ABOUT FLOATING
What is Floating?
Floating in flotation tanks, also known as float therapy, floatation, R.E.S.T. (restricted environmental stimulation technique) or isolation tanks involves lying in a salt-water solution the same temperature as your body in a specially designed tank. It is the most effective and incredible means of stress relief and relaxation available. One hour in the tank is equal to four hours of sleep, and the more often you float, the better you will feel!
Now widely accepted, and increasingly popular in Europe and the West Coast of the United States, floating is also used to treat a wide range of conditions like depression, pain management or just for relaxation. Don't take our word, Google and YouTube floating for more information.
Float tanks can now be found everywhere, from health spas and fitness centers to hospitals and professional sports clubs. Some regulars even have float tanks installed in their home like Tiger Woods and Joe Rogan to name a few.
What to expect when you arrive?
When you arrive for the first time we'll cover the basics of floating, give you a tour of the spa and answer any questions you may have. There is no need to arrive more than 10 minutes early for your appointment, as all instruction and Pre and Post Float Shower times are built into your appointment slot with us.
Things to know before you come in:
You MUST shower at our facility prior and after your float!
Your hair will get wet. (You can bring a swim cap and if we have one you can borrow it)
We want you to float in your birthday suit!! (We don't want laundry detergents, suntan lotion, bug spray in the water) (Also swimsuits are not barriers or filters for the water touching your privates, its water and it gets there! We get that it might seem weird but our water cleaned and and filtered between each floater.)
You need to remove makeup and lotions before you get into the tank. The float tank is not the place to visit prior to a lunch/dinner date, and we don't have the space for you to take a lot of time post float. Come see us and relax when you don't have a lot to do after the float.
You will NOT be allowed to float with Fashion Colors (Pink,Bright Red, Purple, Green, Blue, Orange) We also don't recommend floating for people that have Keratin Treatments the salt and Keratin are NOT FRIENDS !
In preparation for your float we recommend that you:
Don't shave or wax 24 hours prior to your appointment.
Eat a small meal at least an hour before arriving.
Don't consume caffeine prior to floating.
Towels, robes, earplugs, hair dryers, shampoo, conditioner, soap, disposable contact cases, and contact solution are provided for you. For sanitary reasons we ask that you please bring your own brush or comb.
WHY FLOAT?
If we can remove the sensory inputs to our brains- those inputs that do all the critical things like seeing, balancing, thinking, processing etc. It allows our brains to chill for a little while which then allows the creative and more relaxed parts of our brains come out and enjoy the spotlight. By removing the constant pressure to analyze and process everything around us; the magic starts to happen and our cortisol (major chemical component of stress) levels begin to lower.
As well, by not fighting gravity our muscles, joints, and bones get a well-deserved break. With the salt water doing the work, now our brains and bodies have a lot more capacity to focus on healing and resting. Many people with chronic and acute pain feel improvements because the muscles get better blood flow and they don't have to adjust their positions to get comfortable or relax.
Researchers have found that about 30-40 minutes into your float your brain stops producing its normal Alpha and Beta waves and starts going deeper into a Theta and even Delta state (that's where the magic happens)!
Floating is highly effective on many levels, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Why it is so effective is still a topic of much research. There are several theories as to why floating is such an effective tool for such a wide variety of health and wellness benefits. While each explanation has its merit, the overwhelming conclusion is that the combination of these effects is what makes the results of floating multi-layered and profound.
History of Floating
While working at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in Bethesda, Maryland, Dr Lilly, an American neurophysiologist, and his colleague Dr Jay Shirley became interested in the origins of conscious activity within the brain. The first float tank was developed in the 1950's, and perfected by 1970's to the design similar to the modern-day float tanks.
They wanted to know if the brain needed external stimuli to keep its conscious states active or would the brain fall asleep with no inputs. So, they began devising a system that would restrict environmental stimulation as much as possible.
In Dr Lilly's first tank, the floater was suspended upright and completely submerged, with their head covered by an underwater breathing apparatus and mask. Over the years, Dr Lilly found that he could float in a more relaxing lying-down position if he used salt water (which is more buoyant). In time, he added other improvements such as, water heaters, air pumps, and water filters for re-using the Epsom salts.
How Floating Works
The float tank looks like a large, enclosed bathtub. They are designed to block out all external distractions, such as sights, sounds, tactile sensations and gravity. The tanks measure 4' by 8' by 8' high and are filled with only 10 inches of water and over 1100 pounds of Epsom salt, which creates an environment twice as buoyant as the Dead Sea, letting you float effortlessly on the surface of the water!
The salt-water solution is heated to skin temperature (93.5°F). Once you are settled it's almost impossible to tell which parts of your body are in the water and which aren't, tricking your brain into thinking that you're floating in mid-air. This will make you feel almost completely weightless, letting every single muscle in your body fully relax. The quietness and darkness (if you choose) will allow your mind to drift into a deep state of relaxation.
Without gravity to deal with and without commands needing to be sent out, activity in the logical side of the brain slows down until it synchronizes with the creative side of your brain. This will leave you in a dream-like state, similar to that experienced just before you go to sleep. In this state, the brain releases vast amounts of endorphins, a 'feel good' chemical. In this state of relaxation, which may be deep and profound, your brain will stay dreamily alert. To get technical, the brain gradually shifts from its usual alpha state to generate theta waves. This is also the state of mind that Buddhist monks try to reach through hours of meditation and years of training.
Floating will open you up to an expansion of new experiences; mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally, floating provides the ultimate sanctuary for the self. With the constant stimulation of our day to day world pressing on us, the vast nothingness of the tanks can be a very foreign experience and it may take some time to adjust to all the new sensations, or lack thereof, but we encourage all of our guests to let go of any preconceived notions and allow yourself to have whatever experience comes to you without judgement.
As you float, the goal is to allow yourself to let go of your thoughts. At first you may find that your thoughts are busy and your mind is full of chatter, which is normal. Like with meditation, it can take time to learn to quiet the mind. Some people find that focusing on their breathing can enhance relaxation and help them to settle into the experience.
Floating is effortless and does not require skill or any special technique, just a willing spirit and an open mind. The benefits of floating happen with every session and can be lasting, leaving you in a state of calm clarity for days to come; however, because of the wide range of benefits it is common for it to take more than one session before you're able to fully grasp all that floating can do for you.
