Integrated flotation therapy for emotional regulation during the viral recovery period: Applying “form and spirit co-nourishing” in Chinese medicine

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of flotation therapy combined with psychological resilience training in improving emotional regulation and sleep quality in patients recovering from viral infections and to assess the application of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory of “form and spirit co-nourishing” in modern healthcare interventions. Methods: A total of 20 patients recovering from viral infections with anxiety and sleep disturbances were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 10) and the control group (n = 10). The experimental group received a combination of resilience training, targeting five key areas: physiological regulation, cognitive restructuring, emotional management, self-efficacy, and social support, alongside flotation therapy, with 45-min weekly sessions. The control group received conventional medical treatment. Anxiety levels were measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, while sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, both before and after the intervention. Results: Compared with intervention before, the resilience level of the experimental group significantly increased after the intervention (P < 0.001), while no notable changes were detected in the control group (P > 0.05); the experimental group demonstrated significantly lower anxiety level and sleep disorder level and higher resilience level compared to the control group after the intervention (all P < 0.001). Conclusion: The combined use of flotation therapy and resilience training, grounded in the TCM principle of “form and spirit co-nourishing,” significantly improves emotional regulation and sleep quality in patients recovering from viral infections. This integrative approach supports both physical and psychological healing, aligning with the TCM holistic treatment model, and offers a promising avenue for modern mental health interventions.