Float tanks – sometimes referred to as isolation tanks, sensory deprivation tanks, and restricted environmental sensory therapy (REST). It seems to be that people choose to use these for both physical recovery and mental self care. In the context of physical recovery, it ranks up there with cryotherapy and infrared saunas. Does it really help recover the nervous system? Does it help lower blood pressure and cortisol?
Float tanks have occasionally made appearances in popular culture: Altered States (1980), Stranger things, Tanis (podcast), and we can’t forget the ever hyping Joe Rogan, of course.
Vice documentary on floating
Research
Therapeutic Potentialities of Sensory Deprivation Procedures. Adams, H.B.
Virtual Reality Games in Sensory Deprivation Tanks. Mann, Steve. Hao, Max Lv. Warner, Jeremy
Things That Blew Our Minds
Rob: Opening a bottle of wine with a shoe
Christen: Ready-to-wear mushroom leather, coming to clothing near you.
Next time: Breath work + cryotherapy