PTSD, Testimonials, and Science

“ I’m still figuring it out. There really isn’t a way to fully express what I went through inside the room. In the first 30 minutes (roughly, time becomes irrelevant) I went through so many emotions. Once I let go of the noise in my head, my body fully relaxed and allowed me to truly take in the experience. That experience will bring me back for more. This is a must try for everyone, but I especially want my wife and son to do this as well as all of my Veteran brothers and sisters.”

– KELLY JACOBS

” Being in the military and reflecting after Independence Day, I recommend floating to fellow Soldiers who are suffering from PTSD, anxiety, or depression resulting from multiple combat tours. Imagine spending multiple years constantly in fight-or-flight mode, but having no choice but to use fight? This very unique opportunity to help turn your brain off simply cannot be replicated elsewhere.  For those who feel they do not want to turn and ask for help, I urge them to just try this. Floating allows those who may feel ashamed or hesitant to ask for help to feel empowered because they will ultimately be contributing to their own relief and journey of overcoming these mental battles.  In addition, the environment cannot be beat. Sharing your experience and epiphanies is easy and in a very safe, welcoming environment.  I have to applaud the staff for giving me an environment that has allowed me to grow on so many levels, and have it “float” over to other areas of my life. I will continue to use floating throughout the remainder of my athletic career and whatever lies after.  I encourage others to float and find their own relaxed chaos.”

– MEGAN, H.
A Veteran and an athlete training for the Olympics


“ I have been dealing with PTSD since coming back from Iraq in 2004.  I have found that floating has not only enabled me to deal and confront what caused the PTSD, but it has also helped me with other areas of my life.   I have four young children, two of which are 7 month old twins, so along with having PTSD good sleep is a rarity for me.   One hour of floating gives me that time to rest and hit a level of peace that is hard to find in my hectic schedule. Floating also helps slow down everything in my life and put things in perspective.  I work in a job where I stare at 10 screens all day long in a fairly fast paced job, and I have found that floating has enabled me to slow everything down and have a sense of clarity I did not have before.  My experiences with floating only improves with each session.”

– BRODY H.
A Veteran and finance expert

” Float therapy is far superior to other traditional routes, [such as] varying types of drug regiments which one way or another just temporarily overpower your brain and cause some form of blurred reality explaining your situation over and over again to multiple specialists as each one gets to know you and your situation, which caused me recurring internal anxiety and agitation. I’ve tried them all.”

– ROBERTS

” Floating was the first day I had ever had silence since I joined the military January of 2001. I went in with a permanently triggered state of PTSD. Chemically at least. I had control of my emotions and such but it was always active but I kept it from controlling me with meditation. Lots and lots of meditation. When I went and floated, that was the first time I was able to fully relax. I was finally able to flip that switch to the off position. That day changed my life. I will always be thankful to Oly Float for the amazing experience.”

– SAM BAILEY

Floatation Science and Research

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4219027/

 

Results

 

Stress, depression, anxiety, and worst pain were significantly decreased whereas optimism and sleep quality significantly increased for the flotation-REST group. No significant results for the control group were seen. There was also a significant correlation between mindfulness in daily life and degree of altered states of consciousness during the relaxation in the flotation tank

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876382014000845

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876382017300975

Literature on REST Research Stress Management Barabasz A., Barabasz M., Dyer R. & Rather N. (1993). Effects of Chamber REST, Flotation REST and Relaxation on Transient Mood State. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp.113-120. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

 

Ewy G., Sershon P., Freundlich T. (1990). The Presence or Absence of Light the REST Experience: Effects on Plasma Cortisol, Blood Pressure and Mood.Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary. pp.120-133. Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press.

 

Fine T. & Turner J.W. (1985). The Use of Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) in the Treatment of Essential Hypertension. First International Conference on REST and Self-Regulation. pp.136-143. Toledo, Ohio: IRIS Publications.

 

Helmreich N.E. (1990). The Critical Role of Personality and Organizational Factors as Determinants of Reactions to Restricted and Stressful Environments. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary. pp.51-61. Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press

 

Jacobs, Heilbronner & Stanely. (1985). The Effects of Short Term FloatationREST on Relaxation. First International Conference on REST and Self-Regulation. pp.86-102. Toledo, Ohio: IRIS Publications.

 

Jacobs G.D., Kemp J.C., Keane K.M.& Belden A.D. (1985). A Preliminary Clinical Outcome Study on a Hospital Based Stress Management Program Utilizing Flotation REST Biofeedback. First International Conference on REST and Self-Regulation. pp.179-185. Toledo, Ohio: IRIS Publications.

 

Kuola G. M., Kemp J., Keane K.M. & Belden A., (1984).Replication of aClinicalOutcome Study on a Hospital-based Stress Management and Behavioral Medicine Program Utilizing Floatation REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique) and Biofeedback. 2nd International Conference on REST. pp.127-135. Toledo, Ohio: IRIS Publications.

 

Dr. Schürbrock, (1996). Treatment of Psychosomatic Illnesses Through Mental Training and Floatations in Oxygenated Magnesium Sulfate Saturated Baths, For Instance in the Treatment of Chronic Relapsing Skin Diseases (Psoriasis, Neurodermatitis) 6th International REST Conference, San Francisco.

 

Wickramasekera I. (1993). A Model of the Common “Active Ingredient” in Stress Reduction Techniques. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp.59-74. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

O’Toole P. & Barabasz M. (1997). Effects of Rational Emotive Therapy and REST on Social Anxiety. 6th International REST Conference. San Francisco.

 

Pudvah M.B. & Rzewnicki R. (1990). Six Months in the Tank: The Long-Term Effects of Flotation Isolation on State Anxiety, Hostility, and Depression. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary. pp.79-85. Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press.

Barabasz M., O’Neill M. & Scoggin G. (1990). The Physiological Panic Button: New Data. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary. pp.112-119. Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press.

 

Budzynski T.H. (1990). Hemespheric Asymmetry and REST. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Theoretical and Empirical Developments in Flotation REST. Pp. 2-21. New York: Sringer-Verlag New York Inc.

 

Ewy G., Sershon P., Freundlich T. (1990). The Presence or Absence of Light in the REST Experience: Effects on Plasma Cortisol, Blood Pressure and Mood. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary. pp.120- 133. Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press.

 

Fine T., Mills D. & Turner J. Jr. (1993). Differential Effects of Wet and Dry Flotation REST on EEG Frequency and Amplitude. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. 205-213. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

 

Fine T. & Turner J.W. (1985). The Use of Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) in the Treatment of Essential Hypertension. First International Conference on REST and Self-Regulation. pp.136-143. Toledo, Ohio: IRIS Publications.

 

Fine T.& Turner J.W. (1987).The Effect of flotation REST on EMG Biofeedback and Plasma Cortisol. 2nd International Conference on REST. pp.148-155. Toledo, Ohio: IRIS Publications.

 

Francis W.D. & Stanley J.M. (1985). The Effects of Restricted Environmental Stimulation on Physiological and Cognitive Indices. First International Conference on REST and Self-Regulation. pp.40-49. Toledo, Ohio: IRIS Publications.

 

Malowitz R., Tortora T. & Lehmann C.A. (1990). Effects of Floating in a Saturated Epsom Salts Solution Disinfected with Bromine on the Aerobic Microbial Flora of the Skin. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary. pp.139-150. Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press.

 

Ruzyla-Smith P. & Barabasz A. (1993). Effects of Flotation REST on the Immune Response: T-Cells, B-Cells, Helper and Suppressor Cells. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp. 223-238. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

 

Steel G. (1993). Relaxed and Alert:Patterns of T-Wave Amplitude and Heart Rate in a REST Environment. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp. 249-260. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

 

Turner J.W. & Fine T.H. (1985).Hormonal Changes Associated with Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy.First International Conference on REST and Self-Regulation. pp.17-39. Toledo, Ohio: IRIS Publications.

 

Turner J.W. & Fine T.H. (1990). Restricted Environmental Stimulation Influences Plasma Cortisol Levels and Their Variability. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary. pp.71-78. Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press.

 

Turner J. Jr. & Fine T.H. (1993). The Physiological effects of Flotation REST. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp. 215-222. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

 

Turner J.W. Jr., Fine T. & Hamad N.M. (1997). Plasma Catecholamine Activity During Flotation REST.6th International REST Conference.San Francisco*

 

Turner J. Jr., Gerard W., Hyland J., Nieland P. & Fine T. (1993). Effects of Wet and Dry Flotation REST on Blood Pressure and Plasma Cortisol. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp. 239-248. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

 

Turner J., Fine T.H., McGrady A. & Higgins J.T.(1987). Effects of Biobehaviorally Assisted Relaxation Training on Blood Pressure and Hormone Levels and Their Variation in Normotensives and Essential Hypertansives. 2nd International Conference on REST. pp.87-109. Toledo, Ohio: IRIS Publications.

 

Turner J. Jr. , Shroeder H. & Fine T.H. (1993). A Method for Continuous Blood Sampling During Flotation REST. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp. 261- 267. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

Adams H. (1988).REST Arousability and the Nature of Alcohol and Substance Abuse. Journal of substance Abuse Treatment. Vol.5, pp. 77-81.USA.*

 

Barabasz M., Barabasz A. & Dyer R. (1993). Chamber REST Reduces Alcohol Consumption: 3, 6, 12, and 24 Hour Sessions. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp.163-173. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

 

Cooper G., Adams H.& Scott J. (1988).REST and Alcohol Consumption. Journal of substance Abuse Treatment. Vol.5, pp.59.USA.*

 

David B. (1997). A Pilot Test of REST as a Relapse Prevention Treatment for Alcohol and Drug Abusers. 6th International REST Conference. San Francisco.*

 

DiRito D. (1993). Motivational Factors in Alcohol Consumption: Extending Hull’s Model. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp.157-162. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

Harrison J. & Barabasz A. (1993). REST as a Treatment for Children with Autism. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp. 269-280. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

 

Suedfeld P. & Schwartz G. (1980). Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) as a Treatment for Autistic Children. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. Vol.4, #3, pp. 196-201. William & Wilkins Co.

Borrie R. (1997). The Benefits of Flotation REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy) in a Pain Management Program. 6th International REST Conference. San Francisco.

 

McCormick B.A., Shafransky D.R., Fine T.H. & Turner J.W. Jr. (1997). Effects of Flotation REST on Plasma Cortisol in Rheumatoid Arthritis. 6th International REST Conference. San Francisco.

 

Mereday C., Lehmann C. & Borrie R. (1990). Flotation For The Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary. pp.255-259. Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press.

 

Shafransky D.R., McCormick B.A., Fine T.H. & Turner J. Jr. (1997). Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) on Serological Markers of Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis. 6th International REST Conference. San Francisco.

 

Turner J. Jr., Deleon A., Gibson C. & Fine T.H. (1993). Effects of Flotation REST on Range Motion, Grip Strength and Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp. 297-306. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

Literature on REST Research Enhancement of Creativity Baker D.A.(1987). The Effects of REST and Hemispheric Synchronization Compared to the Effects of REST and Guided Imagery on the Enhancement of Creativity in Problem-Solving. 2nd International Conference on REST. pp.122-126. Toledo, Ohio: IRIS Publications

 

Metcalfe J. & Suedfeld P. (1990). Enhancing the Creativity of Psychologists Through Flotation REST. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary. pp.204-212. Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press. Vartarian O.A. (1997). The Effects of Flotation REST on Musical Creativity. 6th International REST Conference. San Francisco.*

Barabasz M. (1993). REST : A Key Facilitator in the Treatment of Eating Disorders. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp.121-126. New York: Springer-VerlagNew York Inc.

 

Borrie R.A. (1985). Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy used in Weight Reduction. First International Conference on REST and Self-Regulation. pp.144-151. Toledo, Ohio: IRIS Publications.

 

Dyer R., Barabasz A. & Barabasz M. (1993). Twenty-Four Hours of Chamber REST Produces Specific Food Aversions in Obese Females. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp.127-144. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

Goldstein D.D. & Jessen W.E. (1990). Flotation Effect on Premenstrual Syndrome. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary. pp.260-266. Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press.

 

Jessen W. (1993). The Effects of Consecutive Floats and Their Timing on Premenstrual Syndrome. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp. 281-288. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

Barabasz M. & Barabasz A. (1993). Treatment of Trichotillomania and Smoking with Hypnosis and REST. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp.145- 156. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

 

Fine T. & Bruno J. (1985). Floatation REST and Smoking Cessation: A preliminary Report, Health and Clinical Psychology. North Holland: Elsevier Science Publishers B.V.*

 

Ramirez C. (1985). Restricted Environmental Stimulation Techniques in Smoking Cessation in a Latin American Country. First International Conference on REST and Self-Regulation. pp.152-166. Toledo, Ohio: IRIS Publications. * Publication is not yet available.

Baker D.A. (1990). The Use of REST in the Enhancement of Sports Performance-Tennis. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary. pp.181-187. Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press.

 

Bond J. (1997). “To float or not to float”… is that the question? How to maximise your use of the Sport Psychology float tanks.

 

McAleney P. & Barabasz A. (1993). Effects of Flotation REST and Visual Imagery on Athletic Performance: Tennis. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp.79-86.New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

 

Richardson S. (1997). Enhancing Rowing Ergometer Performance Through Flotation REST. 6th International REST Conference. San Francisco.*

 

Stanley J., Mahoney M.& Reppert S. (1982). REST and the Enhancement of Sports Performance: A Panel Presentation and Discussion. 2nd International Conference on REST. pp.168-183. Toledo, Ohio: IRIS Publications.

 

Wagaman J. & Barabasz A. (1993). Flotation REST and Imagery in the Improvement of Collegiate Athletic Performance: Basketball. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp.87-92. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

 

Atkinson R. (1993). Short-Term Exposure to REST: Enhancement Performance on a Signal-Detection Task. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp.93-100. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

 

Barabasz M. & Barabasz A. (1997). REST Effects on Human Performance. 6th International REST Conference. San Francisco.*

 

Melchiori L.G. & Barabasz A.F. (1990). Effects of Flotation REST on Simulated Instrument Flight Performance. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary. pp.196-203. Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press.

 

O’Leary D.S. & Heilbronner R.L. (1985). Flotation Rest and Information Processing: A Reaction Time Study. First International Conference on REST and Self-Regulation. pp.50-61. Toledo, Ohio: IRIS Publications.

Borrie R., Dana J., Perry S., & Friedman M. (1993). Flotation REST, Physical Therapy and Psychological Intervention in the Treatment of Physical Disabilities. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp. 289-296. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

 

Cahn H.A. (1985). Sensory Isolation used with Cognition Modification Training to Restore Medically Declared Unfit Persons to Duty and Reduce Absenteeism in City of Phoenix Maintenance Workers. First International Conference on REST and Self-Regulation. pp.167-178. Toledo, Ohio: IRIS Publications.

 

Grunberg N. E. (1990). Potential Applications of Restricted Environmental Stimulus Therapy in Behavioral Health. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary. pp.36-50. Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press.

 

Ramirez C.E., Suedfeld P., Remick R.A. & Fleming J.A.E. (1990). Potential Beneficial Effect of REST on Patients with Electroconvulsive Therapy. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary. pp.188- 195. Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press.

 

Rzewnicki R., Wallbaum A.B.C., Steel H. & Suedfeld P. (1990). REST for Muscle Contraction Headaches; A Comparison of Two REST Environments Combined with Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary. pp.245-254. Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press.

 

Dr. Suchurbruck, Dr. Berman & Tapprich J. (1997). Treatment of Psychosomatic Illness Through Mental Training and Floatation in Oxygenated Magnesium Sulfate Saturated Baths. 6th International REST Conference. San Francisco.

 

Tikalsky F.D.(1990). Restricted Environmental Stimulation, Relaxation Therapy, Social Support and Mental Imagery as a Treatment Regimen in Breast Cancer. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary. pp267-271. Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press.

 

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