In the early 1950s, neurophysiologist John C. Lilly conducted studies on the human brain for the United States government. To create an environment conducive to the observation of mental activity, Lilly invented the isolation tank -- an environment free of all sensory stimuli.
Lilly's research indicated that the isolated environment induced deep states of relaxation, and that the isolated mind became highly active and rich in creative thoughts.
Since then, Lilly's isolation tank has prompted the establishment of several flotation centers around the world. Finally, on Sept. 30, Kazuo Miyabe opened Japan's first center in Tokyo, the Expand Creative and Communicative Organization, to commemorate the first anniversary of Lilly's death.