In recent years, the quest for mental well-being has led to increased interest in practices such as float therapy and meditation. Both have been lauded for their ability to reduce stress, enhance cognitive functions, and promote overall mental health. But how do these two practices compare in terms of their effects on the brain? Let’s dive into academic research to explore this intriguing question.
Float Therapy: A Sensory Deprivation Experience
Float therapy, also known as sensory deprivation or flotation REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy), involves lying in a tank filled with water and Epsom salt. This solution allows the body to float effortlessly, creating a sensation of weightlessness. The tank is typically soundproof and dark, reducing external stimuli to a minimum.
Neurophysiological Effects
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: A study conducted by Feinstein et al. (2018) found that float therapy significantly reduces stress and anxiety levels. The sensory deprivation environment allows the brain to enter a deeply relaxed state, decreasing the production of cortisol, a stress hormone.
Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving: Research by Norlander et al. (1998) suggests that float therapy can enhance creativity and problem-solving abilities. The restricted environment facilitates a shift from the dominant left hemisphere of the brain, responsible for logical reasoning, to the right hemisphere, which is associated with creativity and intuition.
Increased Theta Brain Waves: Float therapy has been shown to increase theta brain wave activity, which is associated with deep relaxation and meditative states (Van Dierendonck & Te Nijenhuis, 2005). This increase in theta waves is similar to what is observed during deep meditation.
Meditation: The Practice of Mindful Awareness
Meditation encompasses a variety of techniques aimed at focusing the mind and achieving a state of calm and clarity. These practices can range from mindfulness meditation, which involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment, to more focused techniques like transcendental meditation.
Neurophysiological Effects
Stress Reduction and Emotional Regulation: A meta-analysis by Goyal et al. (2014) found that meditation significantly reduces stress and improves emotional regulation. Meditation practices are linked to decreased activity in the amygdala, the brain region responsible for the fight-or-flight response.
Increased Grey Matter Density: Studies using MRI scans, such as those conducted by Hölzel et al. (2011), have shown that regular meditation can increase grey matter density in brain areas related to memory, empathy, and sense of self, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
Improved Attention and Cognitive Function: Meditation has been associated with improved attention span and cognitive function. Research by Jha et al. (2007) demonstrated that even short-term meditation training can enhance the ability to sustain attention and process information efficiently.
Changes in Brain Wave Activity: Similar to float therapy, meditation can also lead to an increase in theta brain wave activity. Additionally, it has been found to enhance alpha wave activity, which is linked to relaxation and reduced anxiety (Lagopoulos et al., 2009).
Float therapy and meditation each offer unique benefits for brain health and mental well-being. While both practices are effective in reducing stress and promoting relaxation, meditation provides a wider range of cognitive benefits and can be more easily incorporated into daily life. Float therapy, with its emphasis on sensory deprivation, offers a distinct and deeply relaxing experience that can complement meditation practices.
Ultimately, the choice between float therapy and meditation may come down to personal preference and specific mental health goals. For those seeking a profound sense of relaxation and creativity, float therapy may be ideal. For those looking to improve attention, memory, and emotional regulation, meditation offers a versatile and accessible solution.
References
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Feinstein, J. S., Khalsa, S. S., Yeh, H., Wohlrab, C., Simmons, W. K., Stein, M. B., & Paulus, M. P. (2018). Examining the short-term anxiolytic and antidepressant effect of Floatation-REST. PloS one, 13(2), e0190292.
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Norlander, T., Bergman, H., & Archer, T. (1998). Effects of flotation REST on creative problem solving and originality. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 18(4), 399-408.
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Van Dierendonck, D., & Te Nijenhuis, J. (2005). Flotation restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST) as a stress-management tool: A meta-analysis. Psychology and Health, 20(3), 405-412.
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Goyal, M., Singh, S., Sibinga, E. M., Gould, N. F., Rowland-Seymour, A., Sharma, R., … & Haythornthwaite, J. A. (2014). Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA internal medicine, 174(3), 357-368.
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Hölzel, B. K., Carmody, J., Vangel, M., Congleton, C., Yerramsetti, S. M., Gard, T., & Lazar, S. W. (2011). Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain gray matter density. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 191(1), 36-43.
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Jha, A. P., Krompinger, J., & Baime, M. J. (2007). Mindfulness training modifies subsystems of attention. Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience, 7(2), 109-119.
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Lagopoulos, J., Xu, J., Rasmussen, I., Vik, A., Malhi, G. S., Eliassen, C. F., … & Ellingsen, Ø. (2009). Increased theta and alpha EEG activity during nondirective meditation. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15(11), 1187-1192.
