FLOATING

A GATEWAY INTO POSSIBILITy

WHAT IS FLOATINg?

Flotation therapy is an effective and an incredibly simple and reliable way to boost our health and well being. It's a method of limiting sensory inputs, achieved through floating in a sound and light proof room that reduces all sensory experiences: sight, smell, touch and sound. The tanks used are filled with water that's nearly the exact same

temperature as our body, combined with eight hundred pounds of medical grade Epsom salt, allowing one to remain peacefully floating at the water's surface, immersed in the stillness and the total silence. It takes no effort whatsoever to stay afloat, resulting in a light, peaceful feeling, which is said to provide many beneficial benefits for body and mind.

The History

Floating was invented in 1954 by a neuroscientist named John C. Lilly, interested in the effects of sensory deprivation on the brain.

By the 1970’s, the tank’s design had evolved from Lilly’s original laboratory chambers to comfortable commercial tanks.

Today's float tanks (also called sensory deprivation tanks) are typically 8′ long and 4.5′ wide.

They hold about 10″ of water, which is saturated with 850 pounds of Epsom salt.

This creates a solution more buoyant than the Dead Sea, and enables you to float on your back about half in and half out of the water.

The water itself is kept at the average skin temperature (93.5° F), which allows you to lose track of your body. The tank is sound proof and, when you turn off the light, completely dark. Air is allowed to freely flow in and out, and the door never locks or latches.

No gravity, no touch, no sight, and no sound. Just pure possibility.

The Benefits

Limiting sensory input allows the incessant thinking mind to relax its grip. This allows the creative, relaxed part of your mind to come out and play.

Without the constant pressure of analyzing the world around you, your body lowers its levels of cortisol, the main chemical component of stress.

Not having to fight gravity lets your muscles, joints, and bones take a well-deserved break. Your body suddenly has extra resources (usually spent supporting your weight, regulating temperature, and trying not to get speeding tickets), which it gets to focus on things like healing and resting.

Without the relentless push of gravity, chronic and acute pain is relieved, and

muscles are given the space to fully rest.Unlike lying on a mattress, lying in water allows blood to flow freely all throughout the body.

Research shows that about 40 minutes into a float the brain stops producing its normal Alpha and Beta waves and starts going deeper into a Theta and even Delta state.

Even the magnesium-based Epsom salts used to create the buoyancy in float tanks feel wonderful on your skin.

They provide another powerful way for the absorption of magnesium, which is so often lacking in our modern diet.

FAQ

+ Can I float if I’m pregnant?

Pregnant women thrive with floating. There is even a special position you can float in that relieves all of the weight of the baby off of the mother’s body. If you are in your third trimester, or have any concerns, please consult with your physician before floating.

+ Is there anything I should do to prepare?

Avoid drinking coffee for several hours beforehand (it can make your system jittery). Also, avoid shaving or waxing since the salt water can irritate the skin. Eating a light meal about an hour to 90 minutes ahead of time is recommended, as it will tide you over during your float.

+ Can I float if I’m menstruating?

Yes. Just follow the same protocol you would for a swimming pool.

+ Can I float if I just dyed my hair?

While there is no guarantee that the salt won’t strip some color from your hair, we recommend that you check if the water running through your hair in the shower at home is fully clear. If there is still some color coming out, rinse until the water is clear, or wait a couple more days to float.

+ I just got a tattoo, is it safe for me to float?

Floating and fresh tattoos do not mix! Not only could floating with a fresh tattoo be painful (salt irritates open wounds) but the water solution could cause fading or discoloration of your tattoo and permanently ruin its aesthetic appeal. How long you should wait before floating depends on the tattoo and how quickly it heals, but tattoo artists/floaters suggest waiting 4-6 weeks.

+ Do I need to bring anything?

If you have longer hair, you may want to bring a comb. Also, something to put your contact lenses into while you’re in the tank. Other than that, we provide everything you need (towels, robes, earplugs, body wash/shampoo). Each room is fully private, and you go into the tanks nude, so there’s no need to bring a bathing suit.

+ Can more than one person float at a time?

The tanks are designed for one person to float at a time. There are six float tanks, so friends can float simultaneously in other tanks right next to you. While double-wide tanks do exist, they somewhat defeat the purpose of the ‘sensory deprivation’ experience.

+ Will floating take me into an altered state?

Yes, in that you may feel more relaxed than you have in a long long time. Many report feeling a complete absence of stress and worry, so be prepared to experience a truly altered state of existence.

+ Is it safe to have a sauna after floating?

Yes, absolutely. It's even encouraged. Speak to reception to book your sauna.

+ Do I have to stay in the whole time?

There aren’t any latches on the tank doors, and you can get out anytime. That said, the 90-minutes usually goes by faster than you’d expect (our average customer usually says it felt like 30-45 minutes).

+ What’s the longest you can float for?

There has been a report of someone floating for 24 hours at once. It is safe to float even longer than this, if you are keen.

+ Who invented floating?

John C. Lilly.

+ How long have float tanks been around?

The first float tank was developed in 1954. These involved full submersion in water and a breathing device that completely covered the face. The first lay down, commercial tanks were invented in the early 70’s.

+ What if I’m claustrophobic?

Being in the tanks is more like floating in a vast open space than being shut in a box. You’re always in control of your environment, and even people with extreme claustrophobia have reported having no problems with their time in the tank.

+ Is this new-agey mumbo jumbo?

Floating has been around for over 50 years and there has been a significant body of published research on its benefits in that time. It has recently gained greater widespread appeal too.

+ How do you clean the tanks?

Between each float, the water is filtered multiple times through a 1-10 micron filter, and treated with UV light, Ozone and Hydrogen Peroxide.

+ Can I drown if I fall asleep in there?

No. Some people fall asleep, but the water is so buoyant due to the amount of Epsom salt that you stay afloat. The worst that can happen is getting woken up by a bit of salt water in your eyes.

+ Is it bad for my skin?

No, your skin won’t even wrinkle like it would if you were submerged in a bath for the same amount of time. Generally people report their skin becomes silky soft afterwards.