01 February 2017, by i-sopod
Brain trauma from blast force is the most common injury of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Soldiers caught in the blast radius suffer concussion and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). A range of physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioural difficulties tend to follow. Many of these often exist with other conditions like depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Concussion shuts down the pituitary gland and negatively affects serotonin, dopamine, growth hormone, testosterone, and IGF-1 production in the brain.
Before opening Virginia High Performance, a training facility in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA, Jeff Nichols and Alex Oliver were both long serving members of the US Navy SEALs where they experienced multiple concussions.
Alex Oliver was with the SEALs when they took their first delivery of i-sopod float tanks. Seeing how floating helped hundreds of Special Forces Operators recover from concussion they went one step further, producing equipment to read what was happening to the brain during a float session. Readings showed that personnel recovered more quickly from concussions. Memory was improved. Chronic pain was less so many users were able to stop medication. They also showed that floating accelerated learning.
Many of floating’s most powerful health benefits come from returning the body to a state of homeostasis – an optimal state of self-regulated balance and harmony.
During a float experience, the brain is relieved of sensory ‘noise’ (light, sound and touch). The reduction of external stimulation is especially helpful with healing concussions, as it allows the brain to rest. Blood pressure lowers, circulation improves, and stress hormones like cortisol are eliminated from the body. When circulation improves, so does the body’s healing capacity.
We were very happy to send 4 float tanks to Alex and Jeff when they decided the i-sopod is the best tank to meet their needs.
As floating breaks into the field of peak performance through professional sports and the SEALs, we learn that the benefits go way beyond what we already understand.
