The Old Friends Hypothesis

To understand how floatation therapy may impact the immune system, it's essential to first delve into the "Old Friends Hypothesis." This hypothesis posits that our modern, sanitized environments have deprived us of essential microorganisms that once played a crucial role in regulating our immune systems.

Our adaptive immune system has grown with us through the thousands and thousands of years, and as we encountered new climates and new places to settle, we became introduced to new bacteria, many of which lived in and around the soil. These bacteria (our “Old Friends”) began to live with us, keeping us safe from other, more harmful microorganisms.

Over the years though, we have moved away from nature and into cities, changing our diet away from natural, whole foods. Doing so removed many of these microbes from our immune system, potentially throwing it out of balance. As a result, we may be more susceptible to inflammatory disorders, allergies, and autoimmune diseases. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, floating helps to support our immune system, which is crucial in our ongoing battle against these modern-day health challenges.

Reducing Stress and Enhancing Immune Function

Floatation therapy has been shown to induce a state of deep relaxation, which in turn helps to reduce stress and anxiety. This is significant, as chronic stress has been linked to a weakened immune system. When we're stressed, our bodies produce cortisol, a hormone that can suppress immune function. By reducing cortisol levels, float therapy helps to support a healthier immune system.

In addition to lowering cortisol levels, floating may also decrease circulating metabolites of sympathetic nervous system hormones, like adrenaline and noradrenaline. This reduction, along with enhancing parasympathetic activity (our "rest and digest" system), points to the ability of floatation therapy to promote immunoregulation, which is a vital aspect of a healthy immune system.

Reducing Inflammation and Supporting Immune Health

Studies have shown that floating may help reduce inflammatory symptoms associated with specific disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. While more research is needed, these findings indicate that by reducing inflammation floating likely has a direct effect on the immune system.

An intriguing study conducted at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research discovered that floating decreased a pro-inflammatory marker called IL-1 alpha in participants with high anxiety sensitivity. This result directly backs up the idea that floating helps with inflammation, and by extension our immune systems.