Sometimes the reservoir of sensory isolation seems to be back in fashion, although it was invented to study the brain, currently used as a means of relaxation, there are specialized companies that offer this type of experiences, but are also found in several spas.
Those who promote these sensory isolation tanks say it is an experience comparable to the return to the mother’s uterus.
- This statement is probably a little exaggerated.
- Although it is obvious that those who use this device recognize it as a unique experience.
- Which apparently allows to reach a state of extreme relaxation.
However, the device also has its critics. There are those who enter the sensory isolation tub with some apprehensions, this idea of completely breaking contact with the outside world causes them some anxiety.
People who work with these floating tanks say that it is necessary to have some stability and maturity in order to live the experience as God commands.
“While much of what we perceive comes to us through the senses of the objects around us, another (perhaps the most important) part always comes from our minds. “- William James-
The sensory isolation tank was invented by John C. Lilly, an American neuropsychiatist. His goal was not to drive a successful business, much less, what he wanted was to study the changes that were taking place in the brain in a state of maximum isolation.
It was the 1950s and this kind of topic caught the attention of many scientists. That’s how Lilly created what he called “sensory isolation cameras. “These were devices that minimized the activity of all the senses.
Lilly has found that with these devices it would be possible to perform a very special experiment, as time passed through these rooms, a very relaxing and restorative sensation began.
However, her studies were not taken very seriously, as Lilly was considered primarily an eccentric who liked to draw attention to.
Although the issue was not given much importance, interest increased over time. The sensory isolation reservoir experience was tested in several places, and it turned out that it could not have been Lilly’s madness, but an environment that could have therapeutic applications.
At first, these tanks were studied for military purposes; its potential to strengthen the body and mind seemed clearly proven, and several U. S. Navy soldiers tested the device.
NASA then used floating tanks as part of astronaut preparation
From the 1970s on,” the use of sensory isolation tanks, first those used by elite athletes, became popular for their muscle recovery processes.
The devices were then acquired by the relaxation market. In a world of stressed people, it promised to be a good deal.
Sensory isolation tanks are species of tubs containing between 400 and 600 liters of water, and at least half of this volume is occupied by so-called Epson salts or magnesium sulfate.
The high concentration of salts floats naturally throughout the body, an effect similar to that in the Dead Sea.
The water is at a temperature similar to that of the human body, so when the body is submerged there is no feeling of cold or heat, in some cases the device has a door that is closed, so the user stays inside the floating tank in total darkness and without any auditory stimulus.
Other of these flotation tanks cannot be closed, there is a space that remains open, but the ambient light is extremely dim and there is no noise, in general those who experienced it remained in this state for between 60 and 120 minutes.
Everything indicates that the use of these flotation tanks promotes positive changes in the brain, this initiates a different activity than usual, very similar to that performed with meditation states, so it is a very comforting experience.
In addition, immersion in one of these tanks is guaranteed to improve health, in particular, it helps reduce any type of muscle pain and prevents common problems, such as migraine or menstrual cramps.
It is also claimed that this helps reduce anxiety and that experience stimulates creativity and increases intellectual abilities.
Most people who use the sensory isolation tank get excited about it; a minority, on the other hand, consider the experience to be tedious, even uncomfortable; as it doesn’t seem to have side effects, it’s worth a try.