which is the primary stress hormone. When you’re in the tank the levels of cortisol decrease due to the relaxed state you find yourself in.
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Improve athletic performance
Floating in water with Epsom salt increases the magnesium levels in your body. This relaxes tense muscles, reduces inflammation, and improves blood circulation. It speeds up muscle recovery, and you'll be able to return to your athletic activities a lot quicker.
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Soothes anxiety and PTSD
When you’re relaxed, your body tends to produce fewer stress hormones. It releases endorphins instead, which are chemicals that reduce your perception of pain while triggering a positive feeling.
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Increased libido
It’s common knowledge that stress and sex are linked. When men are extremely stressed, their bodies release high levels of cortisol. The increase of cortisol can result in low testosterone, which can affect sexual desires. Flotation therapy helps men to reduce stress and in turn, helps to improve the testosterone levels.
Conclusion
Like any form of therapy, flotation therapy is a unique experience for each man. And some of the benefits may last for a few hours after a session, while other benefits may last for weeks and months afterward. Overall, flotation therapy minimizes stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It can also improve muscle recovery and libido.
Daily Bulletin
