Why Floatation Therapy Helps Fight Eating Disorders

Floating has been proven to be a beneficial therapy
for many mental illnesses. The recent science is showing that a floating
practice can reduce symptoms associated with OCD, depression, addiction, and numerous
anxiety disorders, including anorexia nervosa. Affecting both men and women of all ages across
the world, anorexia is characterized by a distorted body
image and an unwarranted fear of being overweight. Symptoms include trying to
maintain a below-normal weight through starvation or too much exercise.

So, what can float therapy do to help?

Flotation therapy
can help manage the psychological symptoms of anorexia by restoring one’s individual
perception of their body to a more real, non-exaggerated state. When floating,
your awareness of internal sensation is significantly heightened. This
awareness is known as interoceptive awareness. Dr. Justin Feinstein of the LIBR
institute theorizes that the increase interceptive sensations can bring your
perception of your back to a more grounded and real place.

In a recent study, participants with anorexia nervosa were asked to select a
corresponding image outline of their own bodies. They were given choices from a
very thin figure, an average figure, or an overweight figure and asked to
select the way they wished their body to look, and the way they feel their body
currently looks now. They were asked once before the trial, and then again
after a series of float therapy treatments. The results were astounding across
the board. All the participants selected a less exaggerated version of
themselves afterwards. We believe this is due to the gained interoceptive
awareness that comes with a consistent float practice.

Dr. Feinstein has
shown that at a neurological level, floating can help all anxiety disorders by
reducing activity in the self-referential areas of the brain. This is achieved through
a reduction of all sensory stimulation – no lights, no sound, no gravity, and
no distractions. It’s as simple as a one-hour break from an otherwise constant
voice that focuses on distorted imperfections and inadequacies. We describe
floating as “meditation with training wheels” and consider it a powerful tool
for personal freedom.

If you choose to float with us, please know that:
-You are in complete control of the experience. Leave the door open. Get out at
any time. Play your favorite record.
-You absolutely deserve the freedom.
-You are safe in our space. We are here to help you.

If anyone
you know is suffering from an eating disorder, please consider gifting them
flotation therapy.

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