About Floating

What's Floating?

Floatation therapy was created by Neurophysicist Dr. John C. Lilly over 60 years ago whilst doing research on brain waves and altered states of consciousness. The therapy involves lying in specifically designed floatation tank that is filled with 1000 litres of water warmed to your skin temperature at depth of 25 centimeters. Dissolved in the water is 600 kgs of pharmaceutical-grade Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate). This extremely dense solution, like the Dead Sea, enables people of all body types to float effortlessly and escape the pull of gravity.

The float tank or ‘float pod’ is designed to also eliminate all outside distractions such as sight, sound, tactile sensations, and of course, due to the extreme buoyancy of the water - gravity, so you feel like your floating in space losing track of where your body ends and the water begins. Once you are settled in the pod, it is virtually impossible to distinguish between parts of the body that are in contact with the water, and those that aren’t, in effect “tricking” the brain into believing that you are floating freely in mid-air.

The reduced stimulation encountered in the float pod refocuses the individual’s attention to internal stimuli. At first this includes the novel sensations of floating effortlessly in darkness and quiet but slowly both mind and body are lead towards a deep state of relaxation. This relaxation is augmented by the full body absorption of magnesium from the water that elicits the release of muscle tension. As physical sensations become less noticeable, mental activity can come to the fore. Eventually even the parade of thoughts subsides and the mind enters a meditative state.

Floatation therapy has been academically studied in the USA and in Sweden with published results showing reduction of both pain and stress. At the moment there have been 80+ studies done on the benefits of floating. It is recommended to float three to five times to initially understand the process of floatation and begin to reap its long-term advantages. The benefits are cumulative, which explains why floatation devotees incorporate this therapy into their everyday lives.

Why Float?

Floating is renowned worldwide as having numerous health and well being benefits. Backed by over 80+ medical studies done on these benefits, floating has been shown to offer relief for a wide range of ailments and conditions on top of being a incredibly unique and relaxing experience for both mind and body, one that cannot be experienced anywhere else on Earth.

Pain Management

The unique environment provided by floatation therapy removes the force generated by gravity thus relieving various areas of the body of pressure and stress. Research shows that tank use has been linked to relief of arthritis, back pain, neck pain, tendinitis, bursitis, inflammation, blood pressure and fibromyalgia symptoms.

Healing

Floating increases circulation throughout the whole body as well as the distribution of oxygen and nutrients. Enhanced muscle relaxation and an overall reduction in physical stress are also achieved through floatation. Visual acuity, perception and other senses have notable increases after floating as well as a boost in immune function.

Brain State

Floating is an amazing tool to achieve mental stillness, a state frequently sought through meditation. The practice often leaves people feeling very relaxed and rejuvenated. Your brain will cycle between Alpha and Theta brainwave patterns during a float session, very hard to achieve without the float tank.

Cortisol

Due to our high functioning sympathetic nervous systems (SNS), our bodies produce a significant amount of cortisol, the primary precursor to stress production in our brains. Having the SNS suppressed by the environment provided by our float pods allows for unprecedented stress relief and relaxation like you have never experienced before.

Dopamine & Endorphins

Due to the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system through floatation therapy, the body is flooded with endorphins and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are responsible for pain relief, mood enhancement and a decrease in anxiety response. Perfect for stress management, depression and anxiety.

Magnesium

The high concentration of epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) in the water leads to an abundance of this mineral being absorbed through our skin. Magnesium can regulate blood pressure, assist in detox and assist in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. It also serves as a powerful recovery tool for athletes with muscle soreness or sport injuries.

New to Floating?

The best thing you can do for yourself if floating interests you even slightly is to just try it. We are open 6 days a week and you will learn quickly that we love what we do and we live to introduce folks to floating. Floating is a safe, clean and welcoming environment for which you are always in total control over and with the elimination of external input – you will soon discover the true meaning of complete relaxation and stress relief. The best mindset to come in with when you first try floatation therapy is to have no expectations. Do your best to open your mind, let go and enjoy this well deserved time to reflect, recover and reinvigorate your mind and body. To truly experience the cumulative benefits of floating, we recommend booking 3 sessions initially, spaced out over a short period of time, to fully understand and reap floating’s long-term health and well-being advantages. Questions about Floating? Don’t worry, we get loads of them. Here are a few folks ask the most.

Is there anything I should do to prepare?

Don't drink coffee for at least 4 hours beforehand (it can make your system jittery). Also, don't shave or wax since the salt water can irritate your skin. Eating a light meal about an hour to 90 minutes ahead of time stops your stomach from growling while you float. Other than that, there's no specific preparation needed.

Do I need to bring anything?

If you have longer hair, you may want to bring a comb. Also, something to put your contact lenses into while you're in the pod. Other than that, we provide everything you need (towels, earplugs, body wash/shampoo, hair dryers...)

What if I'm claustrophobic?

Being in the pods is more like floating in outer space than being shut in a box. You're always in control of your environment, and even people with extreme claustrophobia have reported having no problems with their time in the pod. You can even choose to float with the door open if it makes you more comfortable.

Can more than one person float in a tank at a time?

Only one person per tank. We do however have four pod rooms, so up to four people can come float simultaneously in our wellness centres.

Do you have your own private room?

Yes, you have your own private pod room equipped with your own personal shower, which you’ll use before and after your float. For this reason, most people do not wear a swimming costume as this presses against the body and takes away from the experience.

Will my skin wrinkle like it does in the bathtub?

No. The epsom salt in the water is a natural skin emollient. Your skin will feel silky smooth.

Can I float if I'm pregnant?

Absolutely, pregnant women love floating! There is even a special position you can float in that relieves all of the weight of the baby off of the mother's body. If you are in your third trimester, or have any concerns, please consult with your physician before coming in.

Can I drown if I fall asleep in there?

No. Some people fall asleep, but the water is so buoyant that you stay afloat. The worst that can happen is getting woken up by a bit of salt water in your eyes.

Do I have to stay in the whole time?

You can get out anytime. That said, the 60-minutes usually goes by way faster than you'd expect, most people are report being quite surprised when their time is up.

How do you clean the Pods?

Floating is extremely sanitary. With the combination of our filtration system, which runs at minimum three complete filtration cycle’s after every float session and with the natural bacterial killing qualities of salt, the water inside the tank is cleaner than tap water. We also use UV light and non-toxic disinfectants in all the pods.

Is this new-age mumbo jumbo?

Floating has been around for over 60 years and has hundreds of published research to back it up. No mumbo or jumbo here.