Floating Relaxation Capsule

Floating, REST therapy or sensory deprivation - many names, one meaning

Floating, or Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy. It involves limiting about 90% of external stimuli. A person inside the deprivation capsule sees nothing but the surrounding blue. They will also not hear any sounds. During the session, the client also feels nothing. This is because the water they float on is the same temperature as the human body.

Many people wonder how a person can float on the water surface without any effort? Well, it is possible thanks to the wonderful properties of Epsom bitter salt. Its concentration in the solution filling the capsule is similar to the salinity of the Dead Sea. Because of this, the human body is pushed to the water surface by the salt.

Why Epsom salt and not sea salt?

Primarily because Epsom salt has many beneficial properties for the human body. It works very well on the skin by moisturizing and firming it. Bitter salt detoxifies the body, cleanses, rejuvenates, relaxes, has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-seborrheic effects. Additionally, it has pain-relieving properties, reduces stress, and relaxes the body. Because of its wonderful properties, it has been used in cosmetics for over a hundred years.

WHAT IS THE FLOAT REST® TREATMENT?

 

The innovative Float Rest® method allows achieving complete relaxation of the body and mind. This happens through a treatment capsule filled with a solution of Epsom bitter salt. Its properties cause the body of the person inside the device to float in a weightless state. By using the treatment, the client is separated from external stimuli, which allows for complete relaxation. Relaxation occurs in every part of the body, starting from the musculoskeletal system, muscles, joints, all the way to consciousness. Until now, achieving such a state was very difficult and required meditative or paranormal abilities. Today, it is enough to use the modern Float Rest® treatment. The therapy is beneficial for people suffering from chronic headaches, spine pain, joint pain, muscle tension, hypertension, anxiety, neuroses, and other ailments.

 

What happens inside the capsule?

All the benefits of the treatment are due to the wonderful properties of Epsom salt. Bathing in it alleviates skin inflammations, swelling, reduces muscle tension, relieves pain, draws toxins from the body, and has a calming effect on the nervous system. Moreover, thanks to the Epsom salt solution, gravity in the capsule disappears. The body gently rocks on the surface of the solution, allowing the brain to rest as it does not need to control muscle activity. The activity of the left hemisphere slows down, synchronizing with the right hemisphere. Nevertheless, the brain remains active and produces large amounts of serotonin and endorphins, the so-called happiness hormones. Furthermore, the stress hormone is reduced in the capsule, enabling full relaxation. During the Float Rest® treatment, brain activity changes from the Alpha to the Theta phase, which is the stage when a person falls asleep and is in a state corresponding to meditation, trance, hypnosis, intense dreaming, and strong emotions. Buddhist monks achieve this state after hours of meditation, while in the capsule, such an effect is possible after just a short treatment.

 

TREATMENT DESCRIPTION

 

You enter the Float Rest® capsule, close the door, and immerse yourself in warm water close to body temperature. The water level does not exceed 30/40 cm, so people who cannot swim feel no discomfort. The body floats on the solution's surface, with the head submerged only up to the ears. Eyes, nose, and mouth remain above the water. During the session, you can relax in complete silence. The warm water and lack of external stimuli allow maximum relaxation in a short time.

After exiting the water, the skin is smooth, firm, and moisturized, wrinkles are smoothed, and scars – including acne scars – become shallow.

 

The treatment can be done for children with a parent or for one adult.

The treatment lasts from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the client's needs.

 

Is the treatment hygienic?

 

Definitely yes. High amounts of salt prevent any bacteria or microorganisms from surviving in the capsule. Additionally, after each session, the water from the capsule is filtered and completely purified. Also, remember that the Epsom salt solution is sterilized, preventing bacteria and viruses from spreading. Chemical and bacteriological tests conducted in 1989 in Australia proved that using float capsules carries no health risk. For the comfort of people afraid of enclosed spaces, the capsule door can be left open during the session. At the client's request, we can provide a special neck rest.

 

Therapeutic effects of Float Rest® on the body

 

Float Rest® therapy is mainly recommended for people suffering from chronic pain. During the session, the body produces serotonin and endorphin hormones that suppress pain perception, removes excess cortisol, enabling complete relaxation. Numerous scientific studies conducted at universities in the USA, Sweden, and Germany confirm that after regrowth treatments, the musculoskeletal system improves significantly, joint pain ceases, their mobility increases, back pain and muscle pain disappear, fractures and other injuries heal faster. There is rapid regeneration of soft tissues after physical exertion. The circulatory system dilates, producing a vasodilatory effect – cells receive more nutrients, and lactic acid is flushed out faster. All this is thanks to Epsom salt, which is magnesium sulfate in pure form. Studies show that magnesium is absorbed fastest through the skin, which is another argument confirming the beneficial effects of Float Rest® therapy. The capsule contains a solution made using over 400 kg of bitter MgSO4 salt. It is a huge dose of beneficial components such as magnesium and sulfur ions, which help cleanse the entire body. The Epsom salt solution has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-seborrheic properties, and also exhibits strong cleansing, rejuvenating, and detoxifying effects on heavy metals. Moreover, the medicinal properties of bitter salt support heart function, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

 

In what cases is Float Rest® recommended?

• Rehabilitation: post-traumatic conditions, limb swelling, degenerative changes in the spine, knees, shoulders, and hip joints, as well as recovery after heavy sports training
• Painful vertebrogenic syndrome of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine resulting from degenerative spine changes and post-traumatic conditions
• Autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, and Reiter's syndrome
• Postoperative states of the cervical and lumbar spine and intervertebral disc herniation
• Congenital spine defects - childhood scoliosis and kyphosis - Scheuermann's disease - rheumatic diseases
• Fibromyalgia, enthesopathy, osteoarthritis, RA, JIA - degenerative joint diseases and post-traumatic and postoperative joint states, states after fractures, sprains, or joint crush injuries
• Arthroses
• Headaches, migraines
• Mild forms of peripheral paralysis
• Depression, stress, neuroses, ADHD, Asperger's syndrome, autism, ADD, hyperactivity, fatigue syndrome
• Post-traumatic stress disorder, war trauma PTSD
• Skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, atopic dermatitis
• Atherosclerosis
• Gout (podagra/arthritis)

 

 

Float Rest® and its effect on the human psyche

 

Finnish researchers confirm that a 30-minute treatment removes from the blood as much cortisol – the stress hormone – as 4/6 hours of sleep. Most clients feel more rested and relaxed after the first session in the capsule. Sleep quality improves, and feelings of anxiety or worry decrease. Each subsequent treatment enhances the results. During Float Rest® therapy, there is synchronization of the right and left brain hemispheres. This causes increased creativity, better problem-solving, and even faster learning. Brain potential increases, including visualization skills – psychologists believe this is because the brain deprived of stimuli "turns up" its sensitivity. The sessions bring participants into a unique state of brain activity that facilitates free access to rarely visited memory areas. Thanks to this, we can recall many important moments from the distant past.

 

Use of Float Rest® therapy in treating mental disorders

• In stress, depression, neuroses, migraines, PTSD
• Treatment of phobias, obsessions, fears – in personality development therapy
• Treatment of various addictions: food, alcohol, psychological
• Insomnia, restoration of REM phase, even in jet lag syndrome
• Neuromuscular diseases, tics, extrapyramidal disorders
• Parkinson's disease, headaches, radicular pain – hypertension, respiratory diseases
• In children: ADHD, ADD, Asperger's syndrome, autism, hyperactivity, cerebral palsy, adolescent skin problems, improvement of skin condition, e.g. acne
• Learning and creativity – meditation
• Psychological preparation in sports, visualization, regeneration

 

Effect of Float Rest® therapy in preparing athletes

 

Every day for an athlete is hard work both physically and mentally. Injuries, muscle and joint fatigue accompany their climb to the very top of their careers. Performance drops are caused not only by mechanical injuries. Every day, an athlete faces pressure from the environment as well as their own ambitions. Therefore, Float Rest® therapy, which relaxes the human body and mind, is a great complement to training.

Floating has been used in sports since the seventies. One of the most famous athletes who used floating therapy in preparation for competitions was Carl Lewis: a 9-time Olympic champion and 8-time world athletics champion. Medical centers like the Australian Institute of Sport and Milan Lab – the AC Milan football club's laboratory – use floating cabins for sports preparation, biological renewal, and help athletes recover from injuries. In the USA, athletes from many sports, such as NFL players, regularly use the therapy. Since 2008, float capsules have been standard equipment for the British Olympic athletics team. Scientific studies have shown that during the Float Rest® treatment, brain activity shifts from Alpha to Theta phase, making the capsule an ideal environment for mental training, visualization, and psychological support for the athlete.

Relaxation during the treatment increases blood flow to muscles, helps eliminate lactic acid, reduces pain, and improves concentration. Sessions accelerate the removal of cortisol and adrenaline accumulated during training. They also stimulate the secretion of endorphins and enkephalins, which are natural painkillers. As a result, athletes recover faster and more effectively, and relaxed muscles are more resistant to potential injuries. In all sports disciplines, Float Rest® capsules provide professional help in training and biological renewal.

 

Float Rest® therapy in everyday life

 

Using the Float Rest® capsule is recommended for both women and men of all ages. The sessions are also recommended for pregnant women as it is a safe way to achieve quick relaxation. Expecting mothers often have heavily burdened spines and struggle with pregnancy ailments. Float Rest® therapy helps them combat pain and pre-delivery stress. However, to use the therapy, one does not need to suffer from any physical or mental ailments. Baths in Epsom salt shape the figure, reduce cellulite and prevent its formation, as well as moisturize and firm the skin.

 

Why is it worth using Float Rest® therapy?

• Effectively strengthens the immune system
• Significantly improves efficiency, concentration, and memory
• Greatly reduces stress and increases vitality and energy
• Increases libido and sexual activity
• Regenerates the musculoskeletal system
• Improves mood and well-being (releases endorphins and enkephalins)
• Regenerates and improves muscle activity; active individuals strengthen condition, body awareness, and self-esteem
• Pregnant women effectively relieve the spine and reduce stress
• Rejuvenates, naturally moisturizes, and firms the skin
• Eliminates cellulite and shapes the figure

 

The secret of health and beauty of Epsom salt

Epsom salt, also called bitter or English salt, is a naturally pure mineral compound – magnesium sulfate. It is odorless, and its pH is neutral for the skin. It has been used in medicine and cosmetics for over 100 years. The main element of bitter salt is magnesium, which is essential for the proper functioning of the body. The other element, sulfur, also plays an important role in the human body.

 

What are the benefits of bathing in Epsom salt?

1. Takes care of skin condition

Baths with Epsom salt soften and moisturize the skin, help maintain its elasticity, smooth wrinkles, and reduce cellulite. The soothing effect of the salt helps people suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis or eczema. After the treatment in the capsule, they will definitely feel relief!

2. Detoxifies the body

Every day, we introduce many toxins into our bodies that disrupt its proper functioning. This happens, for example, through unhealthy diets. Our body cannot get rid of all toxins on its own. Therapy with Epsom salt turns out to be very helpful in detoxification. Just lie down in the Float Rest® capsule, relax, and the toxin problem disappears on its own.

3. Reduces pain

Baths with Epsom salt effectively reduce muscle pain and fatigue as well as cramps. People suffering from muscle and joint inflammation or other painful ailments should try salt therapy. Its strong pain-relieving properties are also used in baths during childbirth.

4. Relieves stress

Constant stress depletes the body of magnesium and raises adrenaline levels. The fastest way to replenish magnesium, which absorbs best through the skin, is a bath in Epsom salt. The body instantly receives a large dose of this precious element, resulting in relaxation, better sleep and concentration, as well as calming the nerves.

7. Restores proper body functions

Epsom salt helps combat many health problems. Thanks to the magnesium sulfate content, it can improve blood circulation, stabilize blood pressure, prevent arterial hardening, improve oxygen flow in the body, and even regulate the heartbeat. Studies have shown that Epsom salt also contributes to reducing migraine pain and has a beneficial effect in treating diabetes, as the proper level of magnesium sulfate aids insulin processing and increases its absorption by the body.

 

Scientific research on floating

 

Sensory Deprivation is a state involving isolation or limitation of sensory stimuli. It can be achieved through baths in floating capsules filled with Epsom salt. It is not only a wonderful experience but also a health therapy bringing many benefits to the body. For years, scientists have been studying this extraordinary therapy method and its effects on health. In Poland, it is an innovative and not yet studied method, so we can only rely on foreign scientific research results from Finland, Sweden, the USA, Canada, Germany, and the UK.

At Karlstad University, research was conducted to examine the long-term effects of floating four months after treatment completion. A group of 70 patients was studied: 54 women and 16 men diagnosed with pain, stress, and weakness. Additionally, 26 participants suffered from depression. Participants took part in 12 flotation sessions. It was found that areas of pain, stress, anxiety, and depression decreased, while sleep quality and optimism levels increased. Positive effects persisted four months after treatment. It was concluded that flotation therapy is an effective way of pain treatment. Many such studies have been conducted, all clearly demonstrating the great effectiveness of Float Rest® therapy in many health ailments.

 

Innovative solution for the Polish medical, rehabilitation, and cosmetic industries

 

The first floatation capsule was created in the USA at the turn of the 1950s and 60s. American neurologist Dr. John C. Lilly created a prototype device intended to isolate a person from external sensory stimulation and use this state to treat many ailments. In the 1970s, Dr. Peter Suedfeld and Dr. Roderick Borrie from the University of British Columbia began researching the benefits of this technique. They renamed it REST, meaning Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy. After Suedfeld's and Borrie's research, other scientists started to take an interest in floating. This led to scientifically proven positive effects of REST therapy. Floatation capsules gained huge popularity worldwide. In the European Union alone, over 320 centers operate. The most are in Sweden, the UK, Germany, Ireland, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and Spain. In Poland, floating has only recently started to be talked about and its beneficial effects used in therapies.

Float Rest® capsule sessions are recommended for treating rheumatic pain, back pain, spine, joints, as well as problems with concentration or insomnia. The therapy should be used by people suffering from depression, fighting addictions, or intensively practicing sports.

Floating contraindications

Contraindications for floating include: first trimester of pregnancy, menstruation, skin injuries and irritations, middle ear inflammation, pacemaker, mental disorders, freshly made tattoos or piercings (must wait at least 1 week), skin cancers, consumed alcohol or intoxicants.