What is Flotation Therapy?
Float therapy is a health treatment with proven physical and mental effects. Also known as Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (boy, that is a long name), this treatment takes place in a sensory-input-control environment to imitate a zero gravity experience. In a room the same temperature as your body, you lay in an Epsom salt bath that makes your body feel as if it is floating on air.
You will not know where your body ends and the surroundings begin.
Some claim that the floating transports them to a profound relaxation, which can promote better sleep, improve physical recovery and decreased stress hormones.
While some facilities have “pods”, I experienced the non-restrictive private room for my soak. Each room is a private suite with a shower and the ability to adjust the lighting and music to your personal preferences. Although I am not claustrophobic, the idea of floating in a pod (which some are light and sound proof) is not my idea of fun.
The floats utilize medical grade Epsom salt, which your body absorbs the Magnesium and Sulfate through your skin as you relax. The Magnesium plays an active role in regulating body activity, reducing inflammation, relaxing muscles and preventing artery hardening. Meanwhile, the Sulfate improves the absorption of nutrients while flushing out toxins and easing migraines.
Not only does the soak have health benefits, but it can enhance your beauty regimen. It is great for your hands and nails, while also making your skin silky smooth. When you step out of the baths after an hour, you can see some of your dead skin peeling off the heel of your foot.
Before You Float
Do not shave or wax. Tiny cuts on your skin can sting once you are in the water. Have no fear, to prevent any discomfort, some places offer petroleum jelly for you to rub over any cuts.
Eat a small meal 2 hours before your float.
Opt out of contacts. If you wear contacts, consider wearing your glasses that day. Since you are floating in a salt bath, the water will burn your eyes and harm your contacts.
No caffeine. Skip your morning brew to help you relax.
Take a potty break before entering. The last thing you want to do while you are relaxing, and most likely drifting into sleep, is squirming with a restless bladder.
What to Expect
As a first timer, you will typically be given a tour of the spa or facilities. We were shown how to work the music and lights from within the tub.
Once you are inside the suite:
Take a quick shower in the private suite.
Put in the provided earplugs.
Adjust the lights and music once you are ready.
Step into the float pool.
Lay back and relax to feel the tension, stress and weight melt away as you float.
Afterwards, shower and get dressed. Then, meet up with your partner and enjoy a cup of tea. You both will be basking in the glow of a post-soak.
Overall Consensus
A few minutes into my session, I started question if I was doing it right. Showered: check. Floating in the bath: Check. Ear plugs in: Check. I followed their instructions to the tee. But what am I supposed to do for the next 60 minutes?
I started to focus on my breathing and could feel all of my tension melting away—primarily from my shoulders. It truly feels as though you are suspended in the air. Before I knew it, I was drifting into a sleep until the water started to seep into my earplugs and tickled me awake. However, I was able to get back into a peaceful sleep.
At the end of my hour, a bright light turned on to signify my time was up. If the light does not wake you, the water jets turn on and causes the water to move, so you will wake when you bump into a wall.
After the float, your body feels so refreshed and calm. The best way I can describe the feeling is you just woke up from the best night’s sleep ever.
