About Floating

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR FIRST TIME FLOATERS IN THE TRANQUILITY TANK
Information provided courtesy of the makers of the Tranquility Tank – Floataway

You are about to embark upon a new experience!  Floating is unlike anything else on earth.  It is not like bathing, nor like swimming, even less like sitting in a hot tub.  It is a route to profound relaxation and well-being.

What is floating?
Floating is about learning how to truly relax.   Most people lead such active and stress-filled lives they don’t allow themselves the time to take a break from all the madness in their daily life.  And if they do, they often feel guilty about it!  At Float-Well, we want to give you the time to indulge yourself and to treat yourself to what is potentially the most relaxing experience on Earth.

After undressing and showering, you step into a fibreglass capsule containing 25cm of skin temperature water (heated constantly) and 300 kgs of Epsom salts which nourish and soften your skin without wrinkling it like sea salt does. The high concentration of salt allows your body to float effortlessly, like a cork on the surface of the water.  You simply sit down and slowly lie back until your head is either touching the pillow (if you choose to use one) or touching the water.  As you lie back your body slowly lifts to the surface of the water and about 1/3 of your body is floating above the water line.  It is the closest thing to attaining zero gravity on earth.

What are the benefits?
Floating in a pool of warm water into which the Epsom salts have been dissolved, allows your body to totally relax.  As every muscle in your body is 100% relieved from all tension, you can quickly go into a state of deep relaxation, although for some people it can take 15 to 20 minutes or even longer to reach this state.  This deep relaxation state generates alpha and theta waves in the brain and the brain produces endorphins, the body’s natural pain killer, which is why floating reduces or removes pain even during a single float session and gives the floater a general sense of well-being.

Floating relieves stress, nervousness, anxiety, jet lag, insomnia and muscular aches and pains. Floating has many benefits: it relieves stress, nervousness, anxiety, jet lag, insomnia and muscular aches and pains.  It removes lactic acid after physical exertion.  It improves your concentration and memory.  It gives you extra energy and makes you feel dynamic.  Many people use floatation to stimulate creative thinking and to solve problems or for mental preparation for work, academic or sporting challenges.  It has also been reported to reduce feelings of anger and agitation.

There are many medical conditions which have been shown to benefit from floatation therapy such as arthritis, back pain, pre-menstrual tension, post natal depression, asthma, migraine headaches, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular conditions, osteoporosis and synovitis, to name a few.

You will feel the benefits for a few days after your float session.  However, most people can only fully appreciate all the benefits of floating after having experienced a minimum of 3 float sessions.  That is why we offer a 3-float package at a reduced price to first time floaters.

How do I float?
Be sure to allow your head to fully relax – your face will not go under the water line. Some people prefer to float using the head pillow, which keeps your ears out of the water.  You should use earplugs if you float without the pillow to avoid salt crystals building up inside your ears.  In either case, be sure to allow your head to fully relax – your face will not go under the water line.  Find the position for your arms and legs that is the most comfortable for you while floating on your back.  You will soon experience your whole body completely relaxing as tense muscles begin to let go.

You don’t actually “do” anything in the tank, you just let your mind wander and let your body enjoy the experience!  Maybe you’ll even fall asleep.  There is no risk of turning over in the tank if you do fall asleep.  As there is no pressure on any part of your body, your body has no need to turn over.  Some people regularly sleep in the tank the entire night!

If you find that your body seems to be “spinning”, simply open your eyes.  This is caused by your brain trying to adjust to the weightless experience which goes away after several float sessions.

A folded hand towel can be found on the rim of the tub under the door on the right side above the red call button.  It is there for your use in case you wish to remove salt water from your face, eyes or hands without disturbing your float session.  After your float, while standing in the tub to shed as much salt water as possible before exiting, a moist washcloth may be removed from the grab bar to wipe face and head.

Newbies are often encouraged to listen to relaxing music or sounds during their initial float(s) but this is entirely up to you. You may use your own CD or try ours.  Floatheads usually prefer total silence to experience the full effect of R.E.S.T. (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique).

The door will open automatically at the end of your session, so you do not need to worry about how long you have been in the tank.  Time often seems to fly by very quickly while you are floating and most people find it hard to believe they have floated for almost an hour!

Some people believe that the water temperature drops as they float.  Be assured that the tank is continuously and silently heated to 95˚F which is slightly above skin temperature.  If you feel like you are getting a bit cold, simply run some of the water over the top of your body to warm yourself.

Some first time floaters are a bit concerned about closing the door. You are not obliged to close the door if you do not want to, though the top of your body may feel a bit cool.  In any case, you control the door by pressing the inside black button on your left.  You also control how much you want the door to be open or closed.  While the door is closing, you can simply push the black button again to stop it at any height.  You may activate the light by pressing the inside white button on your left.  You have complete control of your floating experience.  Relax and enjoy!

When the light comes on indicating the end of your float session, you can continue to relax and slowly revive for 2 minutes before the door opens automatically.  Carefully stand up while holding onto the rim of the tub and let as much salt water as possible drain back into the tub.  Gently shake the water off your legs back into the tub as you carefully step out while holding onto the grab bar.

Note:  Do not touch or grab onto the delicate tank door.  Open/close the door only using the inside or outside buttons.

After showering and dressing, you are welcome to linger and languish in your post-float serenity out in the front room.  There you may wish to enjoy a beverage, process your experience and leave your comments in our Floaters Journal for others to read.  And don’t forget to schedule your next float!

Other Resources