MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • marie hair
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • marie hair
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Lifestyle

What's The Deal With Float Therapy, And Is It Worth Your Time?

The wellness trend has grown more popular in recent years - by Grace Back
  • 16 Apr 2019
What's The Deal With Float Therapy, And Is It Worth Your Time?

A sensory deprivation tank, also known as isolation tanks or float tanks, provide a unique experience that stimulates relaxation, detoxification and therapeutic benefits. 

Flotation therapy was first designed in 1954 and isolation tanks were used to study the origins of consciousness by cutting off all external factors. By the 1970s, research began to explore the added health benefits float therapy provided. Now, floatation tanks have become a common treatment for personal well-being and therapy. The first sensory deprivation tank was invented by John C Lilly, an American neuroscientist. With the aim of isolating a brain from external simulation, Lilly devised the first isolation tank - a dark soundproof float pod of warm salt water which would allow subjects sensory isolation.

What Is Float Therapy?

Floatation therapy consists of filling a floatation tank with Epsom salt and heating water to skin temperature - making it easy for a person to remain afloat. A tank will then be closed, cutting off all environmental and external stimuli, prompting your mind and body to enter into a deeply relaxed state. Most treatment centres will allow you to ease into this process in your first float session - making it easy for you to open and close the floatations tanks on your own during your first float. 

float therapy

What Are The Health Benefits Of Float Therapy?

Deep Relaxation, Leading To Improved Focus and Clear Thinking

Evidence has shown that those who partake in float therapy experience improved concentration, focus and clarity of thinking - all linked to a feeling of deep relaxation. All of this has also been linked to improved learning, memory, and enhanced cognitive performance. Float therapy has also been known to help with stress relief. 

Relieves Chronic Pain

Several studies have confirmed that sensory deprivation tanks have a therapeutic effect on chronic pain. It has been shown to be effective in treating chronic headaches, muscle tension, muscle soreness and joint pain. 

Faster Recovery

Sensory deprivation tanks have well-researched evidence pointing towards increased performance in athletes after doing a float after strenuous activity. One study shows athletes experienced faster recovery and a reduction in blood lactate after using these tanks.  

Improved Cardiovascular Health

While floating in a sensory deprivation tank, your cardiovascular system has a chance to regulate itself thanks to the state of deep relaxation you can reach. Floating has been linked to reduced blood pressure, better sleep, and reduced anxiety. 

float therapy

Where Can I Try Float Therapy In Australia? 

There are actually plenty of floatation tanks in Australia. 

Sydney: 

SydneyFloat Centre, Flow Revive, KOA Recovery

Melbourne:

MelbourneFloat House, Hawthorn Elevation Float

Canberra:

Astral Float Studio, Rest & Recovery Centre

Perth: 

Float & Restore, The Life Spring Float Tank Centre

Brisbane: 

Float HQ Brisbane, Bliss Float Brisbane

Grace Back
Grace Back
Grace Back is a journalist and was formerly the Digital Culture Editor across ELLE and marie claire Australia. When not stuck in a seemingly endless Instagram scroll, you'll find Grace with her head in a good book.

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Recommended to you

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

The Top 4 Ways To Get Healthier Fast

The Top 4 Ways To Get Healthier Fast

The Nutrients & Care Our Bodies Need At 50 (And Beyond)

The Nutrients & Care Our Bodies Need At 50 (And Beyond)

Yan Yan Chan’s Go-To Guide To The Best Matcha Ever

Yan Yan Chan’s Go-To Guide To The Best Matcha Ever

Do Greens Powders Really Work? Marie Claire Investigates

Do Greens Powders Really Work? Marie Claire Investigates

{headline}

{headline}

We Consulted The Experts On The Five Biggest Wellness Trends Of 2022

We Consulted The Experts On The Five Biggest Wellness Trends Of 2022

15 Celebrities Who Swear By Meditation To Improve Their Mental Health

15 Celebrities Who Swear By Meditation To Improve Their Mental Health

Yes, That Luxe Retreat From '9 Perfect Strangers' Is A Real Place You Can Visit In NSW

Yes, That Luxe Retreat From '9 Perfect Strangers' Is A Real Place You Can Visit In NSW

{headline}

{headline}

The 8 Wellness Trends That Will Be Everywhere In 2021

The 8 Wellness Trends That Will Be Everywhere In 2021

What Is Collagen And Why Am I Supposed To Eat It?

What Is Collagen And Why Am I Supposed To Eat It?

EXCLUSIVE: Lara Worthington On Giving Birth Amid The Pandemic, Beating Body Issues & Wanting More Kids

EXCLUSIVE: Lara Worthington On Giving Birth Amid The Pandemic, Beating Body Issues & Wanting More Kids

We Tried The Workout Currently Trending On Instagram

We Tried The Workout Currently Trending On Instagram

Jennifer Aniston And Gwyneth Paltrow Follow One Very Simple Rule To Get A Good Night's Sleep

Jennifer Aniston And Gwyneth Paltrow Follow One Very Simple Rule To Get A Good Night's Sleep

9 Common Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes When They're Trying To Lose Weight

9 Common Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes When They're Trying To Lose Weight

What Exactly Is The 'Lazy Keto' Diet?

What Exactly Is The 'Lazy Keto' Diet?

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
MarieClaire Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Elle
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • beautyheaven
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Practical Parenting
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to Marie Claire