There are thirteen predominantly scientific theories as to why floating works. These are explained in detail in his book, "The Book of Floating-Exploring the Private Sea,” by Michael Hutchison

1. Deep Relaxation
2. The Anti-gravity Explanation
3. The Brain Wave Explanation
4. The Left-Brain Right-Brain Explanation
5. The Three-Brain Explanation
6. The Biochemical Explanation
7. The Biofeedback Explanation
8. The "Benefits of Boredom” Explanation
9. The Relaxation Response Explanation
10. The Visualization Explanation
11. The Flow Explanation
12. The Aquatic Ape Explanation
13. The Homeostasis Explanation