What is Floatation 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."
Commonly Asked Questions
How do I prepare for my float?
Please arrive five minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Upon arrival, staff will instruct you on the logistics of floating and the process for the appointment. Avoid shaving or waxing 24 hours in advance. Although ear plugs are not mandatory for floating, they are provided. We recommend eating a light meal before your appointment to avoid your stomach growling during your float- this is loud under water!
Do I need to bring anything with me?
This is up to you. You will be allotted an additional 15 minutes in the float suite following your float session to shower and get ready as needed. You will be provided towels, a washcloth, and a robe to wear during this time. A shower is located within the float suite and is fully equipped with shower essentials including organic shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. For those needing additional time to get ready, a bathroom is located directly across the hallway from the float suite. The bathroom has a blow dryer, straightener, curling iron, cotton swabs, lotions, etc. Please bring a hair brush if you are wanting to brush your hair, as you will shower after floating.
What do I wear while floating?
You can either float naked or in a swimsuit. You'll be given total privacy during your float, so whatever you're comfortable with!
How deep is the tank?
Only about a foot deep!
I cannot swim, will I float?
No problem! The float tank is similar to the Dead Sea, so full of salt that you will float effortlessly.
Is the water cold?
The water is kept at skin temperature so is comfortable to enter. After 10-15 minutes, you probably won't even notice the water!
What if I'm claustrophobic?
The room was designed specifically for you in mind. You will enter the tank by stepping into it, similarly to stepping into a bathtub. The ceiling of the float tank is 7 feet tall to alleviate the feeling of being enclosed or trapped.
Are there lights in the tank?
Yes. There is underwater LED lighting and a starlight ceiling. Both of which can be controlled by the user.
How is the tank cleaned?
The filtration and sanitization systems are designed to turn the water over at least five times between floats. The tank complies with local regulatory requirements and utilizes UV sanitation and particulate filtration.
What if I fall asleep during my float?
No problem! This is common as it is such a relaxing experience. The amount of salt in the tank will ensure you float throughout the duration of your nap.
Are there limitations on who can float?
You cannot float if you have open wounds, a communicable disease, incontinence, or are prone to seizures. Floating can provide great benefit to those who are pregnant, however; we advise you consult with your doctor prior to scheduling an appointment.
Can two people float together?
The tank is designed for single floats. Having more than one person in the tank takes away from the sensory deprivation experience. We do have two tanks, though! So you can come with a friend.
Can I float during menstruation?
Yes, as long as you use a tampon or cup, similarly to what you'd use to swim in a pool.
Is the tank handicap accessible?
Our float tank is ADA compliant and includes grab bars at the entrance of the tank. If you are in a wheelchair, entrance to the tank is largely dependent upon your upper body strength. You may bring an assistant to help you access the tank, however we recommend they wait in the lobby during your float.
Will the Epsom salt hurt my hair?
Your hair will get wet, but Epsom Salt is not harsh on it. You're welcome to wear a swim cap during your float in attempt to keep it dry. If you dye your hair, we kindly ask you wait 10 days following treatment to float. If you have red dye in your hair, we ask 30 days following treatment as we've found dye can continue to leave hair and damage the tank. If you have a keratin treatment on your hair, you may want to wear a tight fitting swim cap to protect it from the water as it is typically recommended to avoid salt water following smoothing treatment.
What is the minimum age for floating?
Guests must be 18 or older to use the floatation tank without the consent of an adult. Transcend allows individuals as young as age 8 to float. Those ages 8-12 must have a parent in the float suite with them during their session. Those ages 13-15 must have a parent present at the clinic throughout the duration of the child's float, and those 16 and older can present on their own to float, given a parent-signed waiver is on file.
I have an open wound. Should I float?
There is a lot of salt in the water causing large wounds to sting, so we do not recommend floating with large open wounds. Smaller scratches can simply be covered with vaseline before entering the water.