PRECEDENT STUDIES:

1. FLOATING LOTUS – (http://floatinglotus.com) New York City

The Floating Lotus is a wellness centre that offers various treatments; Flotation therapy, Acupuncture, Yoga, Massage and Reiki. Located in the heart of NYC, Manhattan it enables individuals to escape the bustle of the city and enter space of relaxation. Floating Lotus has used various materials through out their business catering to the many services that they offer. The main yoga space has a glass house roof to allow natural light to enter. Their private rooms are have their own unique fit-out catering to the services that they provide to patrons. Located in a penthouse there is also an outside patio that is accessible to patrons to allow them to relax in the open air above the streets below.

Materiality: Stone, wood and light wall colours creates a space that is uncluttered and uplifting allowing for individuals to inwardly reflect, breathe and relax in an apparent open and calming space.

2. NIMBUS & Co. – (https://www.nimbusco.com.au) Melbourne, Bondi, Byron Bay

Nimbus & Co. offer the only infrared saunas in Australia different from your traditional saunas they use infrared heating panels whose emitted light aids in detoxifying your body. The light can delve into the deeper tissues and cells removing up to 20% of the toxins within your body. The rooms are of various sizes enable for individuals or duos to participate.

Materiality: Cedar wood clad interiors within each of the rooms both insulates and provides a calming tactility.

FLOTATION THERAPY: Theory + Research

Flotation is a sensory deprivation healing treatment for your physical body, mental and emotional health and spiritual growth. Studies performed in the United States and Sweden indicate that flotation therapy delivers wide-ranging benefits from stress to chronic pain, all while lowering blood pressure and improving skin.Flotation Therapy is used for neurological, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, muscular, skeletal, and hormonal balance bringing the body back into homeostasis.

Conditions Treated: Stress relief, Muscular pain, Rheumatism, Chronic pain, Fatigue, High blood pressure, Migraines, Anxiety, Insomnia, Back pain, Depression.

General Well-Being:Promotes total calm and peaceful relaxation, Eliminates fatigue and jet lag, Improves sleep, Alleviates stress (mental and physical), Energises, rejuvenates and revitalizes, Increases motivation, diminishes depression, anxiety and fear, Facilitates freedom from habits, phobias and addictions

Mental Benefits: Stimulates left/right brain synchronisation, Shifts brain waves from beta to lower frequency alpha, theta and delta, Deepens meditation, Expands awareness, Enhances hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis

Physical Benefits: Decreases the production of cortisol, ACTH, lactic acid and adrenaline, Increases production of endorphins, Speeds up rehabilitation and recovery, Relieves pain (arthritis, migraines, injuries and so on), Reduces blood pressure.

Citation:

Feinstein, Justin S et al. “Examining the short-term anxiolytic and antidepressant effect of Floatation-REST.” PloS one vol. 13,2 e0190292. 2 Feb. 2018, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0190292

Floating Lotus 2019, Benefits of Floatation Therapy, Viewed 29th April 2019, <http://floatinglotus.com/floatation-therapy/>

Nimbus & Co. 2019, The Nimbus Experiance,Viewed 26th April 2019, <https://www.nimbusco.com.au/infrared-sauna-2>