Float Therapy, Float Tank, Sensory Deprivation Tank

We get it this might be your first float so your just not sure and we totally get it this is common for most people! But please relax as we will explain the basics of how it works, but remember to go in with minimal expectations.

How long are your sessions?

Our sessions are typically 60-minutes long, you will also have 5-10 minutes before and after your float to shower and get dressed.

We can usually accommodate longer float sessions -- just ask!

We also recommend that you carve out time post-float for reflection and continued relaxation. Coming out of a sensory deprivation tank float session, you might feel euphoric or even a little disoriented; you’ve just had a solid hour of time to yourself, so jumping right back into daily life might be slightly jarring.

What do I wear?

Most people float in their birthday suits! You can choose to wear a bathing suit if you’re more comfortable in that. 

Is it sanitary?

Yes! While each client is showering and changing, our high-powered magnetic drive filtration pump filters and cleans the entire float pod and filters the water four times. Rooms are also treated with UV light between sessions, so each guest can step into our float rooms assured that they’re sterile and clean. We also add chemicals daily and steam clean our float room on a daily basis. Plus, concentrated salt is naturally anti-microbial.

I can’t swim -- will I drown?

No; the 900 pounds of Epsom salt makes the water so buoyant that you stay afloat.

Why is magnesium so important?

Most Americans are grossly deficient in magnesium -- a vital mineral. Floating is a great way to absorb magnesium from the Epsom salts, which relieves pain and muscle aches, decreases restlessness and promotes calm, increases energy, helps you fall asleep, is good for your heart, is beneficial to skin, helps with bone density & more.  

Should I eat beforehand?

Some people like to have a light meal or snack before they float -- nothing heavy. You don’t want your digestive system on overdrive during the float.

How often do you recommend floating?

Some avid floaters can’t get by without floating daily. Others prefer to float weekly. We recommend floating at least twice weekly -- that’s our happy place! The benefits of float therapy are cumulative and seen when you float on a frequent basis.

For first-timers: Since it’s such a new and different experience, your first float may not be the best determination of whether or not float therapy is for you. We recommend floating at least three times (that’s how long they say it takes to get hooked!) in the beginning.

What are some studies that prove floating is effective?

Floating has grown in popularity over the past several years, and a group of scientists are currently invested in research on the effects of float therapy on different types of distress, including PTSD. One of those researchers is Dr. Justin Feinstein, who believes so strongly in the potential of float therapy that he built his career and lab around trying to prove that.

Research from Feinstein’s lab shows that “meditating activates parts of the brain associated with attention and decreases activation in the amygdala, the part of the brain that kicks off the fight-or-flight response to a real or perceived threat.” Feinstein himself believes that floating could be a “shortcut” to reach that meditative state and realize the benefits of being in that state. And, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) agrees that research supports meditation for lowering blood pressure, easing symptoms of anxiety and depression and more, and the agency funds research on the topic. (Source: TIME Magazine)

Here are a few other studies and takeaways:

1. “Significant beneficial effects [from float therapy] were also found for sleep difficulties, difficulties in emotional regulation, and depression.” (Source: Promising effects of treatment with flotation-REST (restricted environmental stimulation technique) as an intervention for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): a randomized controlled pilot trial.)
2. “Stress, depression, anxiety, and worst pain were significantly decreased, whereas optimism and sleep quality significantly increased for the flotation-REST group. There was also a significant correlation between mindfulness in daily life and degree of altered states of consciousness during the relaxation in the flotation tank.” (Source: Beneficial effects of treatment with sensory isolation in flotation-tank as a preventive health-care intervention – a randomized controlled pilot trial)

How big are your float rooms?

Our float pools are approximately 8’x5’ and realize the benefits of chromotherapy (color therapy).  The float pod is enclosed in a 10’x10’ private room with everything you need for a comfortable float experience.

Can children use the float tanks?

Our child psychiatrist believes that sensory reduction offered in the float pool can greatly benefit many kids growing up in our sensory-overloaded world today.  The constant input of sensory stimuli can worsen conditions like ADHD, anxiety, autism and sensory processing issues.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the float room.  Pediatric float lengths can be variable and benefits can likely be seen with even a few minutes.  

We recommend children work their way up to 30 minutes or more. The LED ceiling light can be kept on, soft music or guided meditation can help children remain engaged, yet relaxed, and the lid to the float pod can remain open if needed. Goggles can be used to prevent salty eyes.  No swimming experience is needed! Feel free to consult with our child psychiatrist for specific questions and protocols for this age group.

Can I float if I recently dyed my hair?

We’d advise waiting until the dye has had time to set in fully. If it hasn’t, there’s a chance the float water could bleach it. If it doesn’t come off when you towel-dry your hair, you should be okay to float.

What if I’m claustrophobic?

Individuals with even extreme claustrophobia have reported to have no issues with floating since many say it feels like floating in a vast space versus being enclosed in a small one. At any time you’re uncomfortable, you can choose to end your session. You’re always in complete control of your float experience.

Do I need to remove my contacts beforehand?

We recommend removing contact lenses for your float since the salt in the water can irritate and dry them.

Who benefits from floating?

Nearly everyone! Specifically:

• Those who work high-stress jobs or are going through stressful times
• Those with high blood pressure
• Pregnant women (you’re weightless in the tank, read more below!)
• Individuals with anxiety
• Those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Those with joint, bone, spine, muscle pain
• Those with fibromyalgia
• Those with sleep troubles or insomnia
• Athletes for improved recovery time and visualization techniques

It’s also highly effective for those wanting to improve visualization techniques (think of it as a mental rehearsal to achieve goals and desires), as well as those seeking deeper meditative states.

I’m pregnant - can I float?

Float therapy is a great way for pregnant women in their second and third trimesters (after medical clearance from their physicians) to relax and alleviate the strains and pains put on their bodies while growing life -- in fact, there may be no better people to experience immediate relief from floating than pregnant women!

The near-zero gravity experience takes pressure off of your back, legs and joints, and the magnesium in the Epsom salts helps with inflammation, promotes better sleep and reduces stress.

Plus, it’s recommended that women who are pregnant and breastfeeding have 20% more magnesium per day than the average person. Floating is a great way for the skin to efficiently absorb this vital mineral.

Anecdotally, many pregnant women experience what’s called a bonding “mirror effect” when floating: the experience of the mother floating in a sensory-reduced environment mimics the experience her baby has in her womb. Some soon-to-be moms also report feeling their baby move more during a float, perhaps because they aren’t expending as much physical or mental energy on other senses during the float.

Pregnant women should consult with their physicians before floating.

Are there restrictions on those who can float?

Floating is not recommended for epileptics whose epilepsy is not under medical control, for anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs, for those with infectious diseases or open skin wounds, or those with difficulties with bladder and/or bowel control (incontinence).

Can I float if I’m menstruating?

Yes, please follow the same protocol as if you were swimming.

Do I need to bring anything?

We provide towels, earplugs, shampoo, body wash, conditioner (for post-float only) and a private shower area in our float room.  After your float, you can freshen up in the room and is equipped with hair dryers, straighteners, and some basic toiletries. You may wish to bring a brush or comb, a contact lens holder and any other desired personal items.

Can Two people Float in the same pod? 

Yes Absolutely we call this a couples float! and consider it sharing this sensational restorative float with a close friend or family member for a unique experience you both will never forget.

Our float pods are extra wide leaving plenty of room for two with guided meditation and gentle music for an enhanced experience. 

Plus, the shared benefits are amazing:

DE-STRESS

Floating together allows you to relax and shrug the day off while building a closer bond. Use the time to reconnect spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Take the time to relax together and see how rejuvenated you feel.

BOND

The power of a shared experience create a great connection. You’ll both build memories together that you can share and reflect on. Plus, you can find confidence when your partner is by your side, further reducing anxiety.

MEDITATE

Floating brings your consciousness to a new level. After floating for a while, your brain starts to produce theta waves which normally occur right before sleeping or waking. Without external distractions, you and your partner can think more freely, have creative breakthroughs or discover new solutions.

  Hopefully this has helped answer any questions you might have and remember floating, as with other things, doesn’t suit everybody. It needs willingness on your part to let go and see what happens, and you may need to float a few times before you are able to relax completely, both physically and mentally. Depending on your own journey through life, a float might provide an hour of total physical relaxation – or a profound healing experience, emotionally and spiritually transforming. Floating can be a wonderful aid to opening doors into your inner world, gradually allowing access to those deeper levels at which real changes take place.