#100: Float Therapy: Science, Healing & Peak Performance - Justin Feinstein, PhD

In this episode, neuroscientist and clinical researcher Dr. Justin Feinstein discusses the fascinating science and therapeutic potential of flotation therapy. Often misunderstood and mislabeled as “sensory deprivation,” Dr. Feinstein explains why this is a misnomer and what’s truly happening inside the float tank. Instead of depriving the senses, floating creates an environment of deep physical and mental rest, allowing the nervous system to reset. We explore Dr. Feinstein’s pioneering research on using float therapy to help individuals with PTSD and high anxiety sensitivity. He also shares insights into how flotation therapy could become a valuable tool in the public health system, especially for trauma survivors and people with severe anxiety. Dr. Feinstein highlights compelling case studies, including patients with anorexia nervosa who experienced meaningful relief through floating, as well as its growing popularity among high-performing athletes looking to optimize recovery and mental performance. Whether you’re new to flotation therapy or familiar with the practice, this conversation reveals its untapped potential and emerging role in both mental health and peak performance.   FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.org   Show Notes 0:00 | Intro to Justin Feinstein, PhD 2:55 | Floating & PTSD treatment  18:02 | More Stress, More Effective Floating 20:02 | Anxious People's Struggle With Meditation 31:58 | High Anxiety Sensitivity  43:41 | Peak Performance Through Flotation 47:12 | How Long Benefits of Floating Last 52:29 | Floating & Meditation 54:31 | Out-of-Body Experiences  58:03 | Anorexia Nervosa & Floating 1:01:40 | Effects on Nervous System 1:04:07 | Altered States & Brainwaves in the Tank 1:19:26 | Importance of Early Intervention 1:24:17 | Respiration 1:27:30 | Links: https://www.mauicalm.org/, https://www.clinicalfloat.org/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-feinstein/

Om Podcasten

Expert insights on the science of mental fitness. Topics include psychology, neuroscience, mental health, mindfulness meditation, productivity, brain technologies, Stoicism, happiness hacking, and more. Liam McClintock, the Founder of FitMind, talks with leaders in their fields, from neuroscientists and psychologists to Buddhist monks and professional athletes. At FitMind, we believe that the next great human frontier is the mind. FitMind combines ancient techniques with western psychology to provide mental fitness training that is taught at Fortune 500 companies, addiction centers, schools, government organizations, and on the FitMind meditation app. Liam McClintock received a B.A. from Yale and worked in finance before traveling to Asia to study meditation full-time. He is currently completing an MS in Applied Neuroscience at King’s College London. Liam is an RYS Certified Yoga & Meditation Instructor and has trained in various meditation styles. He has been featured in Time, Vice, Daily Mail, Cosmopolitan, NBC, and Men’s Health.