The Floatation Stimulation Platform: An investigation into the feasibility of delivering audio and audio-visual stimuli into the floatation tank

<p>The floatation tank experience is unique. It involves floating on a body of water dense in Epsom salt, inside of a purpose-built tank. The buoyancy from the salt density means there is little sensation of gravity, and the water temperature is the same as the skin temperature so there is minimal sense of touch. There is no light, no sound, and no one else. This research considers the feasibility of developing technology designed to stimulate the senses in the floatation environment – conceptualised as the floatation stimulation platform (FSP). The identified target market for the FSP is the commercial floatation centre. Three phases of investigation were conducted to assess feasibility of the FSP. Phase One involved surveying 10 existing floatation centres and assessing their use of stimuli in the floatation environment in a commercial context. Phase Two involved surveying 37 participants connected to a commercial floatation centre's online network. Participants were asked a range of questions about their perceptions and experiences of floatation, stimuli within the floatation tank, and activities they participate in. Phase Three involved analysing a commercial offering of audio stimuli designed for a specific model of floatation tank. The findings of all three phases of investigation suggest the FSP is a feasible concept. A major finding from Phase One was that all surveyed commercial floatation centres currently use stimuli in their floatation tanks, while in Phase Two it was found that all participants surveyed were open to the concept of experiencing stimuli in the floatation tank. Phase Three of the investigation found that stimuli designed for the floatation tank is most valuable to floatation centres if it can increase customer retention. From the investigation findings, recommendations were developed for appropriate business models and developmental pathways for FSP technology. It is suggested that FSP technology operate as different components for different senses. It is also recommended that a content library for existing floatation tank and FSP technology be developed and made available on subscription-based access. The feasibility of creating personalised content for FSP technology is also explored.</p>

The Floatation Stimulation Platform: An investigation into the feasibility of delivering audio and audio-visual stimuli into the floatation tank

<p>The floatation tank experience is unique. It involves floating on a body of water dense in Epsom salt, inside of a purpose-built tank. The buoyancy from the salt density means there is little sensation of gravity, and the water temperature is the same as the skin temperature so there is minimal sense of touch. There is no light, no sound, and no one else. This research considers the feasibility of developing technology designed to stimulate the senses in the floatation environment – conceptualised as the floatation stimulation platform (FSP). The identified target market for the FSP is the commercial floatation centre. Three phases of investigation were conducted to assess feasibility of the FSP. Phase One involved surveying 10 existing floatation centres and assessing their use of stimuli in the floatation environment in a commercial context. Phase Two involved surveying 37 participants connected to a commercial floatation centre's online network. Participants were asked a range of questions about their perceptions and experiences of floatation, stimuli within the floatation tank, and activities they participate in. Phase Three involved analysing a commercial offering of audio stimuli designed for a specific model of floatation tank. The findings of all three phases of investigation suggest the FSP is a feasible concept. A major finding from Phase One was that all surveyed commercial floatation centres currently use stimuli in their floatation tanks, while in Phase Two it was found that all participants surveyed were open to the concept of experiencing stimuli in the floatation tank. Phase Three of the investigation found that stimuli designed for the floatation tank is most valuable to floatation centres if it can increase customer retention. From the investigation findings, recommendations were developed for appropriate business models and developmental pathways for FSP technology. It is suggested that FSP technology operate as different components for different senses. It is also recommended that a content library for existing floatation tank and FSP technology be developed and made available on subscription-based access. The feasibility of creating personalised content for FSP technology is also explored.</p>

Effect of Warm Epsom Salt Pack over Knee Osteoarthritis-A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aims: Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis which commonly affects weight-bearing joints like the knee, hip, spine, and joints. Since the effectiveness of conventional medicine on severe types of osteoarthritis is surgical intervention, the patients are seeking alternative medicine. A warm Epsom salt pack is used commonly for pains over joints. Hence this study is undertaken. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Naturopathy, SDM College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, between November 2019 and January2020. Methodology: From the inpatient department of Shri Dharmasthala Yoga and Nature cure Hospital Shanthivana, hundred subjects diagnosed with osteoarthritis belonging to the age groupof35to75yearswererecruitedandwererandomlyallocated to case (Warm Epsom salt pack) and control group. Subjects were assessed for Goniometry, Visual analog scale (VAS), Shortform-12(SF-12), Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index Scale (WOMAC) before and after the intervention of 20 minutes. Results: The study was done to evaluate the effect of Warm Epsom salt on Knee Osteoarthritis. There were 100 subjects in the sample. Shapiro-Wilk’s test/Quantile-Quantile (QQ) plot was used to check the normality of variables. In study group there was a significant decrease in Goniometry (p=<0.0001), SF 12 (p=<0.0001), WOMAC (P=<0.0001). In the control group, other than VAS there were no significant changes in other variables (Goniometry, WOMAC, SF-12). Conclusion: Our study indicates that a warm Epsom salt pack may reduce pain, stiffness, range of motion, and improves the quality of life. The study revealed that Warm Epsom salt reduced Range of motion from 172.94 to 134.5, WOMAC from 65.94 to 26.38, and Quality of life from 33.98 to 31.22. Results reveal with significant improvement (p<0.001) in pain, swelling, and quality of life.

HyPIR Electrolysis for a 0.25 M Epsom Salt Solution

Previous laboratory work using a 0.12 M Epsom salt solution showed that HyPIR Electrolysis, or Hydrogen Production by Infrared Electrolysis, can increase the rate of hydrogen production from a solution of Epsom salt dissolved in water by irradiating the electrolyte with an optimum wavelength of light. This article presents data for a 0.25 M Epsom salt solution. A comparison of the data for different molarities shows that an increase in molarity of the electrolytic system decreases the rate of hydrogen production.

Effectiveness of Foot Exercise and Epsom Salt Water on Reduction of Foot Oedema among Antenatal Mothers

Introduction: Pregnancy is a very special time for both woman and her partner. Physiological lower leg oedema is one of the cutaneous manifestations of pregnancy. The weight increase during pregnancy and effect of gravity, slows down the blood circulation at lower limbs, thus leading to accumulation of fluids in that region. It is envisioned that about 75% of women suffer this excessive accumulation of fluid around the legs and ankles during pregnancy. Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of foot exercise and Epsom salt water on reduction of foot oedema among the antenatal mothers at selected hospitals of Kheda district. Materials and Methods: This was a Quasi experimental study, conducted from January 17, 2020 to March 18, 2020 at Dr ND Desai Hospital and Medical College, Nadiad, Gujarat, on forty antenatal mothers having foot oedema, selected from selected hospitals of Kheda district by purposive non probability sampling techniques. The total sample of 40 mothers was randomly allocated to group 1 (n=20 of foot exercise) and group 2 (n=20 of Epsom salt water). Foot oedema level assessment was done using tools of data collection for both groups which include performa of demographic variables and Modified Standardised Erin oedema scale. Results: Amongst the total study subjects, maximum 11 (55%) of those in group 2 were from 18-24 years of age while those in group 1. Oedema score analysis pre-interventionally, showed moderate score in 18 (90%) of subjects in group 1 and 9 (45%) of subjects in group 2. Severe score presented by 2 (10%) subjects in group 1 and 11 (55%) subjects in group 2. Post interventionally, none of the subjects in Group 1 and Group 2 showed moderate and severe oedema. All gave the score of 0, trace or mild oedema.There was statistically significant difference found in level of foot oedema in group 1 and group 2 which shows that mean difference of group 1 was 2.2 and Standard Deviation 0.51 and for control group mean difference was 2.95 and Standard Deviation 0.68. The calculated value of Mann-Whitney test was group 1 (3) and group 2 (1.49). Among them the level of foot oedema reduced 55% in group 1 (foot exercise) whereas in group 2 (Epsom salt water) it reduced 73.75%. Conclusion: Epsom salt water is more effective then foot exerciseon reduction of foot oedema among the antenatalmothers.