When I told my husband I wanted to try out a Sensory Deprivation Tank at one of the local spas in town, he said “like the movie ‘Altered States'”. In the movie a psycho-pathologist experiments with sensory deprivation using a flotation tank and hallucinogenics. I guess my husband was picturing me taking Ayahuasca or LCD, floating in a tank while returning to a primitive state of consciousness (or going bat-shit crazy). I read the movie was inspired by a real life neuroscientist/psychoanalyst John C. Lilly, who developed the isolation tank. He started using LSD while often floating in isolation. Although the brief history I read about him seems fascinating, I am mostly interested in sensory deprivation to help with my anxiety.
There have been several studies done on sensory deprivation flotation in reducing anxiety and other stress disorders. I had become interested in trying it out after reading researcher Dr. Feinstein was using it in his research on treatments for anxiety disorders. From my experience, when I’m feeling especially anxious, I’m very hyper aware of my body, heartbeat, smells, etc. We live in a sensory overloaded environment, with cars, computers, phones constantly dinging, Facebook feeds enticing us to keep scrolling, news articles with emotionally-charged headlines in order to get our “clicks”. It is really no wonder we are progressively getting more anxious, stressed, and depressed. Is momentary sensory deprivation the answer? As previously mentioned there are studies that have shown a reduction in symptoms. I’d say it is definitely worth looking into!
So how does the sensory deprivation tank work? A tub, not more than a foot deep, is filled with so much Epsom salt that you can float unsupported. At most places you can choose an open float tank or enclosed float tank. In my video, see below, you will see an example of an open float tank. If you do have anxiety or claustrophobia I would recommend the open float tank. From what I’ve seen of the enclosed float tanks there are two types, one with a tall wall structure surrounding it, and another with a “lid” that enclosed the float tank. Once you start your float the lights will turn off, and you can listen (or not listen) to soothing music (spa like music). If you truly want to deprive the senses, then you will not want the music. As you are floating it might take some time to completely relax your body and just “be”. The temperature of the water should be at or close to body temperature. You want as little sensory inputs as possible to get the full effect. Some people say it feels like floating in space. I have never been in space, so I can’t make a judgement call on that.
During my float, it took me awhile to relax my muscles, but it did make me aware that I was holding a lot of tension in my shoulders and neck. I tried to focus on either my breath or my heartbeat. When my thoughts would drift to the menagerie in my head, I would have to bring it back to my breath. I was probably very relaxed for 10-15 minutes, then it was all done. It might be something you have to work at, like meditation, to get the benefits. Before I try it again, I would like to practice meditation daily for a few minutes. I think this will help me to relax quicker during the float session. Watch my video to get my full take on the experience.
Words of caution: when I say there is a lot of salt in this tank, I’m not joking. I read that there is about 6 pounds of Epsom salt per gallon of water. You can imagine what a super saturated salt/water mixture would feel like on any skin wounds (although it would probably be a good cleansing for any wounds), chafed skin areas, eyes and your hair. If you wear contacts bring your lens cleaner, and a case. The place I went to had a shower in the room with the tank, along with shampoo, conditioner and body wash. They also offered me ear plugs to keep the salt out of the ear canals. I didn’t put the plugs in correctly, because I had crunchy, salty ears the next day. If I had rinsed out my ears well, afterwards I wouldn’t have had that issue. I flushed out my ears in the shower which solved the problem. Next time I may skip the plugs and just be sure to thoroughly rinse out my ears.
I have read that a few people might experience hallucinations or psychosis during the float. I did not feel any altered states of consciousness during the float nor did I feel like I could fall asleep. I know not everyone will react the same, so proceed with caution if you feel you are prone to moments of psychosis. It is possible that it could make you feel nauseated or have vertigo; my friend reported she felt very nauseous during her float experience.
Otherwise, enjoy your float! Have you tried out sensory deprivation therapy? If so let me know about it.
Writings from behind the Pine Curtain 