An Introduction to Floatation Therapy

A floatation tank, sometimes referred to as an isolation tank or sensory deprivation tank, is a zero-gravity environment designed to help your mind, body and spirit to relax, recover and reset. When you begin your floatation therapy session, you’ll enter a safe, clean and serene environment minimizing external stimuli.

How a float tank works:

• Our floatation tanks are filled with 30% Epsom salt solution which helps you float effortlessly removing the effects of gravity
• The solution and air are the same temperature as you so there is little sense of feeling
• There is a light you can turn off eliminating the sense of sight
• The room is built soundproof to minimize your sense of hearing

No gravity.
No light.
No sound.
Pure nothing.

What else you’ll find in the float room:

• A shower with quality products and fresh towels so that you can wash yourself clean before your float and rinse off the salt after
• Earplugs because your ears will be submerged while you float
• Ointment to cover and cuts or scrapes that may be sensitive to the salt solution
• Make up remover to help make sure you’re clean before getting in
• A buoyant pillow to help you get comfortable
• A washcloth and fresh water spray bottle to help any salt from your face
• A vinegar ear flush to remove salt from your ears

From athletes to biohackers, and even those battling mental illness, everyone is recognizing the life-changing power of frequent floating.

How Does Floatation Therapy Work?

A significant portion of our brain’s regular workload is spent responding to gravity and constant external stimulation.

Our float tanks are designed to quiet that constant input, limiting environmental distractions and allowing your musculoskeletal and nervous systems to relax. 

One of the most powerful effects of floating on the mind is its ability to induce what’s called a theta state, or dream-like state. This state is where our deepest learning and imaginative processes exist.

The theta state is normally only achievable through sleep or deep meditation, but the float tank allows you to slip into it effortlessly. Throughout your float, you’ll remain in this pre-sleep stage of consciousness, attentive to your mind’s journey.

The state of sensory relaxation achieved during a float session is a powerful therapeutic tool. Floatation rest offers countless cognitive and physical benefits:

• reduce stress & anxiety
• relieve aches & pains
• improve sleep
• increase focus & creativity
• aid workout & injury recovery
• deepen meditation
• increase blood flow
• normalize blood pressure
• slow breath & heart rate
• elevate dopamine and endorphins

With a new boost in energy, it’s no wonder that floaters consistently report immediate feelings of joy and relaxation.

Our  Epsom salt solution alone offers countless therapeutic benefits. It’s magnesium sulfate, which provides floaters with the fourth most abundant mineral in the body. Adequate magnesium levels can promote better sleep, exfoliate your skin, and it can even add volume to your hair. 

How Often Should You Float?

The more you float, the better you’ll feel.

Like meditation or yoga or a fitness routine, floating is a wellness practice, and as you practice, your mind and body will grow more comfortable in that space and begin to build on each experience. There can be a learning curve adapting to the new environment. If you are curious about the benefits of floating, we suggest floating at least three times before deciding if it’s for you. That is why we offer our Intro3 package to new floaters.

People feeling particularly overwhelmed in their personal or professional lives might elect to float once or twice a week, while others might be comfortable with scheduling floats around significant events like job interviews or pregnancies.  It is strictly a personal preference.

Whatever your individual situation, a regular float practice will help you live a happier, healthier and more productive life. At Float8, that’s the sort of feeling our tanks provide.