Eating disorders affect men and women of all nationalities and age groups across the nation. Multifaceted, the desire to control the intake of food often finds its roots in issues of body image, self-esteem, cognition and emotional management.

Floatation therapy, or Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST), is a sensory deprivation technique that relaxes the mind and can help heal those with eating disorders. Patients are placed within a tank of saltwater so their bodies are buoyant. The tank is dark and soundproof so their senses are shut off. The weightlessness puts the mind at ease. Since the water is lukewarm, it becomes difficult to tell where the body begins and ends.

Floatation therapy forces its users into a meditative state, temporarily eliminating stress, anxiety and the mindless chatter cruising through the brain, leading to increased resistance to stress and heightened focus.

Bulimia and anorexia are rooted in routine, which requires a newfound mental fortitude to resist these habits. Medications and therapy combined with careful focus on medical needs of the patient have been shown to be helpful.

Floatation therapy goes further by providing additional, important relief through added good hormones, lowered blood pressure and relief from continual mental pressure to overcome the disease. By softening their state of mind, patients are able to listen to their body.

Levity Floatation and Wellness Center is located at 501 Lavery Ln. For more information, call 520-339-6674 or visit LevityRising.com. See ad, page 9.