Back to June 2007
Bay Area - June 2007
Floating
by Pia Hagan
I have always been a water baby. Most of my fondest memories have been swimming in waterfalls, playing in the ocean, and soaking in the mineral springs of Calistoga. The healing power of the ocean has been my savior and I am fortunate enough to live on this ever-changing Pacific coast. Now I have found another watery lovefloating.
I had been given the gift of floating from a friend for my birthday and I walked in to Float Floatation Center-Art Gallery in Oakland not knowing anything about Sumati tanks. Once I got into the tank and closed the door, I stretched out fully with my arms above my head. The water was heavy and gel-like and the darkness was soothing. It was fun to play and splash and stretch. I started doing deep breathing with my eyes wide open. I was seeing pinpoints of light and a purple cloudlike mist. It felt like I was moving through space and I didn't want to close my eyes because it was so beautiful. My body felt like it was a part of everything and nothing at the same time. I kept moving through the mist and passed through a cloud-like tunnel. Then I "woke up" and started to wonder how long I'd been gone. It felt like time had disappeared. I heard my friend Mary, who had come with me, murmuring in the distance. I knew the hour was up.
Floatation tanks have been available commercially since the nineteen seventies. Although it started in the United States, the practice has grown more abroad in recent years, especially in Europe. Floating for preventative health is a relatively new concept. It was first developed in 1954 by neurophysiologist Dr. John C. Lilly. His inquiries into the nature and origins of conscious activity within the brain while at the National Institute of Mental Health eventually led to experiments in physical isolation. Dr. Lilly wanted to know what keeps the brain going and whether its source of energy depends on external sources or internal ones. It was argued at the time that if all stimuli was cut off from the brain, it would simply go to sleep. Lilly decided to test this hypothesis. He created "an environment which totally isolated an individual from external stimulation." From this point, he could study the brain and its relation to the origin of consciousness.
One of the results of Dr. Lilly's research was R.E.S.T., or the Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique. This is the technique that is used by floatation tank facilities and practitioners. Floatation REST eliminates external stimuli for the body and brain. Thus, the nervous system's workload is reduced by as much as ninety percent. All body systems, including the cardio-vascular system and the circulatory system, benefit from this deep state of relaxation.
When floating, alpha waves are generated by the brain as well as the slower theta waves. The presence of theta waves are often associated with free association, sudden insights and creative inspiration. Physically, floating eliminates fatigue, improves sleep and alleviates stress. It stimulates brain synchronization, improves emotional states and athletic performance and speeds the healing process. It improves the distribution of oxygen and nutrients and boosts immune function. Individuals who suffer from musculoskeletal and rheumatic conditions greatly benefit from floating.
As for me, during that whole next week, I felt very relaxed. I went back to float once a week for three weeks. The next two times after my initial float, I went to the same "space". One of the times I fell into a deep sleep without dreams, which was such a relief for me because I have a very active dream life.
After the initial four float sessions, I waited a month to go back. I needed time to let the experience 'soak in,' so to speak. During the fourth float, I couldn't quiet my mind. Everything I had been doing was staying with me in the tank. I was disappointed when I heard the knock to get out. Still my mood was better and lighter. The gift of floating has carried into all parts of my life, taken me out of my comfort zone, and given me a new belief in myself.
My fifth float, after a month away, felt like I was going home. I felt a sense of peace and relief and a release of physical and mental pain. I truly believe the first float had led me into a wonderful phase in my life, given me a clearer vision of myself. I have renewed faith in all possibilities and am excited about life.
Float Floatation Center-Art Gallery just had its 1-year anniversary. I am grateful to my friend Mary for giving me the 'gift' of floating and Alison for opening up Float as a place for those brave enough to float for healing!
Float Floatation Center-Art Gallery is located at 1091 Calcot Place #116 in Oakland. For more information, contact Float at 510/535 1702 or on the web at www.thefloatcenter.com. Writer Pia Hagan is also a personal chef who lives on the California Pacific coast.