The Floatation tank and the Musician

Much has been written about the therapeutic qualities of using floatation pods. The isolation can centre the mind, induce deep relaxation and heighten the senses through reduced sensory stimulation. But why does it enhance creativity? 

Here’s what happened when some jazz musicians immersed themselves in the realms of the floatation pod to give themselves a creative boost and increase good technique use. But did it work?

Back in 2011 professors from the Universities of Toronto and British Columbia thought they’d find out if an hour in a floatation tank would have any effect on jazz students who had already spent a full day sweating lbs over their instruments.

The researchers found “a significant difference between the treatment and comparison groups on technical ability, but not on any other dimension”. Thanks to this enhancement of skill level, those who had floated “had significantly higher grades in their jazz improvisation class than the comparison group.”

The results of the studies led by Oshin Vartanian and Peter Suedfield found that one hour per week (over the test period of 4 weeks) boosted the technical agility and ability in the group.  The outcome suggested that limited periods of minimal sensory stimulation could well improve an individual’s skills.

So Epsom salts does mix with a good dose of saxophone noodling.

To read more about the study visit: http://www.psmag.com/books-and-culture/flotation-isolation-boosts-musicians-skill-level-31182

History of Floatation Tank Therapy – part 1

Although the Floatation Tank was not developed for therapy in the first instance, its current uses where discovered as a ‘by-product’ of experiments in sensory deprivation.

Originally invented by an American neuroscientist called Dr John C. Lilly in the 1950s. 

By the 1970s he had perfected the design of what was then known as the Sensory Deprivation Tank.

The tanks were developed to prove whether or not the brain needed external stimuli to keep its conscious states active. They needed a device that would essentially cut test subjects off from the outside world and limit sensations to the body.   

Early models of the device would see users submerged vertically in a large cylindrical chamber filled with water. 

Subjects were given breathing apparatus and were then suspended (with buoyancy aids) upright just atop of the surface.  The accessories proved to be too distracting so new designs that have much in common with today’s models were prototyped.

By the 1970s, he had developed a model in which users would lie horizontally in a high concentration Epsom salt laden water (which has super buoyant qualities).  Users would report its positive relaxation qualities, so beyond its origins in mental health exploration it began to find popularity as a well-being and health enhancement application.

Read more about the Floatation Tank’s development throughout the 1980s and 1990s in part two:

Please visit: www.floatworks.com to book your session in a i-sopod floatation tank today. 

i-sopod floatation tank

Press Release i-sopod floatation tank

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
London, U.K.
19 May, 2015

Team with 22 years in the floatation centre business develops the perfect floatation tank

As hands-on owners of the world’s largest floatation centre and former agents for leading floatation tank brands, Floatworks used its knowledge and experience to design and manufacture the market’s most advanced floatation tank. The i-sopod was created to better meet the needs of individual floatation tank users, as well as business customers looking to purchase tanks for their own floatation centre, health club, spa or gym. The tank has already sold to business customers in 27 countries.

Floatation therapy is based on the principle of Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) or sensory deprivation therapy. It involves lying in a body-temperature solution of Epsom Salts (magnesium sulphate) in a floatation tank, sometimes also called a float tank or isolation tank. This floatation therapy experience creates a feeling of weightlessness, similar to being in the Dead Sea, which aids deep relaxation and reduces the effects of stress, illness, injury or strenuous exercise.
 
The i-sopod floatation tank was built after three years’ research and development, and rigorous testing in Floatworks’ own busy floatation centre in London, U.K. The tanks are made using 3D precision robotic computer cutting and hand finished to customers’ specifications. They incorporate the highest quality components, including double-shell fibreglass, marine-grade stainless steel, and heaters, pumps and pipework that meet food industry hygiene standards.
 
“We developed the i-sopod after noticing the various shortcomings of existing floatation tanks,” explains Tim Strudwick, founder of Floatworks. “We can offer businesses the most useful advice out there on all aspects of floatation tanks because we really have been there, done it – and are still doing it,” he adds.
 
For users, the i-sopod differs from most other floatation tanks because it provides a much larger floatation area and more overhead space. It is sleekly designed, comfortable, safe, hygienic and fully ventilated. It can be used with the door closed or partially open, according to customer preference, and incorporates anti-vibration features, a choice of LED underwater light shows and an integrated audio system.
 
For businesses, the i-sopod has a number of major advantages.
 
Easy to install

It arrives in three parts and can be up and running within a day.
 
Easy to operate

It has an easy-to-use LCD panel where staff can programme sessions and monitor the tank.
 
Hard working and economic to run

It is well insulated and has an automatic cleaning, filtering and disinfecting system. This keeps time between sessions to a minimum and helps keep staff costs down.

Good for business

Businesses will cover the purchase cost of the tank and earn a 100 percent return on their investment within the first 12 months, even if the tank is used by an average of just two customers a day at standard rates.

Easy to service, repair and maintain

The filter station, pump and heater system are all external, so servicing and repairs are less costly. General maintenance is very straightforward and similar to that for a whirlpool, bath or spa.

Extremely safe

It uses very little power while in use, just to support the lighting, user attendant call button and computer control processes – all the water is heated beforehand.

Peace of mind

The tank is designed and constructed in accordance with the latest CE & UL guidelines, and comes with a full manufacturer’s warranty, operator instructions and service plan.

The Floatworks team, based in London, U.K., are always happy to answer questions by phone, email or face-to-face, both before and after purchase and for as long as necessary. The company also offers customers free training on all aspects of running a floatation centre, in the real-life setting of its own busy London centre. Floatworks can also provide expert design drawings and even complete floatation centre business plans, refundable on the purchase of the first i-sopod. There is also has a technical helpline, open 12 hours a day (10 a.m. – 10 p.m. British time), seven days a week.

For more information on any aspect of the i-sopod floatation tank or floatation tank businesses, please contact Tim Strudwick, CEO on +44 (0) 20 7357 0111 in the U.K. (646-500-865 in the U.S.A.), email him at sales@floatworks.com or visit the website at www.i-sopod.com


ENDS

About Floatworks 
Floatworks was established as a floatation centre in London, U.K., in 1993. Initially it had just two floatation tanks but now operates nine tanks and has over 1200 customers each month, making it the world’s busiest floatation tank centre. Its experience in the floatation tank business and as agents for leading floatation tank brands led it to develop its own floatation tank, the i-sopod, in 2009. It is now a leading authority on the benefits of floatation and has become the first port of call for many people around the world, wishing to open their own floatation centre or add a floatation tank to their new or existing spa, health club, wellness centre, hotel, gym or sports club.


Tel: +44 (0) 20 7357 0111 in the U.K. (646-500-865 in the U.S.A.)
Email: matt@i-sopod.com
Web: www.i-sopod.com (i-sopod)
www.floatworks.com (Floatworks)

American chef, author and television personality known for his 2000 book Kitchen Confidential talks fondly of using floatation tanks

"Back in the late 80’s my kitchen crew and I used to float all the time. There used to be lots of 24-hour sensory deprivation centers and we'd generally go after work, when we were bone tired but still flying on adrenaline. An hour in the float tank and I'd come out relaxed, rested, my back feeling amazing and in good shape to interact with normal, non-restaurant people.

Interestingly, I found that for a day or two after floating, my experience of colours and flavours would be much more acute and intense. Reds were redder, blues brighter and the taste of food more explosive.

Lying in the tank, I'd feel like I was moving through space, my brain speaking to itself in an unfamiliar language. I miss the tanks!" ~ Anthony Bourdain

Why floatation tanks use Epsom salts

Why floatation tanks use Epsom salts 

Epsom Salt Floatation tanks are an excellent way of combating stress, alleviating muscular aches and pains and for reaching Zen like states of relaxation. 

The buoyancy in a floattank is provided by creating a super saturated mixture of Epsom salts and water, allowing the user to float effortlessly on top of the skin temperature solution.

Epsom salts / Magnesium Sulphate / Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO₄·7H₂O) has been used for centuries as an effective cure all.

Soaking in Epsom salts has been found to stimulate lymph drainage, and promote the absorption of Magnesium and Sulphates.

Magnesium is the second-most abundant element in human cells and the fourth-most important positively charged ion in the body, so it is little wonder this low-profile mineral is so vital to good health and well being. Magnesium, a major component of Epsom Salt, also helps to regulate the activity of more than 325 enzymes and performs a vital role in orchestrating many bodily functions, from muscle control and electrical impulses to energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins. 

Magnesium levels have dropped by half in the last century due to changes in agriculture and diet. Industrial farming has depleted Magnesium from soil and the typical diet contains much less Magnesium than that of our forefathers. In fact, the modern diet with its fat, sugar, salt and protein actually works to speed up the depletion of Magnesium from our bodies. 

57% of the US population does not meet the US Recommended Dietary Allowance for dietary intake of magnesium.

Researchers and physicians report that raising your magnesium and sulphate levels may:

• Improve heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.

• Improve the body's ability to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.

• Flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.

• Improve nerve function by regulating electrolytes. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.

• Relieve stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.

• Prevention or easing of migraine headaches.

When using a float tank Magnesium is absorbed through the skin due to natural molecular diffusion, the body optimizes the levels of Magnesium, so there is no overload effect from floating in the salts for extended periods.

While increasing your Magnesium levels, Epsom Salt also delivers sulphates, which are extremely difficult to get through food but which readily absorb through the skin. Sulphates serve a wide variety of functions in the body, playing a vital role in the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and the Mucin proteins that line the walls of the digestive tract. Sulphates also stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes and are believed to help detoxify the body's residue of medicines and environmental contaminants. 

Float tanks are becoming more popular with many multi tank facilities opening around the globe. Why not book a session today? 

Try searching the following terms; float tank, floatation tank, flotation tank, isolation tank, sensory deprivation tank to find your nearest float centre.