What is Float Therapy?
A float room or float tank is an enclosed pool of water and measures 8 feet in length, 8 feet in height, and is 4.75 feet wide. The water in the tank is 10 inches deep and is kept at body temperature. The most important element of the tank is the addition of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) that is dissolved in the tank: approximately 900 pounds of Epsom salt to 180 gallons of water or 1,300 pounds of Epsom salt to 270 gallons of water. This is what creates the weightless "float". As opposed to a swimming pool where there is a sense of weightlessness, gravity in a floatation tank is completely nullified by the buoyancy caused by the dissolved Epsom salt. Unique to the enclosed float room and float tanks is the sensory deprivation they provide. This restricted stimulation has been proven to change the way the brain works, showing an increase in theta waves in the brain-the waves that are activated by meditation and active during REM sleep.
Benefits of Floating
Floatation therapy is often thought of as a stress-relieving solution for athletes, students, and creative individuals, but there are really no limits as to who can benefit from it. Business people are finding floatation therapy to be increasingly beneficial in the corporate environment, as it enhances productivity in a safe, healthy manner. There are dozens of reasons why companies have started encouraging their employees to float on a regular basis, and here are a few of the top ones. Floating is part therapy, part meditation, part transcendence, and all relaxation. Classically known as "sensory deprivation", floatation therapy is suitable for professionals, athletes, meditators and everyone in between, including children and the elderly. It has a myriad of documented benefits, including:
- Improved health and well-being
- Deepened meditation
- Heightened self-awareness
- Relief of physical pain
- Relief of mental stress & anxiety
- Improved sleep
- Improved immune system
- Greater athletic performance
- Faster healing process
- Hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis
- Recovery from addictions
- Increased creativity
- Enhanced problem-solving capacity
On a physiological level, floatation therapy has been known to:
- Produce endorphins, the brain's "happy chemical"
- Induce theta brainwave states
- Trigger vasodilation, associated with a number of health benefits
- Reduce levels of corticosteroids, the stress hormones
- Increase levels of magnesium, one of the most critical minerals required for electrical stability of every cell in the human body
- Decrease the production of cortisol, ACTH, lactic acid, and adrenaline
- Improve circulation and oxygenation of the cells
...to name a few...
The Science of Floating
The body of scientific evidence supporting the health and wellness benefits of floatation therapy is growing all the time. One leading study by Karlsbad University found that: "Floating was perceived as pleasant. An altered state of consciousness was induced, varying from a milder state including profound relaxation and altered time perception, to more powerful with perceptual changes and profound sensations such as out-of-body experiences and perinatal experiences". Neuropsychologists have found floatation effective for treatment of anxiety disorders, while clinical psychologists have found the "effects of floating to enhance creativity, physical performance, stress management, psycho and physiological effects, relief from chronic pain- fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.".
Testimonials
"I have floated a handful of times at Transcend and can't say enough about the overall experience! I initially was interested in floating to reduce stress, but it has also reduced my lower back pain from sitting at a desk for 8+ hours a day. Furthermore, I've recently started the transition to all organic skin/hair products so it is an added perk that the products provided for customer use are all natural. I plan to continue floating as part of my self-care routine!"
-Jenny M. 3/7/18
"This is the greatest thing you'll ever experience if you allow yourself the opportunity."
-Joel M. 3/7/19
"I went for my first float after a massage this afternoon...what an amazing experience!!! So relaxing...I thought I'd be afraid to turn the lights off...but I actually preferred to float in the dark! The staff was so informative and sweet!!! Great place!! I will be back!!"
-Amy S. 2/21/18
"This is the best thing I've ever done for my physical, mental, and emotional well being. I feel like I just woke up from the deepest sleep of my life. Rejuvenated, relaxed, tranquil are just a few words to describe the entire experience. This will now be a regular addition to my wellness routine!!"
-Cassie V. 2/10/18
"Very relaxing experience, and the staff members were very professional. If you're looking for a relaxing experience to help yourself feel better and clear your mind I would highly recommend you try the float tank!"
-Josh K. 12/16/17