I had the good fortune to visit the newly opened Metta³ Rest Spa in Vancouver and float in one of their deluxe floatation pods.
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| Metta³ Rest Spa, Vancouver |
Floatation is known by a number of names: flotation
tank, sensory deprivation tank, float tank, John C.
Lilly tank, REST tank, sensory attenuation tank. However they are described, flotation consists of a lightless, soundproof tank filled with skin
temperature salt water. At Metta Rest
Spa they prefer to think of flotation as sensory freedom, providing their spa
guests the opportunity to rest and be free from the stress of constant
overstimulation.
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First known
use of flotation dates back to ancient times. However it was more fully developed in 1954 to test the effects of sensory deprivation by John C. Lilly, a medical practitioner and
neuro-psychiatrist during his training in psychoanalysis at the
US National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). T0day floatation
tanks are also used for meditation, relaxation, in alternative medicine and t0 study the origin of consciousness and its
relation to the brain.
Peter Suedfeld and Roderick Borrie of
the University of British Columbia began investigating the benefits
of flotation in the late 1970s. They named their technique "Restricted
Environmental Stimulation Therapy" (REST).
Additionally flotation therapy has been
academically studied in the USA and in Sweden with published results showing
reduction of both pain and stress. The relaxed state also includes lowered
blood pressure and maximum blood flow.
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Floating can be passive or active, depending on the
intended outcome. For relaxation (passive) one simply floats and clears the
mind. Active floating incorporates many different techniques.
Research indicates that one may perform meditation, mantras, and self-hypnosis, or utilize educational
programs, etc. Active floating is when the body is relaxed and the mind becomes
highly suggestible. Any action taken during these states will enter the
information into the sub-conscious. Flotation therapy may also be used to
complement other body work and healing methodologies.
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| The Library at Metta³ Rest Spa |
Similar to meditation it is common at the beginning of flotation to experience itching, while the later part of a float transitions from beta or alpha brainwaves to theta which is similar to before sleep and again when waking from sleep. Theta state enhances creativity and problem solving.
During my very first float in the 1980’s while in
theta state I could put a problem to myself and like a movie watch how it could
be resolved. It was a very stimulating session where all my creative energy was
released.
Many flotation spas were closed in the late 80’s
and 90’s mainly for health and safety reasons and it became less fashionable for
Spa goers. Thankfully flotation it is
returning with new highly regulated standards, exquisitely designed flotation
tanks and a renewed interest in the benefits flotation offers in our all too
busy lifestyles.
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What they have to say...
Metta³ Rest Spa is a luxury boutique spa offering state of the art relaxation treatments.
Within our doors you will find; a far-infrared sauna, ladies and gentleman’s changing areas, a cozy library, boutique yoga sanctuary and (our favorite) seven Flotation Rest Therapy pods.
Our vision for the optimal spa experience utilizes the ultimate relaxation therapy. We believe that proper rest is essential to personal growth and healing. In our efforts to create a loving, kind and safe haven, we truly hope that each and every guest can let go and reconnect inwards.
Our vision for the optimal spa experience utilizes the ultimate relaxation therapy. We believe that proper rest is essential to personal growth and healing. In our efforts to create a loving, kind and safe haven, we truly hope that each and every guest can let go and reconnect inwards.
Our motto has always been “Team work makes the dream work”, therefore it is our desire that all guests find themselves feeling as though they are a part of our metta³ community.
Want to know more...
Metta³ Rest Spa
Peter E Seudfeld - History of Float Tanks - Float Conference
2012 (video)
The
Float Pod: Intro to Floating (video)
Float
Nation (Full Movie) | HD (video)
HEALTH AND CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF CHAMBER AND FLOTATION
RESTRICTED ENVIRONMENTAL STIMULATION THERAPY by Peter Suedfeld Roderick A.
Borrie, University of British Columbia
