Brief History of Floating
Early vertical float tank with breathing apparatus. We’ve come a long way!
Glenn & Lee Perry in a promo photo for their Samadhi Float Tanks
Float tanks, initially conceptualized as sensory deprivation tanks, trace their origins back to the 1950s, developed by Dr. John C. Lilly during his work at the National Institute of Mental Health. His goal was to isolate the mind from external stimuli to better understand human consciousness. The early models were upright and filled with seawater, where subjects, equipped with breathing apparatuses, were suspended underwater. However, the evolution into a user-friendly wellness tool came with significant contributions from Glenn and Lee Perry. The Perrys worked with Lilly to redesign these tanks into a more accessible horizontal format using Epsom salt instead of seawater, allowing people to float effortlessly without a breathing apparatus.
The modern float tank, as pioneered by the Perrys, was commercialized through their company Samadhi, named after the concept of enlightenment in Eastern philosophy. This redesign paved the way for the opening of the first public float center in Beverly Hills, CA, in 1979, which featured five tanks operated by Samadhi. Despite a decline in popularity in the late 1980s and 90s, the 2000s marked a resurgence in interest, leading to what many refer to as "float industry 2.0." Today, float centers are more prevalent than ever, supported by annual conferences that foster community and innovation among float enthusiasts.
Modern Uses of Float Tanks in Wellness
The resurgence of float therapy is not just a return to its roots but an expansion into various areas of health and wellness. Modern float tanks are utilized for various therapeutic purposes, addressing physical and mental health needs. They are acclaimed for significantly reducing stress by lowering cortisol levels and inducing a deep state of relaxation comparable to meditation. Athletes find these tanks beneficial for recovery, as floating helps alleviate muscle soreness and accelerates recovery times. Additionally, the sensory-reduced environment is ideal for enhancing creativity, improving concentration, and fostering mental clarity.
Pain relief is another significant benefit, with many users reporting substantial alleviation of chronic pain due to conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. Furthermore, float therapy has been shown to improve sleep patterns, helping individuals combat insomnia and achieve deeper, more restorative sleep. Recent studies have begun exploring float therapy's effects on anxiety and depression, offering promising results that suggest floating could significantly impact mental health treatment methodologies.
Float Seattle's Role in Advancing Float Therapy
At Float Seattle, we are proud to contribute to the evolving story of float therapy. We’ve been operating since 2012, and have facilitated over 250,000 floats!
By offering top-of-the-line floatation experiences in clean and welcoming studios, we provide a sanctuary for those seeking relief from the stresses and physical demands of modern life.
As float therapy continues to grow in popularity and is bolstered by ongoing research, we look forward to remaining at the forefront of this wellness revolution, helping individuals rediscover relaxation and rejuvenation through this timeless practice.
📞 Call or Text: 206-673-5132
✉️ Email: guide@floatseattle.com