What is float therapy?

Float therapy is a completely holistic wellness tool that packs powerful benefits for body, mind, and spirit into a single treatment. But how?

Float tanks contain 10 inches of water heated to skin temperature (about 93.5 degrees) and saturated by over 1,000 pounds of medical grade Epsom Salt - creating a mini, private version of the Dead Sea. You will float completely effortlessly - even if you’ve never been able to float anywhere else!

It’s a simple practice on the surface, but an incredibly powerful, impactful one for 5 major body systems simultaneously (The nervous, cardiac, immune, endocrine, and musculoskeletal systems)

While all of our float vessels do offer the customizable options for lights and music so you can choose what’s most comfortable for you, float tanks are actually specifically constructed to create a completely sensory neutral environment. Why? When our brains are finally able to escape the constant noise and sensory overload of the modern world, they are free to enter a deep state of rest known as theta which is incredible for deep rest and recovery.

The Physical Benefits of Float Therapy

It may seem too good to be true. We get it, but we’ve also witnessed it over and over and over again - in ourselves and in our clients. Float research has shown to affect 5 major body systems simultaneously - and that doesn’t include the side effects that come with having a peaceful, clear mind. You can learn more about all the research behind floating and read the science at ClinicalFloatation.com.

The massive amount of Epsom salt and the size of the float tank are not an accident - this is not your gramma’s epsom salt bath! While all the benefits of that same salt bath are still there (like major reduction in inflammation), many more come to be when you’re floating stretched out and completely effortlessly and your body can enter a complete state of rest. During float, the entire muscle system relaxes simultaneously, allowing the joints to be at complete rest and the spine to gently decompress (yes, you can hand that inversion table right over!) This is incredible for relieving nerve issues like sciatica or tingling in the fingers or toes and pinched nerves. It’s also incredible for pain relief from any spinal issues - compression injuries, disc issues (slipped, bulging, or ruptured disc see great relief), scoliosis, and just that thrown out back.

Other physical benefits include (but aren’t limited to)

Faster recovery from athletic training or injury
Correction of magnesium deficiencies that can cause cramps, chronic fatigue, migraines, digestive issues, insomnia, and more
Pain reduction for chronic pain conditions, migraines, or injury - Arthritis, fibromyalgia, Lyme, lupus, and multiple sclerosis sufferers find great relief in the stress-less environment due to the inflammation reduction and all over release of muscle tension. Floaters report drastic decrease in their symptoms even after the first float with effects lasting hours, days, and weeks.

Reduces blood pressure + heart rate
Decreases the production of cortisol, ACTH, lactic acid and adrenaline
Increases the production of endorphins
Boosts immune function
Increases energy
Improves sleep patterns and quality + depth of sleep

The Mental Benefits of Float Therapy

Increases motivation
Reduces brain fog + promotes mental clarity and focus
Increases creativity and problem-solving abilities
Increases intuition and sense of self

Elevates mood
Improves patience, mental balance, and sense of calm
Promotes a sense of overall well-being
Reduces symptoms associated with anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress, depression, and more
Learn more about all the research behind floating and read the science at ClinicalFloatation.com.

The Clinical Benefits of Float Therapy

Reduce clinically severe levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout
Reduce symptoms associated with stress-related illness including post-traumatic stress
Depression relief
Anxiety relief

Holistic management of inflammation, muscle tension, pain and symptoms associated with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, arthritis, and lupus
Aid in recovery from addictions and eating disorders
Learn more about all the research behind floating and read the science at ClinicalFloatation.com.

The Spiritual Benefits of Float Therapy

The power of deep interoception and introspection found in the stillness of the float environment just cannot be discounted. This space that is held for you promotes deeper meditation, a stronger sense of self, and space to find the answers to your questions apart from the noise and loud, biased opinions of a constant droning in the modern day world. When we are willing to turn inward, it’s amazing what we can find that can then be examined, healed, discovered, or released.

“To a mind that is still, the whole Universe surrenders.”

Lao Tzu

First Float?

Preparing for Your First Float:

Floating is easy, but we want all of your floats to be the best they can be, so we have a few tips!

The Day of:

New clients should arrive 15-20 minutes before their appointment time. Those who arrive late will be asked to reschedule so as to preserve the quiet atmosphere of the centre during float sessions - which all start simultaneously.
Avoid shaving, tanning, waxing (or anything that would increase skin sensitivity) the day of your session. If your skin is extra sensitive, be mindful of shaving the day prior as well. Vaseline is provided to cover small cuts or grazes to keep them from stinging
Be sure you're not hungry, but don't eat a giant meal before your float. You may just hear your belly while you're floating!

What to Bring:

Clothes that are easy to change in and out of. Each pod room has a private shower so you're welcome to wash the salt off your skin and out of your hair after your session. Towels, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided.
A case for your contact lenses. You're welcome to wear them while floating, but if you do happen to get salt in your eye, contacts make them much more difficult to rinse out.
We recommend floating nude so as to decrease sensory stimulus, but you may float in a swim suit if you'd prefer
We have hair dryers, lotion, and some styling products, but you might need a comb/brush and ladies might prefer to have their make up. Whatever makes you feel "real world" ready again!

During the float…

After a quick shower, you may enter your float tank which contains 10 inches of water with 1,000 lbs. of Epsom Salt dissolved inside

You’ll always have complete control of the doors and lids on our float tanks - you’re 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 and let them rest!
Once your session has started, you will have control of the lights and the music from inside the Pod.
The first 20 (or so) minutes of your first float are very exploratory. You've just never experienced an environment like this, so expect to take a little while to settle in. Play with your body position to determine what's most comfortable for you or bounce off the walls and pretend like you’re an astronaut while you wait for your brain to catch up to the relaxation!
You are in full control of the lights inside the tank. We recommend you turn them off to allow your brain to be completely free of sensory stimulus, but the choice is 100% yours.

If you do turn the lights completely off, please don't wave your (salt water laden) hand over your face to test the darkness. You'll thank us later. In the event you do, or inadvertently touch your face, there is a spray bottle of fresh water inside the tank to rinse.

Initially, it may feel awkward - trying to decide where to put your arms (the answer is wherever is most comfortable) or trying to hold your head up, 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. Breathe, relax, and know that all of it will slowly "float" away.

After the float…

After your session, you're welcome to use our post-float prep area. We'll provide q-tips, lotion, and hair dryers. You may want to bring a comb, make up, or contact solution depending on your needs!

We encourage all floaters to use our post-float lounge. Enjoy some tea or cold water, jot a note about your session in our guest journal, make notes for yourself, or simply let your brain slowly ease out of the floating zone.
Drink lots of water!

Be mindful of how you feel hours and days after your float. Do you sleep better? Are you experiencing less pain? Do you just feel lighter and less tense?

The benefits of flotation last long after the float and, the more consistently one floats, the longer the benefits last. We hope to see you again soon!

Heads up!

Please ensure that any new hair color is set before you come to float. Our general rule of thumb is 2 weeks for red, blue, or purple coloring. If your hair is rinsing clear in the shower, you should be fine! We love your hair, but we love our Pods to be happy & clean, too!

You are actually floating in water and must shower before and after your float so your hair will get wet. Shower caps and swim caps will not keep your hair dry during your float and will also dampen your experience. We do have a hair dryer here for your use post-float if you'd like!
We provide complimentary ear plugs should you prefer to keep the water out of your ears. If you choose to float sans ear plugs (Beth does all the time!), and happen to have some left over water or salt in your ears, a few drops of 1:1 vinegar + rubbing alcohol will clear it all right up! We have q-tips here, too :-)
We do have contact solution in our prep area, but if you'd like to take your contacts out for your float, please bring your case along!