Left Brain & Right Brain

Your brain looks quite similar to an over-sized walnut. It is split into two halves and connected by a series of nerves. The left brain is responsible for analytical, sequential, and logical thinking. The right brain deals with non-verbal, simultaneous, intuitive, nonlinear, timeless, imaginative behavior. To put it bluntly, the left deals with facts and the right deals with creativity.

The left brain often times overpowers the right brain since it is used so much in our daily lives. Throughout our day, we’re responsible for making decisions based on reason and logic. Even throughout our education, we are rewarded for left brain actions.

The right brain is often not given the chance to act due to the overwhelming amount of the verbal / analytical information being transmitted by the left brain. When we float, we’re removing many of the tasks processed by the left brain. This finally gives our right brain a chance to thrive. This simple phenomenon is why so many users report increased cases of creativity during a float.

It is agreed upon by most neuroscientists that the left brain and right brain working together will result in the most balanced individuals; physically, mentally, and spiritually. One of the main purposes of nearly every religion, psychology, philosophy, and healing practice is to provide unity & symmetry between the two halves of our brain. There are many ways to achieve this, but none easier than floating.

Through the use of PET scans, CT scans, and EEG’s, doctors are able to monitory this ‘harmony’ of the two halves of the brain. Research has shown that there is more unity between these two halves during and after a float. This synchronization may indeed be one of the biggest benefits from usage of the sensory deprivation tanks. This is why many floaters report “an increase in productivity, performance, efficiency, and generalized feelings of competence, confidence, and wholeness.” As Hutchinson, the father of floating, puts it, “The tank does not hinder the left hemisphere, but changes its role from one of dominance to cooperation, enabling floaters to use all their mental powers.”

Flotation has been proven to enhance right-brain functions. Users who float are also more likely to experience a synergy between the two halves of their brain, one of the greatest accomplishments of the human psyche & brain.