What is Float Therapy?
Float Therapy, also known as sensory deprivation therapy, is a practice where you effortlessly float in a zero-gravity environment of magnesium-rich Epsom salt water. By eliminating external stimuli and sensory input, this practice gives your mind and body the unique opportunity to relax, recover, and recharge in a completely new way.
What is a Float Pod?
A typical float pod, or sensory deprivation tank, is an enclosed pod that is approximately 8’ long and 6’ wide. Our pods never latch or lock and can even be left partially open if you are claustrophobic, though you may lose some of the benefits should you choose to leave it open. Our pods also have the option to play music or enjoy soft lighting when inside, or you may choose to float in a dark, soundproof environment for complete sensory deprivation.
The float pods are filled with approximately one foot of Epsom salt water that is heated to skin temperature. The salt-rich water provides more buoyancy than the Dead Sea, so you will be able to effortlessly float on your back about half in and half out of the water.
How does Float Therapy work?
When you are cut off from all external stimuli, including sight, sound, tactile sensation, and gravity, the brain enters a deeply relaxed state. In our daily lives, we are constantly processing sensory input, so when we are in a sensory deprived environment, the brain gets the opportunity to stop all those processes, which allows the brain time for rest and restoration, in what is effectively an intervention for the entire nervous system.
In fact, floatation has been proven to be more restful for the brain than sleep, improving cognitive function by recharging the brain in a way that sleep doesn’t. It is estimated that one hour spent in a float pod is the equivalent of eight hours of sleep.
What are the benefits of Float Therapy?
Floatation therapy is generally a very fun experience, promoting a deep, meditative state in which the body is shown to heal itself faster. Float therapy has been shown to diminish the production of the ‘stress’ hormone cortisol, lowering the pulse and blood pressure, and allowing muscles to relax. Additionally, vasodilation occurs during float therapy, which is the widening of blood vessels as a result of the relaxation of the blood vessel’s muscular walls, which can then facilitate better blood flow to all parts and systems of the body, including the brain. As blood flow increases around the body, more oxygen is delivered throughout, triggering optimized functionality. As the brain receives more oxygen, it releases endorphins, the ‘happy’ hormone. Regular float sessions have been shown to rewire the brain to secrete endorphins more frequently.
This process can lead to many benefits, both mental and physical including:
- Reduced clinically severe levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout, as well as reduced symptoms associated with stress-related illness including post-traumatic stress and depression.
- Holistic management of inflammation, muscle tension, pain, and symptoms associated with migraines, injury, and chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
- Relief from nerve issues, such as sciatica, pinched nerves, and tingling.
- Relief from spine issues, such as compression injuries, disc issues (slipped, bulging, or ruptured disc), and scoliosis.
- Correction of magnesium deficiencies that can cause cramps, chronic fatigue, migraines, digestive issues, insomnia, and more.
- Reduced blood pressure and heart rate.
- Decreased production of cortisol, ACTH, lactic acid, and adrenaline.
- Increased production of endorphins.
- Boosted immune function.
- Heightened brain activity and improved cognitive function
What if I’m claustrophobic?
During your float, you have full control of the room, float pod, lights, and music. During your intake, we will educate you to help create the float experience that you want. You are welcome to leave the door open if you are still concerned about being claustrophobic, as well.
How do I prepare for my first float?
If you’re new to float therapy, you may be unsure about what to expect and how to prepare. To get the most out of your float, please read the guide below so that you are fully prepared.
- Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your float time for a brief orientation.
- It is recommended that you do NOT shave or wax for at least 24 hours prior to floating, as the salt water may irritate your skin. We provide Vaseline in each float suite should you have a small cut that needs to be protected from the salt water.
- We encourage our guests to float nude for the greatest experience, though you are welcome to wear a swimsuit if you choose. Avoid wearing your “best” clothes, due to the nature of the salt water. We recommend wearing comfortable garments that are easy to change in and out of.
- Each of our float suites offers a private area for dressing and showering, which is required before and after floating. We happily supply shampoo, conditioner, body wash, earplugs, towels, bath robes, shower shoes, and Vaseline for your use. Our locker rooms are also available for use after your float, should you need to get ready for a day or night out.
- We recommend eating a small meal prior to floating, allowing at least 30 minutes to digest before your appointment. Additionally, we recommend that you avoid caffeine for 4-6 hours prior to floating.
- If you wear contacts or glasses, we suggest removing them prior to entering the float pod for a more comfortable experience.
- Do not apply makeup, moisturizer, perfume, or spray tan (48 hours) before floating.
- It is impossible to float without getting your hair wet, even with a swim or shower cap. Do not float if you have permed or colored your hair within the past 10 days (30 days for red or “fashion” hair color). You cannot float if you have henna coloring in your hair, or a henna tattoo. We have found that red and “fashion” hair color and henna can leach out of the hair for weeks which will damage our float pods.
- It is important to note that if you have keratin-bonded hair extensions or a keratin treatment in your hair that salt water can shorten the life of the keratin and can weaken the bond used in the extensions.
- Females experiencing their menstrual cycle the day of their float must wear a tampon or menstrual cup, however it is recommended that you reschedule your appointment (free of charge) to avoid stinging that can occur.
- Guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not permitted to float.
Who should NOT float?
While float therapy is very beneficial for many, there are some people who should not float. Anyone with one or more of the following conditions should not use float pods:
- Uncontrolled epilepsy
- Drug or alcohol intoxication
- Infectious disease
- Open wounds
- Severe claustrophobia
- Severe mental conditions
- Hearing aids that cannot be removed
- Incontinence
- Sunburn
- Anyone currently menstruating who cannot wear a tampon or menstrual cup
- Fresh tattoos or piercings (we recommend waiting 4-6 weeks)
- Freshly colored or permed hair (please wait 10-30 days after color)
- Anyone under 18 without parental consent
If you have any of the following conditions, please consult with your physician before enjoying float therapy:
- Pregnancy
- Heart conditions
- Pacemaker
- Kidney conditions
Can I fall asleep? Is there a risk of drowning?
We encourage guests to relax and release any worries of dozing off while in our float pods. Each pod contains approximately 1 foot of Epsom salt water; thus, it is not required that guests know how to swim. This solution supports you no matter how you toss and turn inside the pod.
Though it is difficult to accidentally flip onto your stomach in the tank, if this occurred the extremely high salt concentration will immediately cause discomfort in the eyes, nose, and mouth, so it is nearly impossible to drown in the tank.
What to expect during your float:
After a quick shower, you may enter your float pod which contains approximately 1 foot of Epsom salt water.
- You will always have complete control of the room, float pod, lights, and music. You are welcome to leave them wide open or close them, whichever is most comfortable for you.
- Lie back onto the water. The buoyancy will effortlessly support you. Be mindful to release the muscles in your neck, back, and shoulders.
- Once your session has started, you will have control of the lights and music from inside the float pod. We recommend turning the lights off to enhance the experience, but the choice is yours. If you do turn the lights off completely, please don’t wave your hand over your face to test the darkness, as it will not be comfortable to drip salt water over your face. If you do inadvertently touch your face, there is a spray bottle of fresh water inside the tank to rinse.
- The first 20 minutes or so of your first float are very exploratory; expect to take a little time to settle in. Experiment with your body position to determine what is most comfortable for you. It may feel awkward at first trying to decide where to put your arms or trying to hold your head up, but just try to find a comfortable position and let the water support your body.
- Any pain or tension may feel more noticeable at the beginning of your float. This is normal as all other distractions have been removed from your surroundings. Try to relax and know that it will slowly float away.
After your float:
- After your float, you will shower again to remove all the salt water. We supply shampoo, conditioner, body wash, earplugs, towels, bath robes, shower shoes, and Vaseline for your use. Our locker rooms are also available for use after your float, should you need to get ready for a day or night out. You may want to bring a comb, makeup, or other items depending on your needs.
- We encourage all guests to enjoy our spa lounge post-float. Enjoy a beverage and let your brain slowly ease out of the floating zone.
- It is recommended to drink lots of water following your float.
How often should I float?
While you could float every day without harm, the relaxing effects of a one-hour float typically last well beyond 24 hours. For best results, we recommend regular sessions. Many guests find that floating once or twice a week provides the most benefits.
Will I be able to resume my daily activities when I get out?
Yes, though it may be good to arrange your time so you don’t have to rush. Many guests enjoy spending time in our spa lounge following their float session.
Can two people float in one tank?
No. Currently, we only have one-person float tanks. However, two people could float simultaneously in our separate float suites.
Will my skin get wrinkly?
No. The high Epsom salt content of the water means that the water will not draw the salt from your skin and cause wrinkles like a long bath does. Epsom salt has been used for centuries as a medicinal treatment for various skin conditions. It is non-toxic and is not harmful if swallowed (although it does not taste good). Epsom salt is very nourishing for the skin, and many people feel silky smooth after their float session.
Is there a maximum or minimum age required to float?
For anyone under 18, we require parental consent. There is no maximum age as long as one is capable of physically stepping in and out of the float pod.
How much time do I have to shower before and after my float session?
We have built in an extra 30 minutes to each session, so that you may enjoy your full 60- or 90-minute float session. Should you need extra time to get ready, you are welcome to utilize our locker rooms. If you are unable to exit the float suite within the time allotted and we are unable to reset for the next guest, we will have to charge you for the next float session.
What if I want to get out?
You have full control over the float suite, float pod, lights, and music. If you would like to end your session early, the choice is yours, however you will be charged the full amount for the time booked.
How do you clean the Float Pods?
There are 800 lbs. of medical grade Epsom salt dissolved in each of our tanks, which creates an environment that is nearly impossible for microorganisms to thrive in. In a well-maintained system, the float pod solution is far cleaner than any public pool or hot tub.
The float pod has no need for chlorine or added chemicals, however, after each float session, the entire volume of the solution is filtered through a cartridge filter in each tank 3-4 times to pull out any organic impurities. The water is pumped through our filtration system, while an Ultraviolet Light System and Ozone filter are added to create a residual oxidizer, effectively destroying anything that by some miracle may have survived the previous filters.
Additionally, all high-touch surfaces are sanitized with hospital grade disinfectant between each session.
Each guest is required to shower before entering the float pod. Oils, dyes, and waxes can be very hard on our float pods, and it is long and expensive process to remove it from our water and filtration equipment. If we discover that the water has been contaminated by any of the above products or bodily fluids of any kind, a charge of $1,000 will be incurred.
We continually add fresh water and Epsom salt to maintain correct salinity levels.