18 Jul #FloatForMAPS
#FloatForMAPS: Help Fund PTSD Research, Float For Just $69
We have a slightly unusual, maybe out of left field, possibly controversial, but, we think, super interesting and exciting update for you.
We’re asking for your partnership with us in co-funding research into the groundbreaking realm of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Throughout July, the entire floatation therapy industry is joining forces to help MAPS – the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) – reach their goal of finalizing clinical study of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD. Their goal is to get FDA approval for this treatment in 2021, and they’ve done an amazing job of privately raising most of the needed $25M+ budget, but we’d like to do what we can to help them cross that finish line.
At Synergy Float Spa, we’re huge advocates for what works. Floating works. For a myriad of different conditions and issues, and in ways that are different than any other healing modality, including helping people work through PTSD. And MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD … it works too. Stunningly well. MAPS’ Phase 2 trial had 107 participants, all of whom had chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD. Patients in this trial had experienced, on average, 17 years of debilitating PTSD, limiting their quality of life, relationships, successes, and so much more. Upon completion of the trial, receiving only two to three sessions of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy, 56% no longer qualified for PTSD at their 2-month follow-up. At the 12-month follow-up, 68% no longer had PTSD. These are results that cannot be ignored, and while we’re losing 22 veterans to suicide every day, it’s a mission that should have our support.
So, What’s The Deal?
The short version is this: throughout July, we’re offering gift certificates for float sessions for just $69. That’s $20 off! And for every gift card purchased, we’ll donate 15% directly to MAPS.
Click here to purchase gift certificates, and use special code “MAPS” when you check out to receive your discount and to ensure MAPS receives the 15% donation. Or give us a call at (571) 319-0355.
What is MAPS?
Founded in 1986 by Rick Doblin, Ph.D., MAPS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit research and educational organization that develops medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics and cannabis. MAPS’ most recent study is using MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of severe PTSD. To learn more, visit the MAPS website: maps.org. If you’d like to read more about the history of MAPS and their mission, you can read Acid Test in our lobby’s consciousness library. It’s a real page-turner.
Why Now?
MAPS had breakthrough results on their Phase 2 trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, and are now conducting Phase 3 trials, the final stage of research before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can approve a new prescription treatment. MAPS currently aims to submit its New Drug Application to the FDA in 2021 for approval. Drug development is expensive, but with our help, MAPS will be able to make this PTSD treatment widely available to the 25 million people in the world who are suffering from serious trauma. You can learn more about their trials at www.maps.org/mdma.
What Does This Have To Do With Floating?
If you’ve floated before, you understand the powerful potential of spending time with your consciousness, devoid of stimuli, totally present to what and who you are. We believe floating to be the most powerful integration tool available to assist in the process of continued self-acceptance. One of the most compelling effects of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is the treatment’s ability to break down mental blocks in the psyche, facilitating breakthroughs of radical self-acceptance in patients previously crippled by PTSD. We, as a float center, are wholly committed to facilitating mental, physical, and spiritual well-being–we believe in the power of honestly connecting to oneself and we see MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy as an undeniably effective tool for doing so.
There’s also some evident bridges between floatation therapy and MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD:
- Both shut down typical fear response to thoughts/mental processes by decreasing activity in the amygdala
- Both allow for processing of traumatic memories in a safe, held, non-triggering environment
- Both seem to work, in part, by affecting the serotonergic system
- Both can provide relatively rapid access to a meditative state, and to the subconscious, that might otherwise takes years of regular psychotherapy or meditation training to attain
- Both reduce anxiety by decreasing activity in the posterior cingulate cortex
- Both induce a compassionate brain, for self and others
So You’re Promoting Floating and Drug Use Now?
Nope. We maintain a strict no-intoxication policy at Synergy Float Spa as you’ll see on our intake form. However, as we stated above, we’re passionate about what works, particularly what works when few other things do. And a near-70% elimination rate of chronic, previously treatment-resistant PTSD is simply effective, and worthy of attention. You may have recently seen high profile coverage of psychedelic-assisted therapy in the media, including Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, and recently with best-selling author Michael Pollen’s latest book, “How To Change Your Mind”. Pollen’s tone on the entire topic of entheogenic medicine is intelligent, cautious and responsible. His mainstream exposition into this world is a sign of our return back to eons-old therapies that simply work. He, and MAPS, are helping us remember what we truly are, to heal, and to wake up again. We’re simply excited to be a part of that, by helping bring focus, and funding.
Join Us, And Check Out #FloatForMAPS
We hope you’ll join us in supporting MAPS. Another way you can do this is to follow the #FloatForMAPS hashtag campaign on Facebook, Instagram and everywhere else and give it a Like. You can also read more about the campaign at www.FloatForMAPS.com. Or you can donate directly to MAPS instead at www.maps.org/donate.
Here’s that link to purchase gift certificates one more time. Or give us a call at (571) 319-0355.
We hope you’re all having a fantastic summer!
