Art of the Float

Where float centers thrive

150: Floating & inflammation with guest Flux

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If you missed the Float Conference this year, you missed a fascinating presentation by MC Flux, but fear not! He’s here with us to talk about his research at the Float Clinic and Research Center, where he has been working with Dr. Feinstein. His thesis work explores the intersection of basic molecular neuroscience and mental health treatment. This ever-creative individual even designed today’s show cover image!

Flux talks about the two different stress systems in the body – fight or flight and the HPA axis, which is responsible for the cortisol output. These two systems complement each other, but have very different roles. He details how the two systems work and impact the immune system, and just as importantly, how childhood stress has a long-term effect on the immune system, which could show up as autoimmune disorders, inflammatory issues, cardiovascular concerns, and mental health disorders. [Read more…] about 150: Floating & inflammation with guest Flux

135: LIBR Anorexia Research with Dr. Sahib Khalsa

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As if we didn’t love the Laureate Institute for Brain Research enough for their work with floating and anxiety, Dr. Sahib Khalsa joins us today to talk about yet another study they’re completing – float therapy with anorexia treatment. Dr. Sahib’s is currently running a second study with participants who have anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder with a very high mortality rate.   [Read more…] about 135: LIBR Anorexia Research with Dr. Sahib Khalsa

Justin Feinstein & His Published Research Study Review

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This week’s guest likely needs no introduction, as most float centers know of him and have been anxiously awaiting the publication of his latest study. Justin Feinstein from the Laureate Institute for Brain Research (LIBR) has just released the results of a five-year clinical study about the effects of floatation therapy on individuals with anxiety and depression.  Dr. Feinstein shares the details of how the program was run and who the study participants were. After an extensive search for participants, his team found 50 individuals with severe anxiety to try floating so they could then report whether or not floatation was helpful. He shares stories of the “before and after” — almost as though he was speaking to two different people, before and after each individual’s float. The results of the study were overwhelmingly positive. Spoiler: 100% of participants reported positive short-term effects. Listen in for the three conclusions from this study.

Dr. Feinstein also shares tips for how float center owners can make their centers more inviting to clients who have anxiety. From here, he is hoping to begin longer-term trials to study the effects a consistent, ongoing float practice, in addition to studies on other mental issues. [Read more…] about Justin Feinstein & His Published Research Study Review

Weeded Warrior – PTSD

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The gang is joined this week by Mik and Bek of the Weeded Warrior Project, who you may remember from their compelling speech at the 2016 Float Conference. After returning home from deployment, Mik slowly noticed the symptoms of PTSD surface and talks about his frustrating experience with the conventional approaches to treatment and struggles with addiction. With the support of Bek, whose role as the caregiver was also taking a toll on her mental health, they started exploring alternative therapies and found immense relief from cannabis. Although he initially looked at it as another vice, he shares what he’s discovered about the healing components of cannabis and how they’re working to increase awareness.

After hearing about floating from Joe Rogan, Bek had a gut feeling that it too would be healing for both of them. Mik began floating regularly and shares how his floats evolved over time, from simply getting extra rest to meditating and processing trauma. They share an interesting perspective on length of floats with regard to what the industry usually calls “sinkers” and also offer advice for sufferers of PTSD as they go into their first float. [Read more…] about Weeded Warrior – PTSD

Dr. Justin Feinstein – Part 2

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Welcome back, floatrepeneurs, for part 2 of our interview with Dr. Justin Feinstein, director of the Float Clinic and Research Center at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research in Tulsa, OK. Justin talks about his high hopes that his soon to be published research papers will inspire other researchers to join the mission of conducting float research. He and Dr. Sahib Khalsa are coordinating the Interoception Summit, to be held in just a couple weeks, with the mission of uniting researchers involved in the field of interoception, how the brain maps the internal world of the body. He plans to get each attendee into a float tank!

Then, we ask Justin more of the questions you submitted: What disorders and illnesses, other than anxiety, does he hope to study with float research in the future? What water sanitation practices are used in LIBR’s float center? Is it possible that the EEG systems that Ricardo Gil-da-Costa showed us at the Float Conference could be used in our float centers someday?! [Read more…] about Dr. Justin Feinstein – Part 2

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