Psychology students (N = 57) were allocated to 1 of 2 groups (high and low levels of sensitivity) depending on their score on the Highly Sensitive Person Scale. Our aim was to investigate whether or not highly sensitive persons experienced more nonordinary/altered states of consciousness (ASC) during 45 minutes of sensory isolation in a flotation tank, than did less sensitive persons. Conclusions: Althoughtheadvertisementsdescribedmanyevidence-basedeffectsresultingfromfloating,informationtendedtobeexaggerated, could be misleading to consumers, and was not always substantiated by published scientific studies. Various effects of flotation were highlighted for the different groups and some limited scientific evidence identified. Advertisements seemed to target four different interest groups: the inner explorers the sick the supermen and the stressed out. Results: The analysis resulted in five overarching themes: (1) Physiological changes, (2) Alleviation of medical conditions, (3) Relaxation, (4) Personal growth and enhancement, and (5) Altered states of consciousness. In addition, advertisements were compared to scientific studies on flotation-REST. Described effects resulting from floating on these sites were systematically gathered and analyzed thematically. Method: The Google search engine was used to localize web-sites hosting private floating center entrepreneurs. The aim of this study was to investigate how these centers advertise the benefits of flotation to the public and compare these claims with published scientific evidence. Contemporary scientific findings about beneficial effects resulting from floating have increased the number of private owned floating centers. The method induces deep relaxation through minimization of sensory input. The water is high in buoyancy, which makes it possible to float comfortably on the back. During flotation-REST a person is lying in a supine position inside a quiet and dark tank, filled with salt water maintained at skin temperature. Introduction: Flotation-REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique) is a complementary and alternative medicine therapy with evidence-based beneficial effects like pain and stress reduction.
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