Sensory isolation: what is this method that puts our 5 senses at rest? : Current Woman Le MAG

https://www.lesbullesaflotter.fr/Sensory isolation through flotation was born in the United States. Originally developed for the purposes of scientific research in the 1950s, the method gradually became more widely available in the 1980s, and is now accessible to the general public.

The principle : immerse yourself for an hour in water saturated with Epsom salt to allow our body and our brain to be in a situation of complete sensory isolation. “None of the five senses are used, and even those that we don’t think about, such as the sense of balance or that of perceiving temperature, are put to forced rest”indicates Vincent Reneleau, founder of Bulles à Flotter.

Sensory isolation makes it possible to generate Theta waves (frequencies between 4.5 and 8 Hz) which are normally observable just before falling asleep or just after waking up, and which are also characteristic of states of hypnosis or meditation, as well as than memorizing information. Except that in the case of sensory isolation, these Theta waves are obtained in a perfectly conscious way!

Preparation before starting the session

When I arrived, it was Vincent who welcomed me. He suggests that I watch a very complete video to understand step by step everything that awaits me. I then have a choice to make: that of the music that will accompany me at the beginning and end of the session. And there are plenty of choices: high altitude travel, soft organ and xylophone, waves on the beach, soft and dreamy guitar… I finally opt for “relaxing music, waves and birds”.

Head to the room where the session will take place. After a showerI find myself completely nakedI put on the earplugs that are available to me (highly recommended, to prevent salt from getting lodged on the eardrums, and to completely cut off external noise), and I enter this immense capsule.

Discovery of the sensation of floating

I immerse myself in the water, the temperature is ideal: 34.9°, the exact temperature of the skin, allowing us to confuse the air and water around us, as Vincent explained to me. I sit down and lie down… The sensation of floating is surprising (500 kg of salt were dissolved in 800 L of water). Thus, my entire body is suspended, including my head. I turn the light off to make it even easier to let go and let myself be carried away… If for several minutes, I do not move one iota, and simply observe this silence and this softness of the water which surrounds me, my body ends up wanting to speak out. I start to stretch, my legs, then my arms, as if I woke up from a long night’s sleep! I then try several positions: hands on the stomach, arms along the body, arms crossed…

Body and mind relax

I finally find a position that is particularly comfortable for me: fingers crossed behind my head. I then let myself go even more, my neck relaxes more, and yet my face remains well above the water, amazing! Step by step, I feel that my muscles calves, thighs, arms, back, relax in depth… I really appreciate this moment for me, cut off from everything, I am “in my bubble”. I don’t have to make any effort, and it’s true, no meaning is sought: not a sound, not a part of the body bears my weight…

The end of the session came, signaled by the light coming back on in the bubble, the time seemed very short to me. Obligatory passage by the shower to remove all the salt I have on me, shampoo and soap are at my disposal. About ten minutes later, I am back in the tumult of the Paris metro, but still a little “in my bubble”, until bedtime. In the evening, I fell asleep like a baby.

Is it possible to do a session if I am claustrophobic?

The bubbles are large (they are used by NBA basketball players for their recovery phases! Which is saying…), so you have space. And don’t panic, the bubble is not locked and can be opened at any time: if necessary, simply lift the hood and presto, you’re out!

An Epsom salt bath to do at home

Also called magnesium sulfate, Epsom salt can now be found almost everywhere (at Aroma Zone, for example). To take advantage of its relaxing effects, throw 2 handfuls into the bath water. You can add a few drops of essential oils with soothing properties (real Lavender, Sweet Orange or Roman Chamomile). And relax in it for about fifteen minutes! Epsom salt produces water 5 times more concentrated in salt than the Dead Sea.

What you need to know before practicing sensory isolation

How much time does it take ? Allow 1h30 in total for a session (1h in the water, a shower being planned before the session and after, to desalinate).
How much does it cost ? The price of a session is 70 euros, prices decrease depending on the number of sessions purchased.
Where to float? Flotation box centers are found almost everywhere in France. The Bubbles à Flotter are present in several cities (Lille, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, etc.), more information on www.lesbullesaflotter.fr
Good to know : in the case of hair coloring, wait 2 or 3 shampoos before coming for a session, to prevent it from bleeding.

What are the benefits of sensory isolation?

Injury prevention and recovery. Floating with Epsom salt allows the muscles to completely relax and relieves tension quickly.

Reduced pain. Studies show that the absence of gravity allows the body to recover faster and reduce pain. An asset for those suffering from chronic pain.

Magnesium absorption through the skin. Epsom salt is very rich in magnesium, an anti-stress mineral which provides energy, reduces fatigue…

The journalist’s opinion

Awesome experience! A bit of a freak, I was relieved when I saw how clean the place was. And knowing that, in addition to the filtration system, magnesium sulfate kills all the micro-organisms present in the water, has finally reassured me…

Aude Tixeront, Head of Fitness Department.

Thanks to Vincent Reneleau, founder of Les Bulles à Flotter, www.lesbullesaflotter.fr