Q&A

IS THERE SCIENCE TO BACK UP FLOAT THERAPY?

Floating has been around for over 60 years.  There is a substantial amount of published research to back it up along with continued research at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research here in the U.S. and studies being done abroad.

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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FLOATING?

Float therapy has a wide array of both physical and mental benefits. Some of the most significant are noticeable relaxation, relief from pain/inflammation and improved sleep as a result of the previous two.

Additional physical benefits include: Deep relaxation and theta wave production, increased blood circulation, improved muscle recovery, reduction in chronic pain, increased immune function.

Additional mental benefits include: Stress reduction, increased creativity, increased sensory acuity/reaction time, improved sleep schedule maintenance, feelings of euphoria.  Some find the deep meditative state very spiritual as well.  

 

DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING?

We provide towels, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and ear-plugs.  If you have long hair, you may want to bring a hair tie or if you use a special brush/comb.  You may want to bring a case for your contact lenses to go into while you’re in the tank.

The room is fully private, and you go into the tanks nude, you are also welcome to bring a bathing suit if you are more comfortable with that.

 

DO I HAVE TO FLOAT NUDE?

Most people do not wear bathing suits when floating, and this is what we recommend as well. Anything you wear while floating will become heavy with the Epsom salt and may be distracting during your float.

 

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

 We recommend that you do not drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages for several hours beforehand.  Also, don’t shave or wax since the salt water may irritate sensitive skin with razor burn. Eating a light meal about an hour to 90 minutes ahead of time stops your stomach from distracting you while you float. Otherwise, no specific preparation is needed!

 

WHAT IF I AM CLAUSTROPHOBIC?

People with claustrophobia consistently report no problems with floating. You are always in control of your environment, and can choose to float with the lights on (or star lights), and you are able to freely enter and exit the tank.  If you have additional concerns, feel free to discuss with a FLOAT crew member.

There is also a selection of music that will be played at the begging and ending of your float. The room feature a 2-way intercom that can connect you to the front desk should you need help or have any concerns in your session.

 

DO I HAVE TO STAY IN THE WHOLE TIME?

You are able to freely enter and exit the tanks. That said, the float usually goes by much faster than you’d expect (the average customer usually says it felt like 30 minutes long).

 

WHAT IF I DON’T FLOAT?

A common question, as some struggle to float in other bodies of water—we assure you, based on the 1,200 lbs of Epsom salt in the water, you will absolutely float effortlessly in our tank which is more buoyant than the Dead Sea.

 

IS THE EPSOM SALT GOOD FOR MY SKIN?

Epsom salt has actually been used for treating skin ailments and will leave your skin feeling smooth and silky. Your skin should not even prune!

 

HOW IS THE WATER IN THE TANK KEPT CLEAN?

Our float room observes rigorous health and safety regulations in order to provide customers with a safe experience.  The 1,200 lbs of Epsom salt in the water creates a solution which is inherently sterile and does not allow for the proliferation of bacteria.  Between each float, the entire volume of the tank is filtered 3-4 times through a 1-10 micron filter, and treated with UV light and Hydrogen Peroxide to purify and disinfect the water. Additionally, when the tanks are not in use, purification system routinely runs to cleanse the water.

 

CAN I DROWN IF I FALL ASLEEP?

No. The 10 inches of water is so buoyant you can’t help but float at the top. Some people do choose to sleep in the tank.

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET SALT IN MY EYES?

While it has happened to all of us, it is best to avoid touching your face with your hands during your session.

We provide a squirt bottle full of fresh water in the tank. There are also face towels to bring into your float if for any reason you may need to touch your face mid-float.

 

ARE THERE ANY WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS FOR FLOATING?

The float tanks have been tested with floaters weighing up to 350 pounds who have been able to float without issue.  

 

IS IT SAFE TO FLOAT IF I AM PREGNANT?

Not only is it safe but it is absolutely encouraged since pregnant clients may experience some of the greatest relief from floating! While pregnant, the added weight and pressure on the mother’s body is likely to cause pain and discomfort, the weightless impact of floating can provide much needed relief and allows you to escape the added stress.  It has also been touted as an awesome way to bond with your baby.  

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 FLOAT WHILE ON MY PERIOD?  

Yes.  Just follow the same protocol you would for a public swimming pool or hot tub. 

 

CAN I FLOAT IF I JUST DYED MY HAIR?

The color from your hair could stain the tank, therefore, we recommend that you check if the water running through your hair in the shower at home is fully clear. If there is still some color coming out you should wait a couple of more days/showers before coming in to float.

 

CAN I BRING A FRIEND TO FLOAT?

Only one person per session.  The Young Wellness Center offers an array of health treatments. Along with our float sensory deprivation tank also offered is massage, infrared sauna, hypnotherapy and acupuncture. You and your friends can enjoy in a complete wellness day with the many services offered. 

 

HOW LONG HAS FLOATING BEEN AROUND?

The first float tank was developed in 1954 by John C. Lily and involved full submersion in water as well as a breathing device that was worn over the face.  The first commercial tanks were invented in the early 70’s.

 

IS THIS LIKE ALTERED STATES?

Many people engaging in floatation experience visual or auditory hallucinations. This is because the lack of external information creates a blank canvas on which the brain may project interpretations of internally occurring sensations. Unlike Altered States, people experience floatation as a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.