What does it feel like to float?

The experience is actually very gentle. It is deeply relaxing, in fact 75% of anxiety patients researched found floating to be the most relaxing experience they had ever engaged in, more then any drug, massage or therapy they had tried. It isn’t a euphoric experience, instead it very pleasant and deeply calming. It promotes a sense of wellbeing and balance. It also has a hypersensitivity aspect to it, everything is so clear, your body becomes super aware of itself, but you are surrounded by a bubble of peace which you will notice lasts up to 48 hours. Post float you will feel very grounded in the present moment. 

What if I am claustrophobic?

This is everybody’s first question! The tank is the size of a queen size bed, with a fairly high roof. Lying down, you cannot touch the roof with your hands. You are in complete control during the float. You let yourself into and out of the tank, and can get out if you feel at all uncomfortable. The door to the tank can be left open if you are uncomfortable with it closed (tho’ it is not a great solution because is changes the heat of the air inside the tank. For most people the tank does not feel at all claustrophobic once they are inside. The complete lack of light and restriction on the body makes the space feel infinite rather than small.

Can everyone float?
No – It is not safe to float if you have Epilepsy, schizophrenia, kidney conditions or acute skin disorder. Although it is safe to float when you are pregnant, we recommend that you discuss it with your doctor first. Everyone else can float without reservation.

Should I prepare for a float session?
There are some things you should be aware of: If you have shaved recently, the salt in the water can sting your skin. Any cuts or abrasions will also sting and should be covered with a layer of the Vaseline available for use in the bathroom. If you wear contact lenses, salt in you eye could be a problem, so take them out before floating.

If you go into a floatation session with an intention to be present, of mindfulness, or to focus for instance on the breath, and being firmly grounded in the present moment, (as opposed to simply going in to take a nap) it is going to have a therapeutic value above and beyond all the other benefits of floating.

Is it safe to sleep in the tank?
Absolutely, in fact it is great to sleep in the tank. You will not roll over in the water and drown.

Is floating the same for everyone?
No, and every time you float is different too. Sometimes you may be more alert, and others you may drift off into a fantasy land where time flies by.

Is the water sterile?
Completely! Firstly everyone showers before entering the tank. The water it thoroughly filtered though a micron particle filter. Ozone is pumped through the water to sterilize it after every float.

Why do you float naked?
The salt in the water will make anything you wear heavy, which distracts from the experience. You have complete privacy when you float, but if you still feel uncomfortable naked, you can float in a costume.

How often should a person float?
The sensations and side effects of stress are a result of a high level of stress hormones such as adrenaline and ACTH and Cortisole, released to prepare the body for fight or flight. Though a little stress keeps you sharp, excess stress, over longer periods of time, is extremely draining and very bad for your health.

For this reason it is important to manage your stress levels. As with athletes, peak work must be balanced with proper down time to allow the body to return to equilibrium. The relaxation of the mind and body from a float can sometimes be felt for up to a week afterwards. If you live a stressful life it is critical take measures to relax and remove that stress regularly. Make a habit of floating once a week if you are under a lot of stress or once a month if you just managing your stress. The trick is to make a regular habit of doing things that bring down your stress levels, to balance out your already formed habit of stress. When you bring down your stress levels on a regular basis, you will find that you have more energy to work at peak performance. Of course you will also be more calm, be able to think more clearly, be more patient, more loving and generally an much nicer person. (bet you didn’t realize that floating could make you a nicer person!) Don’t forget that we have available a 2 float starter special for those who have never floated before. We often find that you will enjoy your second float more than your first, because you are more confident about the environment, and used to the feel of floating the second time around. We also have 3 float, 5 float or 10 float contracts available to make it cheaper and easier to commit to a regular float.

How long do people stay in the tank for?
A commercial float session is usually 1 hour. Some people prefer shorter sessions, and some longer 2-3 hours. You can leave the tank at any time, so experiment with what is comfortable for you.

Can I float during menstruation?
Yes, if you use a tampon

Is there a specific position that I should float in?
No,  just experiment until you find a position that is comfortable for you.  Some people float with their hands at their sides, some with their hands folded across their chest or abdomen, or behind their heads. I recommend starting with your arms out in a sort of + position, as this puts a bit of weight on the chest area and brings the head up slightly. There is also a pillow available to float with if you find that having your head all the way back in the water is uncomfortable.

Do you wear anything in the tank?
Most people don’t wear anything. Anything you wear will get very heavy with the salt solution and press against your body, becoming a distraction.

What effect does salt water have on my skin?
The Epsom salt solution is good for the skin. The prune fingers that you get from bathing for a long time do not happen when you float. We have not found any way to keep hair dry while floating.

Should I eat before I go into the tank?
You can eat. But rather have a light mean so that you do not spend time listening to your stomach digest.

What sort of things should I stay away from before floating?
As much as possible, limit your intake of stimulants like coffee/tea or cigarettes.

Will I float? I can’t float anywhere
Yes. It is impossible not to float in the tank. 500kg of salt dissolved in the water make the solution so much denser than your body which means that you will float no matter how big or small you are.

When should I float?
It is completely up to you . Some people prefer morning, some prefer later in the afternoon, some love to float directly after exercise for the double wammy. The best way to find out is to experiment by using the tank at different times of the day. To get the best results from your post float relaxation, try not to schedule too busy a day or night after the float, rather make time to savour the peace and quiet before jumping into something hectic.

Can two people float in the tank at the same time?
The tank is certainly big enough, but we don’t recommend it as ideal. The whole point of floating is to spend time alone without external distractions.

I felt some nausea while in the tank – is that normal?
While it is reasonably unusual to feel queasy from floating, this reaction only ever occurs when extremely stressed people float. It is a result of the de-toxing of your liver that makes you feel so nauseous. So while it is unpleasant, it is a sure sign that you needed to do something for your stress, and you should stick with it.

I did not remember to put in my earplugs and now it feels like I have water stuck in my ears
If you do get the salt water in your ears, the salt dries in your ear canal, and leaves you feeling pretty uncomfortable for some days after the float. The most important thing to do is rinse your ears with fresh water when you shower after the float – this will ensure that any salt is washed out of your ears before it dries.  If you forget to rinse your ears and find that they are uncomfortable after the float, try a wet ear bud. Do not be concerned, the salt stuck in your ears, although uncomfortable, will not do you any damage.

Can I have a float and a massage in the same day?
Absolutely, in fact this is a very popular option amongst our clients. You will float first and follow the float with a massage of your choice.