Floating is a practice where you enter into a tank (also called an isolation tank or sensory deprivation tank) which is a well-engineered enclosed tub filled with 10” of water that has 800 lbs. of dissolved Epsom salts in it. The individual lies down in the water and floats effortlessly in the nude. The water is heated to the same temperature as the surface of your skin so that when the water settles and you remain relaxed and still, you do not really feel the water anymore. The tank is light-proof and sound-proof and has a neutral smell.
All forces of gravity on the musculoskeletal system and nervous system are eliminated from the extreme positive buoyancy; so imagine a space where you don’t feel anything, nor do you see or hear anything. The tank’s extremely unique environment is designed to allow for a minimal amount of sensory input to enter into your nervous system. This environment then has a plethora of benefits and applications for health, personal development, spirituality, and well-being.
Benefits for the Body
• Relaxation Response
• Heightened senses
• Pain Management
• Increased immune function
• Enhanced healing/rejuvenation/recovery
• Musculoskeletal Awareness
• Magnesium Absorption
• Anti-gravity Benefits
• Increased Stress Resistance
Benefits for the Mind
• Meditation
• Chronic Stressor Relief
• Deautomatization
• Behaviour Modification
• Brain Synchronization
• Introspection
• Visualization
• Super-Learning
• Pyschoneuroimmunology (PNI)
• Endorphins
• Sensitivity Buffering
• Poor sleep/insomnia
My personal experience was that once you get used to being in the tank, release all the fear and holding patterns in your body (the areas that are habitually tight) you begin to get deeply relaxed and meditative. Definitely came out feeling refreshed and invigorated. In the last half hour of the float I felt like I wanted to do hours of yoga; in the last 15 minutes I felt like going to a 10 day silent retreat. They do say that you shouldn’t have caffeine before your float and that you won’t want it afterwards. It’s true! Afterwards you just crave to do good stuff for your body. How does that work???
The Float House offers an introductory 3 Float package for $135.00
Sherry MacLeod