Flotation Therapy
clear thinking
Mention flotation and most people have no idea what to expect. While you may have heard of it as a form of deep relaxation, you might also worry that it could feel claustrophobic - so here are the facts on how to get the most out of this potentially therapeutic experience.
When you arrive at a float centre you'll be shown into a private, lockable room with a shower. After having a quick wash you'll step into the tank. Although floating in the dark is recommended as the best way to reach a deep, meditative state, the process is entirely under your control and it is up to you whether you choose to shut the door of your tank and switch the light off.
A flotation tank is traditionally the size of a large bath with a lid, but some centres offer tanks that are more like rooms that you can comfortably stand up in. If you feel uneasy about being in a confined space, call a few centres to find one that offers larger tanks.
The tank contains about 10 inches of water saturated with Epsom salt, which gives it buoyancy and makes it sterile, so there's no need for a swimming costume. It's like being in the Dead Sea - once you lie down you'll find that you can float without any effort at all. The water is heated to body temperature - this has the effect of making it difficult to tell where the water is touching you and where it isn't, so that you quickly start to feel that you are floating in mid-air.
You generally float for an hour; the staff will play music at the beginning of your float to help you relax, and will turn that off after about 15 minutes unless you ask them not to. It will then be played again five minutes before the end to let you know that it's time to get out.
What's It Like?
There's no denying that the first time you do it, floating is a weird experience. It's designed to remove all sensory stimulus - once the music has stopped and the lights are off you can't see anything, hear anything or really feel anything, which is probably a state you've never been in before.
Once you relax you begin to produce slower brainwaves; this can give you the sensation you get just before falling asleep, when surprising and surreal thoughts pop into your head. Don't worry about nodding off - the water is so buoyant and shallow that you are at very little risk even if you sleep in there.
Floating can reduce blood pressure and heart rate, and is sometimes recommended for those who are suffering from anxiety or stress. It can also be a good way to unwind for pregnant women in their second and third trimesters, as it takes pressure off the body and can be more comfortable than lying on a bed.
The flotation experience doesn't always fall into place the first time and may not be right for everyone; visitors sometimes take two or three floats to get used to the sensation. It can be unnerving lying in total darkness and silence, and it can make you feel quite vulnerable. If you're able to let go and give in to these conditions, float fans say that it's incredibly rewarding and therapeutic - and the experience is nothing if not unique.