Floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Technique) is a method that has been proven to lead to deeply relaxed states and positive effects on both physical and mental health. Floating in a saturated solution of salt in body-warm water in absolute darkness and silence can lead to a deep, meditation-like state with changes in body self and time, which is why the intervention is also used to investigate altered states of consciousness.
The many positive effects of Floatation-REST have already been proven in various areas. Similar to meditation, Floatation-REST leads to increased general well-being, a reduction in pain and stress symptoms and an improvement in burnout symptoms. There are also promising positive effects in combination with psychotherapy. What is striking is the reduced rumination of thoughts with simultaneous relaxation and sharpened perception after floating. One possible theoretical explanation that we are pursuing is that Floatation-REST induces altered states of consciousness (ASC), which are accompanied by psychophysiological changes. Various definitions of ASC have in common that there is a qualitative change in perceptual, cognitive and emotional processes that are very different from ordinary states of consciousness. In most cases, changes in the perception of time are experienced, with time being perceived both as passing very quickly and as standing still. There are also modifications in body perception, such as the feeling that the boundaries of the body are dissolving.
