The Medical Benefits of Floatation Therapy - An Extract from the Daily Express

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.