What will floatation therapy be like for me?

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Although we don’t know exactly what it will be like for you because floatation is such an individual experience, nearly every client reports having profound peace and relaxation, as well as deep concentration and enhanced creativity. We prefer not saying too much before people use our float pool, so that they aren’t influenced by others experiences. Everything you experience while floating comes from within yourself. Not only will it be different for you than it is for anyone else, it will also be different each time you float. We do recommend having a minimum of three or four float therapy sessions to get comfortable with the float experience and to maximize all the floatation therapy benefits. Many floaters report profound healing from their float therapy.


What To Expect
& How To Prepare

Please arrive 15-20 minutes prior to your float session appointment time.

Prior to your appiontment you can complete your waiver online:

https://www.waiverking.com/print/27573

We will greet you, offer a tour and answer any of your questions. We want you to feel welcome and relaxed. We do not recommend drinking fluids before your session to prevent interrupting your session by needing to use the facilities or floating after a big meal. Avoid shaving the day of your appointment, as it might sting a bit.

Once you enter your private float room, remove your clothes and all jewelry. Insert the ear plugs provided. Shower to remove oils, deodorants, and hair products. All shower and float session items are provided for you. No conditioner is allowed prior to your session. We recommend if you have long hair, to tie it up. Cover any small cuts with Vaseline (provided).

Dry your face to avoid distracting water droplets, and step into the pool.

You also have control over the music and star lights, you are welcome to experiment during your session, there is no wrong way to enjoy your float. Some people will enjoy lights and music for all or some of their float, where as others prefer complete darkness and quiet.

Lie back, resting your head into the water, legs extended, and arms over your head or extended at your side.

Your ears will be below the water line, but your face will remain above it. Find what is comfortable for you. We also provide a supportive neck pillow should you need it.

A light will come on and a chime will sound when your session is over.


Exit the pool carefully, then shower again to remove any salty residue. At this point, you may now use conditioner. Once you’re dressed, please exit the room to make way for cleanup and the next floater.

You may use the bathroom for grooming. Hair dryers are provided for your convenience. We recommend bringing your own hairbrush, as well as any styling products, if necessary.

No need to rush off. Enjoy your post-float state of mind in the Relaxation Room or enjoy some conversation and refreshments in our Tea House. Water for hydration is always complimentary.

View our FAQs and benefits below, for more information about floatation therapy.


FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone float?

Floatation therapy can be done by nearly anyone from stressed-out managers, overworked moms, athletes, pregnant women, artists, those suffering from chronic pain, and those individuals just wanting to escape from everyday life and experience a state of complete physical, mental, and emotional relaxation.

We do need permission waivers signed for anyone under 18 years of age, and a parent must be present for those under 16. People with kidney problems are unable to float due to magnesium potentially causing issues. Finally, we recommend that if you suffer from any medical conditions (clinically-diagnosed depression, etc.) that you consult with your primary care physician prior to floating. Those with contact lenses will need to bring something to store them in while floating.

No one under the influence of any illegal substance is allowed to float and anyone suspected of being so will be asked to leave and may risk being asked not to return.

What if I am claustrophobic?

The space inside our luxury, round pools is 8 feet in diameter. You are always in complete control and can open the door and go in and out as you’d like. Since there is an absence of space, time and sensation, it is difficult to feel claustrophobic within the pool.

How often should I practice floatation therapy?

While you can float every day without harm, we find that the relaxing effects of a 60-minute floatation therapy session typically last beyond one day. For best results, we recommend regular sessions, and many clients find that floating once or twice a week provides the most benefits, depending on any conditions for which you are floating.

How long is a floatation therapy session?

Our sessions start with 60-minute increments. That is usually perfect for beginner floaters. As you become more experienced and comfortable with floatation therapy, you may find longer sessions to be even more effective. Some may want to float for three or more hours. We offer additional hours for a reduced rate.

Do I need to prepare in any way?

No. There are only a couple of things worth mentioning. We advise that you avoid shaving on the day of your floatation therapy session. The high salt content can irritate freshly shaved skin. We also provide Vaseline for any small cuts or scratches. We also recommend being well hydrated and not eating a heavy meal before your floatation therapy session.

Will I be able to resume my daily activities when I get out?

Yes, and it may be good to arrange your time so you don’t have to rush. Many people enjoy savoring the peace and quiet before jumping into something hectic. We have a relaxation room to help you keep that “post-float” glow and integrate your session before going back out into the world. Feel free to relax and stay as long as you like.

Is there a cumulative effect of using floatation therapy on a regular basis?

Yes. There seems to be a cumulative effect with consistent floatation therapy. Each floater finds slightly different results based on their needs and state of their health. Relaxation is also a learned art that needs practice.

What do I need to bring?

Since you float in the nude, there’s no need for a swimsuit. We provide earplugs, towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner as well as a hair dryer. If you wear contacts, bring your case. If you have longer hair, you might want to bring a brush or comb and a hair tie to tie your hair up during your floatation therapy session (long hair can sometimes be a distraction as it touches the skin).

Do you wear anything during a floatation therapy session?

Since it is a private experience, most people don’t wear any clothing. Anything you wear will press against your body, becoming a distraction. Additionally, there are laundry soaps and dyes in the swimsuit that can be transferred into our pools. In this regard imagine it as similar to getting into your bathtub. You have an inside lock on your float room door for complete privacy. If you are floating with someone else and uncomfortable being without clothes, a swimsuit will be fine. Please make sure it is clean and rinsed before entering the pool.

What can I do to enhance my floatation therapy experience?

Most importantly…relax. The tank will help but if you arrive relaxed, the experience will be more beneficial for you.

There are a few additional things to consider:

Try not to shave right before arriving. It isn’t the end of the world if you do…but salt water on freshly shaven legs isn’t the most pleasant thing on Earth.

Remove your contacts prior to your floatation session (bring a container to store them in).

If you have caffeine before your floatation therapy session, it may interfere with your ability to relax.

If you consume beverages of any kind, having to get up and go to the bathroom will also interfere with your ability to relax.

What if I fall asleep or cannot swim?

The water is only about 11″ deep and has a very high density of salt. This water is buoyant and will support you regardless of your size or weight. You will float like a cork atop the water. If you were to turn over the salt in the water would sting your eyes and wake you. Since you are floating you do not need to know how to swim. In addition, it’s not dangerous to fall asleep in the floatation tank. We actually encourage it! You’ll wake up very refreshed and rebooted.

What is Epsom Salt?

Similar to the Dead Sea, Epsom salt (Magnesium Sulfate) is a mineral which has been shown to help detoxify the body, strengthen the immune system, trigger the release of endorphins, and provide relief for physical, mental and emotional stress, pain and fatigue. Epsom salt is actually quite nourishing for the skin, which may feel silky smooth after your floatation therapy session. More information about the wonderful benefits of Epsom Salt can be found here: epsomsaltcouncil.org

What happens if I get salt water in my eyes?

It is going to sting. But we have a bottle at the side of the pools that contains a solution to rinse your eyes with quickly.

Can two people float in one tank?

Our Floataround luxury pool, is large enough for couples to float together. We often have a parent and child floating together or an adult with an aged parent, or couples wanting to experience relaxation together.

Will I get hot or cold in the water?

No, you will not feel either hot or cold. The thermostat in the floatation therapy pool regulates the temperature of the water to 93.5º F, which is the temperature of the surface of the skin, creating the feeling of truly floating in space.

Are there situations in which I will not be permitted to use the floatation pool?

We will not allow you to float if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Infectious skin or respiratory disorders.

  • Open wounds.

  • Incontinence.

  • Epilepsy or serious mental conditions.

  • Have ear tubes in place.

  • A high-risk pregnancy.

  • Have colored or permed your hair within 7 days (the solution in the tank could potentially fade/discolor your hair or contaminate the pool). If you have a bright color (such as red), you will have to wait until no color bleeds when washing.

  • Under the influence of any drug or alcohol.

  • Under 18 without parental presence.

We expect you to inform us of any conditions for your own safety and the safety of other floaters! We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone at any time.

How are the floatation pools kept clean and disinfected?

There are 1,323 pounds of medical grade Epsom salt dissolved in each of our luxury pools. The high salinity of Epsom salt kills 99.9% of bacteria in the water, and no living microorganisms can survive in there. Even so, we continuously monitor the water and add the specific amount of salt to maintain a constant water hygiene. After each session, the entire volume of the solution is pumped out and filtered through a 50-micron filtration and sterilization system utilizing Ultra Violet (UV) light and Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2). UV is the safest most effective system available. It maintains the water’s soft, clean and crystal clear appearance. In addition, all clients are required to shower prior to entering the floatation pools and afterwards. The water in our floatation pools is hundreds of times more sanitary than the normal swimming pool or hot tub.

Will my skin get wrinkly?

No. The high Epsom salt content of the water means that the water will not draw the salt from your skin and cause wrinkles like a long bath does. Epsom salt has been used for centuries as a medicinal treatment for various skin conditions. It is non-toxic and is not harmful if swallowed (although it does not taste good!). Epsom salt is actually quite nourishing for the skin, which may feel silky smooth after your floatation therapy session.

I’m pregnant. Is floatation therapy safe?

Absolutely! In fact, pregnant women probably get more relief from floatation therapy than anyone else. Just lying on a bed can be extremely uncomfortable for a woman in the later stages of pregnancy due to the massive gravitational strain placed on the body. Floatation therapy is a wonderful haven for pregnant women. There is often comment about the ‘mirror effect’ of the baby floating in the womb of the mother, and the mother floating in the womb of the tank and the spiritual/communal pleasure for the mother. Therefore, deepening her connection with her baby. If you have any concerns about the effects of floatation therapy on your pregnancy, consult with and get permission from your physician before you try floatation therapy.

Can I float if I’m menstruating?

Of course, just follow the same protocol you would for a swimming pool. If you are concerned you may start your period during your float, you can use a tampon just incase

What will a floatation therapy session do to treated hair?

The salt solution should be just fine for colored/treated hair. In fact, it may make it feel smoother. However, we suggest that you wait a minimum of one week after you dye your hair with browns (It may be longer for bright colors and if your hair color is still “running”. Please do a towel test at home by toweling your hair after you wash; if color comes off on your towel, you cannot float in our pools) before you use a floatation therapy pool. Our waiver states that if we need to replace our water due to contamination, which includes dyes, you will be charged $1,500. So, thank you for waiting to float. Blondes seem to be fine after a wash or two. People who have had some forms of hair-straightening treatment (ex. with keratin) and extensions should not float because the salt may disrupt the treatment. If you have dreadlocks, you won’t be able to float if they are waxed or treated.

Should I eat before a floatation therapy session?

A heavy meal before floatation therapy is not suggested. However, you also don’t want to hear your stomach growling.

Will I have Epsom Salt stuck in my ears?

No. Earplugs are provided to enhance your floatation therapy experience. However, not everyone chooses to wear them. We recommended rinsing your ears out with water after each floatation therapy session.

What effects does floatation therapy have on the mind?

The deep mental relaxation initiated by floatation therapy allows the brain to produce a greater amount of theta waves. This increases mental clarity, creativity, imagery, and memory. In addition to a reduction of cortisol, the release of endorphins induces the feeling of elevated mood states. Therefore, this is effective in helping alleviate anxiety, depression, and negative mental habits. Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, is also decreased.

I suffer from high levels of stress and pain. Will floatation therapy help?

ABSOLUTELY! We see people find relief from pain and stress every day. There are volumes of research supporting floatation therapy as an effective treatment for ailments like: chronic stress, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, MS, anxiety, severe back pain, PTSD, insomnia and much more.

Can my minor child under the age of 18 float?

Yes! Children need to relax and reboot, too! Most children have never experienced a life without technology and nonstop stimulus. Floating can also benefit children who play sports, have anxiety or are under stress and more. We do allow minors 16-17 to float when their parent and them fill out the first-time waiver together! For those under 16, we take it on a case-by-case basis. We recommend floating “double” in one of our 8-foot round pools for very young children or for a young teen’s first float. For those 12-15 who do well with their parent in a double float, we do allow floating while the parent is in our Center! Please call us to make arrangements.

I experienced vaginal stinging with my float. Is that normal?

For some reason, some women (mostly girls in puberty and women going through menopause) experience vaginal stinging. While we aren’t 100% sure why this happens, it has been proposed that it can be hormonal and can fluctuate. If you request extra packets of our A&D ointment and apply generously in the private region before entering, you can experience a sting-free float. If you get in the pool and experience stinging, we recommend you immediately shower the salt off and apply generous amounts of A&D (you can call us via Pool buzzer to bring more if needed) and try again. For young women floating (under 16), we recommend moms having this discussion prior to coming to float for the first time to ensure a good experience.