What is Float Therapy?
Float therapy involves floating in a large bath tub with body temperature water about 12-15” deep. The water contains about 900 lbs. of Epsom salt. The high concentration of salt allows a person to release all muscles and float in the water effortlessly. Ideally the environment in the room removes all modern distractions including sound and light. This is sometimes referred to as sensory deprivation and allows your body and mind to release tension and deeply relax. It is an alternative therapy to help stress, anxiety, reduce pain and much more.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is high in magnesium. When floating in epsom salt water your body absorbs the magnesium which helps replenish it in the body. Magnesium has healing properties and are needed for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body.
Magnesium
Below you will find benefits that are often linked to magnesium in the body. Keep in mind that all bodies are different; therefore, results vary.
- Reduces inflammation
- Reduces stress
- Helps relax muscles
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduce the risk of heart disease
- Improve blood sugar control
- Helps combat migraines
- Helps to sleep better
- Help regulate mental health – stress, depression, anxiety, PTSD
- Skin health including eczema and psoriasis
- Reduced soreness and pain from things like workouts, muscle strains, arthritis and more.
- Helps to rid the body of toxins
- Helps convert food into energy
- Plays a role in the brain speaking to the body
- Works with calcium to maintain a healthy heartbeat
Why Float? What are the Benefits?
Everyone’s body is different and will therefore ultimately obtain results unique to itself and in it’s own time frame. However, here is a general overview of the benefits.
The combination of sensory deprivation and the effects of the magnesium in the Epsom salts, many people have found the following benefits from consistent float therapy treatments.
Mental Health
Reduces anxiety
Decreased stress
Supports relaxation
Sensory deprivation
PTSD treatment
Meditation
Helps the mental game with athletes
Overall Health
Reduces inflammation
Can relieve migraines
Can create creativity
Deep relaxation
Decreased pain
Fibromyalgia relief
Muscle recovery for athletes
Speeds up rehab and recovery
Endorphin production increases
Cardiovascular Health
Improved sleep
Lowers heart rate
Reduces high blood pressure
Decreases production of cortisol
Improved circulation
Reduces high blood sugar
Things to Know for Your Visit
Please be free of ALL scented products prior to coming in.
This includes: essential oils, lotion, perfumes, colognes, smoking/vaping.
What to Wear
We recommend wearing nothing into the tub. The goal is to remove all distractions including the feeling of clothing on the body.
What to Bring
We will supply ear plugs, makeup remover towelette, a hair tie, q-tips, A+D ointment for scrapes, towels, soap and conditioner.
You are responsible for bringing anything else you would need or want including brush/comb, something to put contact lenses in.
Flow of Each Visit
The process for each float treatment is to shower (no conditioner can be used) before getting into the tub. Each room has a shower in it for this purpose. Then you get into the tub and float for up to 60 minutes. After getting out of the tub you would at least rinse off or wash again in the shower.
How to Prepare
Refrain from drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages. Caffeine stimulates the systems and might leave you jittery when the purpose of this treatment is to relax.
Try not to drink too much water before your session. You do not want to disrupt your session with the urge to use the restroom. Do drink plenty of water afterwards.
Have something light to eat.
Refrain from shaving. Nicks and cuts can be painful in the salty water. We do provide A+D ointment to apply to these areas if necessary to prevent the sting of the cut in the water.
Arrival Times for Appointments
Please arrive 15-20 minutes before your scheduled appointment if it is your first visit of the scheduled treatment.
Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled appointment if you have already taken the scheduled treatment.
Things to Know for Your Visit
When to Avoid Float Therapy
Float Therapy contraindications are below. If you have any of the following conditions, or concerns that are not on this list, we highly recommend consulting your doctor before use.
- I agree to NOT float if I am experiencing any of the following:
- Incontinence issues
- Active use of alcohol or illegal drugs
- Cuts, wounds, dermatitis, active infections
- Uncontrolled heart arrhythmia
- Very low blood sugar or “brittle” diabetes
- Uncontrolled seizures
- Kidney failure
- Active suicidal ideation or severe depression
- Recent tattoos
- Recent hair color/treatment if color still bleeds in water or on towels. Red dye applied at home is especially problematic and may require rescheduling.
- Allergy or sensitivity to Epsom salt
- Motion sickness or seasickness
- Inability to enter or exit the float tank alone
- Perforated eardrum or other ear problem
- Vertigo
- Pregnant women should consult their doctor before floating & 36 weeks or more of pregnancy are NOT allowed to float.
Research & FAQ
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for more information.
There has been extensive clinical research on float therapy to support the benefits. Here is a link to the Float Research Collective where you can find fantastic research, publications and videos on float therapy.