What is floating?

Floating, officially known as Floatation REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy), was originally developed as a medical and therapeutic tool. The first floatation cabin was developed in 1950 by the American neurophysiologist Professor Dr. John C. Lilly while working at the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) in Bethesda, Maryland.

Floating is buoyantly relaxing in a supine position atop a pool of salt water which is continuously warmed to a temperature of 35,5 C. When floating you will find yourself in a cabin which has been especially designed to eliminate all outside distractions such as sound, visual stimulation, changes in temperature and gravitational pressures.

In the warmth of the floatation cabin where there are no external stimuli, your body can devote its energies to resorting itself to its optimal state of balance, its natural equilibrium , in which all parts and systems harmoniously work together. For example, floating stimulates the synchronization of the left and right hemispheric brain waves thus creating hemispheric harmony. This can lead to increases in productivity, performance, and efficiency, and generalized feelings of competence, confidence ad wholeness. This is just one example of what floating can do for you. Research has shown that floating has several other positive effects such as: alleviating mental and physical stress; strengthening the immune system; stimulating the healing process of stress related diseases; improving athletic performance by helping prevent sport injuries, speeding up the healing process of injuries and improving concentration. Floating also increases creativity and problem solving, accelerates learning, expands awareness and creates mental clarity.

Everyone can float and benefit from it. You don’t need any practice, knowledge or discipline.

The way a floating session is experienced, apart from similar biological and psycho physiological effects, varies per person and per session. Each individual person experiences a floating session in their own unique way. The first time you float you may not enjoy it and may even find it a little boring. Some people fall asleep. Experience has shown, however, that the more you float and discover its benefits, the more you will enjoy it.

Above all, floating is healthy. Floating always has a positive effect on your body. Floating gives your body and mind the chance to restore themselves, to sharpen their senses and to let go of tensions. It gives you the chance to leave daily stress and fatigue behind and come out feeling refreshed, re-energized and revitalized.