LET YOUR WORRIES FLOAT AWAY.
From The Daily Express, Monday 6th October 2003

Britain's top female distance runner Paula Radcliffe likes to float away her stresses and strains. JOYCE WALTER takes to the floatation tanks to find out about floatation therapy.

How does it work?

Floatation therapy is often described as being a little like returning to the womb. It involves lying in very salty water in a darkened space and floating like a cork.

The water, heated to body temperature (34.5C), creates a buoyant weightless feeling that allows every muscle in the body to relax. You can cut out sound, light and other sensory stimuli during a session as it takes you to a state of very deep relaxation.

The therapy is based on a scientific approach to relaxation called restricted environmental stimulation technique (REST). It's origins in the US date back to the Fifties, when neuroscientist Dr John Lily was researching the effects of sensory deprivation on the human brain. He developed a test chamber that has evolved into today's more comfortable floatation tanks and float rooms.

"Some people fear the experience will be too claustrophobic and imagine a coffin-like chamber they'll have to squeeze into," says Nyk Robinson, director of The London Float Centre in Clapham Common, South London, "but most are reassured when we show them how generous the space is and how the ceilings are".

What is it good for?

Floating lowers high blood pressure and can help reduce stress and stress-related problems such as insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches and chronic fatigue. It's also suggested as a therapy for the aches and pains of pregnancy and for those with chronic pain such as back conditions and arthritis.

"The water takes all the weight off your body so no part of it is bearing the brunt of gravity," says Fiona Hyams, a naturopath practising at Apotheke Naturopathic Health and Wellness Centre in Chiswick, West London. "This allows patients with chronic pain to lie pain-free, sometimes for the first time in years"

A pilot study at the Rosehill Centre Spa in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, showed that patients with severe osteoarthritis could gain some dexterity in their hands after six floatation sessions. "We had two elderly patients who started to knit and sew again," says Sally Hill, a researcher who conducted the study. "The weightless conditions of floating helps open up the joints and increase blood flow, which made their hands less painful and more flexible."

Floatation is also useful for treating skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. "The salts help draw out impurities in the skin and can detoxify it and this can be very healing and soothing," says Fiona, who often recommends a float in Dead Sea salts to patients with psoriasis.

"I've seen some very impressive results because not only are you getting the salts on to the skin topically but the deep relaxation from a float helps treat the stress that often triggers psoriasis."

How else can it help?

Research at the University of Colorado suggests that an hour's float in a state of complete isolation without external stimuli is the equivalent of four hours of uninterrupted sleep.

During a float session you produce slower brainwave patters, known as theta waves, which are normally experienced only during deep meditation or in the state of just waking or falling asleep.

This helps you think more clearly and creatively and to come up with inventive solutions to problems.

The state of consciousness induced by the therapy is also excellent for improving memory and learning. "The number of student floaters increases tenfold at exam time and language students bring tapes to play during a float so they can learn more easily." Says Nyk, whose float rooms offer occasional overnight sessions for late-night clubbers fighting hangovers and overseas trippers trying to fight jet lag.

Fiona has also had good results treating jet lag: "We believe this is due to the improved circulation, lower breathing rates and the movement of floating that helps to realign the body clock more easily," she says.

What can you expect?

During the therapy, you'll be floating in a spacious floatation tank.

Because of your privacy, therapists say that it's preferable for you to float in the nude.

After your shower, you step into the warm water, which will be 10 inches deeps and will contain a condensed solution of Epsom Salts.

The high salt content makes the water 10 times more buoyant than seawater, so it's impossible to sink. Once you lie down you'll be suspended in the water but do remember that it usually takes a few minutes to adjust to the feeling and to encourage tense muscles to relax completely.

Other considerations also aid relaxation. A bath pillow may be used if you find it hard to relax your neck and shoulders and the room is sound insulated to let you play music if you wish. "You're in total control during a float," says Nyk. "The light switch is within reach and you can open the door whenever you like."

The water is filtered thoroughly between floats to keep it clean for each new client.

Medical Benefits

Floating lowers high blood pressure and can help reduce stress and stress-related problems such as insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches and chronic fatigue. It's also suggested as a therapy for the aches and pains of pregnancy and for those with chronic pain such as back conditions and arthritis

A pilot study at the Rosehill Centre Spa in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, showed that patients with severe osteoarthritis could gain some dexterity in their hands after six floatation sessions. "We had two elderly patients who started to knit and sew again," says Sally Hill, a researcher who conducted the study. "The weightless conditions of floating helps open up the joints and increase blood flow, which made their hands less painful and more flexible."

Floatation is also useful for treating skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. "The salts help draw out impurities in the skin and can detoxify it and this can be very healing and soothing.

Fiona Hyams, Naturopath: "I've seen some very impressive results because not only are you getting the salts on to the skin topically but the deep relaxation from a float helps treat the stress that often triggers psoriasis."

Fiona has also had good results treating jet lag: "We believe this is due to the improved circulation, lower breathing rates and the movement of floating that helps to realign the body clock more easily," she says.

Research at the University of Colorado suggests that an hour's float in a state of complete isolation without external stimuli is the equivalent of four hours of uninterrupted sleep

During a float session you produce slower brainwave patters, known as theta waves, which are normally experienced only during deep meditation or in the state of just waking or falling asleep.

This helps you think more clearly and creatively and to come up with inventive solutions to problems.