A mobile unit containing three floatation tanks is en route to Maui, Hawaii, in response to the mental health crisis ignited by the catastrophic wildfires, which were the deadliest in U.S. history. Floatation therapy, often found in upscale spas, is emerging as a viable treatment for anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If this initiative proves successful, similar units could be deployed in disaster-stricken areas worldwide.

In August 2023, devastating wildfires erupted in Maui, resulting in the tragic loss of 102 lives and destroying thousands of homes and businesses. Following these events, the risk of depression and anxiety has surged by over 50%, highlighting the urgent need for PTSD interventions.

“Maui lacks the infrastructure to manage a mental health crisis of this scale,” states Justin Feinstein, a clinical neuropsychologist and founder of a nonprofit organization, the Float Research Collective. “People are resorting to self-medication. Alcohol consumption is rising, and rates of suicide and PTSD are increasing.”

On May 2nd, Feinstein announced the Embodied Mind Summit in Los Angeles, where free floatation therapy sessions will be provided for first responders and wildfire survivors, while simultaneously gathering long-term data on float therapy’s efficacy for mental health treatment.

Float therapy, also referred to as environmental stimulus reduction therapy, entails lying in a shallow pool saturated with Epsom salt, allowing the body to float effortlessly. The pool’s water and the surrounding air are maintained at body temperature, with earplugs minimizing noise and the lights turned off to create an environment free of sensory distractions.

This innovative tank design originated with neuroscientists in the 1950s to explore whether the brain would deactivate without external stimulation. Surprisingly, participants remained conscious but reported heightened relaxation.

Feinstein has dedicated more than a decade to researching the treatments and the mental and physical effects of float therapy. His studies indicate significant reductions in anxiety for both healthy individuals and those with various mental health disorders, such as depression and PTSD. Feinstein notes that the effects can be almost as impactful as benzodiazepines, a common sedative.

While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, floatation therapy appears to alleviate external sensory input and reduce bodily movement, thereby inducing a state of tranquility in both the body and mind. Research indicates that shortly after floating, breathing and heart rates decrease, along with blood pressure, and brain activity shifts from self-referential thoughts and emotional processing to states resembling restorative sleep.

Residing in Maui since 2020, Feinstein collaborated with the UK-based company Floataway to develop a cost-effective, modular float pod that can be assembled rapidly in various locations, unlike traditional tanks. The Maui Calm Project aims to introduce these tanks in the region and begin data collection this summer. If successful, the initiative seeks to establish a fleet of portable tanks for deployment in disaster areas to combat PTSD.

According to Sarah Garfinkel, a professor at University College London studying the physical basis of PTSD, prioritizing body-calming techniques represents a crucial evolution in the treatment of this condition. “Hyperarousal is a core feature of PTSD, leading to heightened reactive physiological responses,” she explains. “It seems that floating could offer a sense of internal safety, which may transform our understanding and management of PTSD. I’m eager to see the results of this research.”

If you or someone you know needs support, please contact the British Samaritans at 116123 (samaritans.org); or the U.S. Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 (988lifeline.org). For services in other countries, visit bit.ly/SuicideHelplines.