The latest addition to life coach Denise Anderson's arsenal of health-enhancing treatments literally allows clients to get away from it all-in a flotation tank.
At her clinic, Awakening Consciousness in Carlyle, Anderson has already introduced flotation therapy, or "tanking" to clients of all ages and occupations.
"People from all walks of life have come to float," she says. "Including many who are working shift work or who have otherwise demanding jobs. I've really noticed the effect of shift work on physical and emotional well-being," Anderson adds.
"Lack of sleep means our minds aren't as sharp. When we don't get anough sleep, we misinterpret information coming into our brains. An hour in the tank can equal the effects of four hours' sleep," Anderson says. "Tanking has a cumulative effect because the body is learning to relax deeply and many people come once a week to help undo the negative effects of sleep deprivation caused by shift work."
How does tanking work? Clients shower, then climb into a light and sound-proof float tank filled with 10 inches of water and about 700 pounds of Epsom and sea salts. The water is the same temperature as one's body temperature and because of the salt content, the client floats easily and effortlessly, for an hour. Within about 15 minutes, a state of deep relaxation is reached which causes a boost in endorphins (the body's natural pain relievers and mood enhancers). Slower brain waves are also produced during a float. These are normally only experienced during deep meditation or just before falling asleep. These types of brain waves produce clearer thinking and often aid in creativity.
Anderson says that tanking's effect on thinking and the creative process is something she learned about firsthand, when an American author friend used one to "get in touch creatively."
"It helps to quiet the mind, and in this case, helped them get in touch with their creativity," Anderson adds. "Clients often go into the tank with an intention. That is, they are actively attempting to find a solution to a specific problem, or dilemma. The mind starts to be quiet and become peaceful and that's often when insights and creative ideas start to come."
Anderson says that using a flotation tank will also directly benefit many physical ailments.
"Floating is proven to suppress stress hormones that amplify pain and at the same time, releases endorphins that decrease pain. It's safe and anyone can benefit from its effects." However, Anderson stresses that results can vary "like any other therapies" from individual to individual.
Flotation therapy offers a myriad of health benefits, and the deep relaxation it provides can help relieve muscle, joint and back pain, lower high blood pressure, reduce the frequency of migraine headaches and insomnia, reduce jet lag and even help with dealing with the winter doldrums.
"Yes, peoples' energy is definitely different in the winter," laughs Anderson.
For clients who are uneasy about trying flotation therapy or are concerned about claustrophobia, Anderson says that there is a light inside the tank and the door can be left open during a float. She also says she understands that trying flotation therapy or any of her other services (life coaching and biogesture treatments) might be somewhat intimidating at first, even for people who are interested.
To allay any concerns, she says she is willing to consult by phone before a session, to answer any questions a potential client might have. "And of course, client confidentiality is key," says Anderson.
"I would like to encourage anyone who is interested in trying any of these services to come and give it a try without any expectations, apphrehension or fear," says Anderson. "Just allow your experience to bring you benefits. You never know where it might lead you."
"The greatest pleasure for me, and the reason I do this, is to see the results my clients experience. I've always been passionate about helping people to live their best life," Anderson says. "This isn't about alternative treatments. It's about people doing good things for their own bodies and minds."
Awakening Consciousness is located at 122 Hayward Drive, Carlyle. Anderson offers single treatments and packages. Contact her via denise.anderson.ca, [email protected] or by calling (306)-577-9622.
