Some people have heard of floating, many have not. Here are a few questions and answers for first time floaters to get you ready for your journey on creating a healthier, happier you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during my float?
When in your private float room, you will:
- Shower before stepping into the tank using only shampoo and body wash (no conditioner as it will leave an oily film on the water)
- Insert earplugs, and use the provided petroleum jelly on any scratches or cuts and step into the pod.
- Be careful not to get the salt water in your eyes; it will sting because of the high epsom content. If you should accidentally get the salt water in your eyes, we provide a spray bottle of clean water to flush your eyes.
- Close the lid, turn off the light, and float away! Music will play the first few minutes of your float and then fade in at the last few minutes of your float indicating your time is almost up.
- Step out of the pod, shower, and enjoy the rest of your day and revel in your post float glow!
Do I need to bring anything for my float session?
Nope. Just your beautiful self! We provide the towels, earplugs, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and hygiene products for your float. We also provide a room for you post-float that has a blow dryer, hair care products and toiletries. If your hair is long, you may want to bring a comb.
Is the water clean?
Our water is very clean! We comply with stringent health and safety regulations.
The water is far cleaner than the water in a swimming pool or hot tub because the high concentration of salt creates a sterile environment in which microorganisms cannot survive. The high saline content of the floatation environment, plus our 24/7-filtration system with UV and Ozone, ensure that nothing harmful can survive within the tank.
The water in the tank is automatically filtered between each customer and during the night when we are closed.
The water is fully filtered at least six times between each float, passing through a 10-micron filter and H2O2. We also require all customers to shower before and after each float session.
The water is far cleaner than the water in a swimming pool or hot tub because the high concentration of salt creates a sterile environment in which microorganisms cannot survive. The high saline content of the floatation environment, plus our 24/7-filtration system with UV and Ozone, ensure that nothing harmful can survive within the tank.
The water in the tank is automatically filtered between each customer and during the night when we are closed.
The water is fully filtered at least six times between each float, passing through a 10-micron filter and H2O2. We also require all customers to shower before and after each float session.
Will my Skin Wrinkle?
No. The water in the tank contains high Epsom salt levels--800-1,200 pounds!-- and it doesn’t rob your skin of salt, rather, it leaves your skin soft and silky.
Do I need to prepare in any way?
No. Floating is easy peasy! The only precautions we advise are:
Also, do not consume caffeine for several hours before your float, it can make your system too jittery. Eating a light meal about an hour to 90 minutes ahead of time stops your stomach from sounding like an angry monster while you float.
- That you not shave at all on the day of your float session
- That you have not freshly dyed your hair
- That you have not recently had a tattoo
- That you not have any open cuts or wounds.
- For women, if you are menstruating, use the same protocol you would for a swimming pool.
Also, do not consume caffeine for several hours before your float, it can make your system too jittery. Eating a light meal about an hour to 90 minutes ahead of time stops your stomach from sounding like an angry monster while you float.
What if I'm claustrophobic?
Being in a float tank is more like floating in outer space than being shut in a box. People with claustrophobia typically report no problems with floating. You are always in control of your environment; you can leave the tank open or get out at anytime.
What effects does floating in a floatation tank have on the mind?
During a float, you produce slower brain-waves patterns, known as theta waves, which are normally only experienced during a deep meditation or just before falling asleep. This is usually accompanied by vivid imagery, very clear, creative thoughts, sudden insights and inspirations or feelings of profound peace and joy. Because of these effects, floating is often used effectively in the treatment of depression and addictions.
Is floating successful for everyone?
Floating, as with other treatments or therapies, may not suit everybody. It requires willingness on your part to let go and see what happens, and you may need to float a few times before you are able to relax completely, both physically and mentally.
We suggest floating at least three times to really get the feel for whether it's right for you. Depending on your own journey through life, a float might provide 90 minutes of total physical relaxation, or a profound healing experience that is emotionally and spiritually transforming. Floating can be a wonderful aid to open doors into your inner world, gradually allowing access to those deeper levels at which real changes take place.
We suggest floating at least three times to really get the feel for whether it's right for you. Depending on your own journey through life, a float might provide 90 minutes of total physical relaxation, or a profound healing experience that is emotionally and spiritually transforming. Floating can be a wonderful aid to open doors into your inner world, gradually allowing access to those deeper levels at which real changes take place.
Am I locked in?
Never. You will have complete control over your environment for the length of your session. You can choose to keep the door open or shut, lights on or off; you are in charge. The door simply pushes open. Also, a light switch is located inside the float pod if you prefer the environment to be lighted.
Is it private?
Yes. You will have your own private room that you can lock, so there’s no need to wear a swimsuit during your float.
Will I get bored or frightened?
Anyone who floats regularly will tell you how blissfully comfortable and deeply relaxed they feel while floating. This is as close as you are ever likely to be to the experience of zero gravity, and there is no feeling of being confined in a tight space.
A few tips to fight being bored or frightened are:
This is really your time to daydream and let your mind aimlessly wander. We recommend that you float at least three times in order to fully appreciate the experience.
A few tips to fight being bored or frightened are:
- Breathe and try to clear your mind of unwanted thoughts.
- Fight the urge to get out early if you find yourself bored. Often, we are programmed to think that if we are not busy "doing" something then we need to start "getting busy".
- Indulge yourself in this alone time; these times of quiet and peace can be few and far between.
This is really your time to daydream and let your mind aimlessly wander. We recommend that you float at least three times in order to fully appreciate the experience.
I'm pregnant, can I still float?
Yes! Many pregnant women get more relief from the float tank than anyone else. With back pain and becoming uncomfortable in your body as baby grows, floating is a great relief from the pull of gravity. As with any new therapy, please consult your doctor beforehand.
Is floating just a fad?
No. Floatation therapy is based on a scientific approach to deep relaxation called Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique or R.E.S.T. for short (LINK). The idea was developed in 1954 at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in Washington. Floating in a floatation tank triggers a deep relaxation response, much deeper than normal sleep. It enables us to drift into the elusive Theta state, which is hard to achieve.
Who shouldn't float?
Those who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol or epileptics whose epilepsy is not under medical control and those who cannot enter/exit the float tank unassisted. We are not doctors, so as always, before starting any new treatments, please consult your doctor.