Float Therapy - From Anxious to Relaxed

To wrap-up 2018 with something different, my husband and I experienced our first float therapy sessions on New Year’s Eve. OK … it wasn’t exactly his idea.  It was more of a surprise for him, I’ll admit. But, we both went into the floatation experience with open minds.

The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea. 

As a true believer that salt water cures anything, and in Blue Mind principles, I was intrigued by the idea of floating in a zero-gravity environment in ultra-salty buoyant water.  The sensory deprivation aspects left me a little worried, but I was curious. Supposed benefits include relaxation, reduction or elimination of pain, stimulation of creativity and improved sleep.  

According to Wikipedia: An isolation tank, usually called a sensory deprivation tank (also known as float tank, flotation tank, or sensory attenuation tank) is a lightless, soundproof tank filled with salt water at skin temperature, in which individuals float. They were first used in 1954 to test the effects of sensory deprivation. Flotation tanks are widely advertised as a form of alternative medicine but beneficial health effects are unproven.

1000 pounds of salt in 180 gallons of water = 30% salt solution

Our visit to True REST Float Spa began with a short video demonstrating the “pods” and letting us know what to expect.  The video answered all of our questions and helped us feel more comfortable with what we were getting into. We were offered spa sandals and asked if we wanted music to play during the experience. Then, we were each shown to a private room for our individual pod experiences.  This isn’t like a couples massage. It’s an individual experience. The private room included a fully-stocked shower, changing area, and the “pod”. The pod is like a large clamshell. The lid opens up, there is light and music inside and a spray bottle of fresh water if you need to rinse off your face or hands.

Following the directions, we showered, put in earplugs and climbed into the pod.  You can wear whatever you want or nothing at all. The room is private, so no one will ever know.  I chose to close the lid of the pod, to keep the water temperature as warm as possible. I left the light on since I was a little nervous, and had relaxing spa-like music playing the entire hour.  Next time, I’ll try just having the music play for the first and last five minutes of the session, to experience more of the sensory deprivation aspects.

There were several moments during the hour when I felt bored and wanted to get out of the pod.  Fortunately, the video introduction warned that this feeling is entirely normal, and to try your best to wait it out.  I waited it out and was glad I did. My body felt completely supported and warm. While I don’t think I ever fell asleep, when the water started to bubble gently to let me know my hour was up, I was startled back into reality.  

After leaving the pod, I showered, shampooed and got dressed.  Now that the floor of my private room was wet, I understood the offer of the spa sandals at arrival.  Take the time to rinse off your face before showering, and wash your hair really well to get all of the salt off.  There is 1,000 pounds of Epsom Salt in the pod, after all. It’s probably better to dress in old, loose-fitting clothes for your visit.

The experience ended with an oxygen bar.  This was just as powerful as the float therapy, and the eucalyptus-infused option helped clear my sinuses and head. What a perfect ending for our first float experience!

Feeling Amazing

Immediately after the float and oxygen, we both felt relaxed, energized and happy.  We had the kind of energy that has you dancing and singing in the car on your drive home.  Sleep came easily that night, and the effects lasted for several days.

According to clinical neuropsychologist Justin Feinstein, PhD, in a Health.com article, referring to floating as a form of sensory deprivation is actually a misnomer. “What we’re finding in our research is that floating is a form of sensory enhancement,” he says, because it allows you to tune into your own body—especially your heartbeat and your breathing. It becomes an ideal environment for mindful meditation,” Feinstein points out. “For anyone who may have trouble focusing on their breath outside of the tank, floating makes it lot easier to enter into a meditative state.”  This makes complete sense, given my experience.

I definitely see the benefits of regular float therapy and will make this a part of my regular wellness routines!  Try it yourself and let me know what you think.

Jennifer Turnage is an entrepreneur and business advisor living on the water in the beautiful community of Wilmington, North Carolina.  As the Cofounder and CEO of myBeeHyve, she combines her experience from multiple tech company exits with her mission of empowering individuals to achieve financial independence through entrepreneurship. Connect with her on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter to connect on our journeys.