Floatation Tank – The Science of Sensory Deprivation Therapy

Floatation Tank - The Science of Sensory Deprivation Therapy | Third Monk image 5

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Floatation tanks are increasing in popularity, offering eager psychonauts a chance to explore this unique state of mind of sensory deprivation.

The Brain Without Sensory Input

Deprived of external stimuli, the brain generates its own. Parts of the visual field light up in unrecognizable shapes, which eventually morph into more complex manifestations such as dots, lines and grated patterns.

With the advent of brain imagining techniques, scientists have been able to capture the brain basis of such finicky visual hallucinations during sensory deprivation. In 2000, one such study found that volunteers’ visual cortexes became more active after less than an hour of visual deprivation.

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Hallucinations may also occur in other sensory domains:

For me, it was auditory: initially, I heard a beautiful aria drifting in and out, like music from a faraway phonograph; soon it morphed into a full symphony before settling into a simple, tribal beat. Incredibly, I did not recognize any of these tunes; my brain was spontaneously generating them. – Shelly Fan, Discover

Exercising Creativity and Concentration in the Tank

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A small study of five university professors found that six 90-minute float sessions allowed them to generate more “creative” ideas, which coincided with a self-reported increase in free imagery and remote associations. Similarly, in a study with 40 university students, a single hour of flotation increased their scores on a standardized test used to measure creativity.

A far more researched effect of flotation is that it enhances performance in a variety of athletic and musical tasks that require high levels of concentration and visual-motor coordination, including basketballtennisarchery and jazz improvisation. In a sample of 13 jazz students, four sessions enhanced their technical performance one week after the last flotation experience, suggesting the possibility of lasting benefits.

Dr. Peter Suedfeld, a pioneering psychologist in the field, speculates that flotation may enhance creativity and performance in a manner similar to that of sleep or meditation. Research has shown that during resting states the brain repeatedly rehearses newly learned skills and consolidates recently acquired knowledge for long-term storage.

However, Suedfeld says, compared to sleep or meditation, such “twilight” states are more easily achievable without prior training or conscious effort via flotation. 

Physical Relief and Benefits of Floating

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Cognitive perturbations only make up half of the flotation experience; far more noticeable are the physical effects. 

In the early 1980s, a group of psychologists at the Medical College of Ohio initiated a series of experiments that looked at the physiological responses to floating. Both within and across flotation sessions, blood pressure and levels of stress-related hormones dropped – effects that persisted long after the cessation of the last flotation experience.

In 2005, a meta-analysis further confirmed that flotation was more effective at reducing stress than other popular methods such as relaxation exercises, biofeedback or relaxing on the couch.

Floating Away: The Science of Sensory Deprivation Therapy | Discover Magazine

The Health Benefits of Drinking Tea

The Health Benefits of Drinking Tea | Third Monk image 9

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Tea has the ability to soothe and invigorate. The benefits of drinking tea range from powerful antioxidants to deep relaxation that eases you into a good nights rest.

Whichever tea you choose to brew, there is a benefit for you.

The Benefits of Drinking Tea

The Benefits of Green Tea

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Green tea is a “pure” tea, meaning it doesn’t undergo an oxidation process. Most green teas are grown in Japan or China. One mug’s worth of green tea has a quarter of the amount of caffeine a cup of coffee does.

Scientists have shown a correlation between green tea consumption and reduced cancer risk, weight loss, and improved heart health. Green tea also possesses a small amount of natural fluoride, an element which strengthens bones.

The Benefits of White Tea

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Studies have shown that white tea has antiviral and antibacterial qualities, which make it helpful in fighting against disease–so if you think you’re coming down with a cold, white tea is a great way to feel better.

People who consume white tea tend to have lower blood pressure, higher amounts of ‘good’ cholesterol, and even better skin (the antioxidants in white tea are able to ‘attack’ free radicals, which harm your skin and cause it to age faster).

The Benefits of Black Tea

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Black tea has the highest caffeine content of the major types of tea, though it only has half that of coffee.

Black tea undergoes fermentation, meaning that freshly-picked tea leaves are oxidized, developing deep flavors. This fermentation process alters the flavoniods – the antioxidants that are naturally found in tea leaves. The flavonoids found in black tea are more complex than those found in less processed teas.

Antioxidants have health benefits including cancer prevention, cholesterol reduction, and protection against stroke and heart attack. Black tea is rich in manganese and potassium, and it has some B-vitamins.

The Benefits of Rooibos Tea

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Rooibos tea, which is known as “red bush,” is not technically tea, but a herbal brew made from fermented leaves of a native South African plant.

The healing properties of rooibos include high levels of antioxidants, low tannin content, and no caffeine.

Use it as a treatment for skin ailments, as an immune system booster, a way to slow the aging process, and a remedy for insomnia, headaches and anxiety. Rooibos does not contain oxalic acid, the compound found in some other types of tea that can cause kidney stones.

The Benefits of Herbal Tea

Herbal Tea Benefits

Like red tea, herbal tea is not actually tea; it is composed of the dried leaves of a variety of herbs that are prized for their unique flavors and healthful benefits.

The health benefits of herbal tea depend on the herb being steeped.

Chamomile, linden flower, and lavender teas are all highly calming and can help with sleep issues.

Peppermint and ginger teas aid digestion and can stave off nausea.

Lemon balm tea can help soothe a headache.

Raspberry leaf tea is believed to bring on labor in late pregnancy, to offer just a few examples of this versatile and beneficial type of tea.

Slik D – Pass The Tea

This song dedicated to the herb that isn’t used for tea but still has a variety of benefits. The next time you need a warm drink make like Slik D and ask, “Can you pass the tea?”.

Meditation in a Sensory Deprivation Tank – VICE Documentary (Video)

Meditation in a Sensory Deprivation Tank - VICE Documentary (Video) | Third Monk image 6

Sensory deprivation tanks are a wonderful way to relax and meditate. The best way to eliminate all sensory input is to step inside a sensory deprivation tank.

Floating in a tank allows you to lose all sense of self and merge with the energies of the universe. Take a trip to the center of your inner-verse.

In part 1, we talk to Joe Rogan about what happens to the mind, body, and spirit while inside the tank.

In part 2, VICE Correspondent Hamilton Morris spends five hours inside a tank only to come out with more questions than answers. We head to Isolation Floatation in Colorado to learn more.

In part 3, VICE correspondent Hamilton Morris tests the Rolls Royce of sensory deprivation tanks at Cloud nine Float Center in Boulder, Colorado.

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> Tanks for the Memories | VICE

When to Choose Sativa Vs Indica Cannabis Strains (Guide)

When to Choose Sativa Vs Indica Cannabis Strains (Guide) | Third Monk image 5

Sativa and Indica are two main types of cannabis plants that have different effects on the body and mind resulting in a wide range of medicinal benefits. Stoners in marijuana friendly states like Denver and California have benefited from the extensive selection of cannabis options.

Identifying Sativa and Indica Buds

sativa-indica-appearanceSativa plants typically grow tall and thin compared to Indica plants which grow short and wide.

Indica plants are better suited for indoor growing because of their short growth and sativa plants are better suited for outdoor growing because some strains can reach over 25 ft. in height.

Cannabis Sativa plants are known to be extremely pungent smelling, with aromas ranging from sweet and fruity, to earthy with undertones of diesel fuel.

The flavors and smells of Cannabis Indica include; pungent skunk, earth, hash, pine, or a sweet and sugary fruit flavor.

When to Choose Sativa Buds

sativa-cannabis-benefits-creativitySativa cannabis strains tend to provide an uplifting, energetic and “cerebral” high that sparks creativity. These strains also can make you pause and analyze your perceptions. The creative and mind expanding benefits of Cannabis Sativa makes it very popular among philosophers, artists and musicians. 

Choose Cannabis Sativa For These Benefits:

1. Uplifting and Cerebral thoughts

2. Stimulation and Energy

3. Increased focus and Creativity

Popular Sativa Strains: Sour Diesel, Blue Dream, Jack Herer, Purple Haze, and Strawberry Cough

When to Choose Indica Buds

indica-relaxing-high-stoner-dogThe high produced from Indica cannabis strains is a strong physical body high that will put you in a deep state of relaxation. Indica is perfect for stress and pain relief, giving it a wide audience from patients with disabilities to athletes who use it for muscle recovery.

Choose Cannabis Indica For These Benefits:

1. Body Pain Relief and Recovery

2. Reduction in Stress and Anxiety

3. Deep Relaxation, Sleep

Popular Indica Strains: Granddaddy Purp, OG Kush, Nothern Lights, Afghani, and Purple Urkel

When to Choose Hybrid Buds

hybird-marijuanaGrowers mixed Sativa and Indica strains to provide patients with a combination of effects.

Sativa Dominant Hybrids

Hybrids with more sativa provides a cerebral high with a relaxing body effect. Useful for physical and mental relief. Sativa Dominant Hybrid strains include Headband and Purple Trainwreck.

Balanced Hybrids

50% Sativa, 50% Indica even hybrids are for people seeking a perfect balance of head and body. Balanced hybrid strains include White Widow and Super Silver Haze.

Indica Dominant Hybrids

Indica heavy hybrid strains provide a full-body pain relief, with a relaxing head high. Recommended for nighttime use to go to sleep, or daytime relief from minor pain. Indica Dominant Hybrid strains include Skywalker OG and Blackberry Kush.

A Visit to the Largest Floatation, Isolation Tank Center (Video)

A Visit to the Largest Floatation, Isolation Tank Center (Video) | Third Monk

Brian Rose & Nic Gabriel of London Real go Floating in an isolation tank for one hour @Floatworks, the largest floatation tank centre in the world. Watch as we enter into a weightless, soundproof, and completely dark chamber to induce theta brainwaves and a meditative state.

A very informative introduction to Floating for newbies. The video covers all the prep before going into the tank and the awesome benefits you get after your session is done.

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