When the stresses and strains of everyday life get too much, flotation tank therapy offers a chance to get away from it all. By CAROLINE COOK.

Modern life is often a full-on assault on our senses. Noise, traffic, work, kids and stress all build up and it doesn't take long for things to get on top of us.

Now imagine being able to escape for just one hour. To relax in a warm, dark room where there is no stress, no noise and nothing to distract you from just relaxing.

Flotation tank therapy can help you to do just that, and research suggests that this type of deep relaxation therapy can also have a beneficial effect on a range of medical conditions, from chronic pain to panic attacks.

Flotation tanks come in different shapes and sizes but most commonly they look like specially constructed bath tubs filled with about 30cm of warm water and fitted with a hinged lid so you can shut yourself away from the world and float in peace and privacy.

The key to flotation itself lies in the high concentration of epsom salts diluted in the water which enables people of every shape and size to float weightlessly, like a cork.

Newcomers to flotation therapy often find that the hardest part is switching off and letting go as they lie there with their body relaxed, but their brain still feeling busy. Luckily, these feelings pass quite quickly and seasoned 'floaters'find it becomes an essential part of their lives, signing up for regular sessions to float away all their daily stress.

As well as being a great stress-buster, the feeling of weightlessness can relieve all sorts of conditions, including back pain, muscular tension or arthritis, by taking pressure off joints or muscles that can become aggravated by constant pressure and the effects of gravity.

There is also evidence to suggest that when we reach a state of deep relaxation, our bodies release increased amounts of endorphins, hormones that have a natural pain-killing effect and make us feel happy. This makes flotation an ideal therapy for people suffering from emotional conditions such as anxiety or panic attacks.

But in spite of all the positive effects, isn't being shut in a giant bath tub a bit claustrophobic?

Tim Strudwick, the owner of south London-based flotation specialists, Floatworks, says that although this is a common concern for first-timers, there is no need to worry.

"It tends to be the first thing that springs to mind," he says. "But claustrophobia is all about loss of control, like getting stuck in a lift or trapped in a cupboard. In a float tank it's different as you have total control of both the door and the light, so it's not a problem."

He is keen to point out that in 14 years of business, he has never had anyone freak out.

To find out more, visit www.floatworks.com or to find a floatation centre near you, contact the flotation tank association on www.flotationtankassociation.net