A large, enclosed, saltwater bath tub meant to minimize sensory input to the brain. It
was created in the 1950’s by Dr. John C. Lilly.
It’s an acronym coined by a scientist that stands for “Reduced Environment Stimulation
Therapy”. It simply means float therapy.
It allows the user deep relaxation in an almost weightless environment. It gives
the body a chance to heal itself and the mind a chance to organize itself. It also
helps to deepen one’s understanding of the human experience.
No, no one has ever drowned in a flotation tank because the water is so positively
buoyant.
People ages 12 and older may float, however we ask that all people younger
than 16 have a parental guardian on site at all times.
No, you float naked because you don’t want anything touching you. A swimsuit
touching your skin is sensory input that can take away from the experience.
You are more aware of everything in the tank, so any straps or elastics will be
distracting. The tank room is private. It is your time so I you want to wear a
swimsuit you may do so.
We provide items such as earplugs, towels, shampoo, soap, conditioner, Q-
tips, petroleum jelly, hair dryer and lotion. You have a private shower, toilet,
and sink and hair dryer. If you are an eye contact user, please provide your
own contact case and solution. You may bring your own shampoo for use
only after your float. You should bring your own comb or brush.
If you do eat before your session, we suggest it to be a small meal or snack. If
you eat a very heavy meal you may spend a lot of time listening to your body
digest, which can be distracting. And, on the other hand, a 60 minute session
can feel like forever if you are already hungry. Moderation is the key.
It depends! People find that different times of the day produce different floats. You
might go deeper late at night, or during mid-afternoon (“nap o’clock”), or if you want to
stay a little more alert, you might avoid those times. It’s good to explore different times
to see what works best for you.
For your health and safety, you should not float if you have any of the
following conditions:
-Have colored or permed your hair within the past two weeks, or used
wax or oil-based hair products. This precaution is for both you and our
water quality and filtration system.
– Infectious skin or respiratory disorders, including active cold sores.
– If you have shaved within 24 hours (Shaving is a micro abrasion on
your skin. We provide petroleum jelly for smaller cuts and abrasions as
a barrier between the salt and your skin.)
– Large open wounds (We provide petroleum jelly for smaller cuts and
abrasions as a barrier between the salt and your skin.)
-Incontinence
– Health conditions such as vertigo, epilepsy, uncontrolled kidney
disease, uncontrolled low blood pressure, seizures or
schizophrenia (Please talk with your doctor first.)
– Recent chemotherapy or radiation in the last 30 days
– High-risk pregnancy
– More than mild sunburn
– Under the influence of any drug or alcohol
You may not want to drink coffee for several hours beforehand as it makes it harder to
relax. Don’t shave or wax too soon before getting in as the salt water may sting irritated
skin. The same for fresh tattoos, and more serious cuts or scrapes. If you want to check
your skin integrity, apply some hand sanitizer: stinging tells you everything you need to
know. Fresh tattoos will sting, but also the design is more susceptible to blowout if you
are in still water for any amount of time. Please follow the care instructions your tattoo
artist gave to you. If you have recently had your hair dyed, it’s important to make sure
the dye has had time to set completely or there is a chance the float water could bleach
it. (If it doesn’t come off when you dry with a towel, you’ll be okay in the tank.) Anyone
getting keratin treatments to their hair should avoid saltwater, and that includes float
tanks. If you have very thick or curly hair, or locks, it may be difficult to rinse all of the
salt out of your hair in the 5-10 minutes we give you after your wakeup signal. You
might consider timing your floats for days when you visit your hairstylist, so they can
help you get a thorough rinse. If it’s okay for your hair, a white vinegar rinse will get rid
of any salt residue. If you cannot wash your hair, you may bring a waterproof (e.g.
silicone) swim cap. (We also have one to borrow.) Please be aware that no swim cap is
perfect, and leaking is common around the ears and jaw. Even small amounts of float
tank water contain amazing amounts of salt. Eating a small meal about one hour prior to
your float is ideal. It’s best if you’re not distracted by hunger, or overfull digesting a
heavy meal. You may bring your own shower shoes IF they have never been outside.
It goes without saying, but no bodily fluids in the tanks – no spitting, no mucus, please
help us keep it all clean. (Its $500 of epsom salt if we have to drain a tank, and more
than a day of cancelled appointments to dissolve and warm up new solution.) Also, we
will not allow intoxicated, high, or altered clients to float.
Absolutely. Float tank water is generally cleaner, in fact, than most swimming pools or
hot tubs because only one person uses them at a time, and they aren’t sweating or
wearing sun block. And we take our water clean very seriously. The main factor keeping
the float tank water clean is the high salt concentration itself. Nothing pathogenic can
grow in such salty water. Then we sanitize by treating with germ-killing UV light between
every client, and back that up by maintaining an active dose of hydrogen peroxide in the
tank at all times. Filtering to remove oils and particulates is taken care of by a
swimming-pool-sized filter unit. We filter aggressively between clients, turning the whole
contents of the tank over three to four times, to keep our water sparkling.
They’re seven and a half feet long on the inside, so unless you’re Shaq, you should be
fine. (Sorry, Shaq.) People weighing over 400 lbs have no problem floating without a
problem.
I sink in the ocean. Our tanks contain over 850 lbs of epsom salt, so the water is denser
than the Dead Sea. Don’t worry, you’ll definitely float.
The water is warm but not hot. We keep it as close as we can to skin temperature,
93.5°F. That allows you to float as long as you like without getting chilled or overheated,
and it’s neutral for your skin temperature receptors so you won’t even really feel it’s
there. Some people come expecting the water to be hot like a bath or a Jacuzzi, and it’s
not. If you take a very hot shower before entering the tank, it can even feel cool. To
ease your transition into the tank we suggest you try showering a little cooler than usual.
If you do get chilled in the tank, or you’re worried you might, let us know.
This is generally no problem. If your dye is fresh, though (less than a week), there is a
chance the float water could bleach it. Our guideline is that you should wait until the dye
is set enough that it doesn’t come off when you dry with a towel. We’d hate for you to
damage expensive work, and we’d prefer you don’t dye our tanks. We’ll be happy to
help you 8reschedule if necessary, no problem. Also note that traditional highlights
aren’t color on hair, it’s that the pigment has been stripped from the hair shaft. Nothing
will reverse that! It will be fine. (One concern with pools and light or highlighted hair is
that the hair will turn green. We don’t use chlorine, so that isn’t a problem here.)
However, if you use keratin treatments, it’s recommended that you avoid saltwater, and
that includes float tanks. Sorry.
Generally this is no problem. Some people, though, come out of the tank in a very
trance-y, sleepy altered state, and need some time to come back to normal before being
ready to drive. We encourage you not to be in a hurry to get out the door after your float.
We have tea, water and comfortable chairs you’re welcome to occupy.
If you’re coughing, sneezing, or your nose is running, floating is not a great idea – it will
be almost impossible for you to avoid getting the saltwater in your face and that will
sting a lot. We want you to enjoy your float, and you won’t if your nose is burning. Also,
if you are contagious, it is kindest to others to stay home. We will be glad to help you
reschedule your appointment.
The air inside the tank is warm (low 90s) and quite humid. Some people’s lungs may not
be comfortable with that, while others find it actually beneficial to their breathing. You
may know what your lungs prefer – please try if you like. If you’re unsure, let us know
and if it doesn’t work out we’ll be glad to reschedule or issue a refund.
Yes. Just use the same precautions you’d use for a swimming pool or hot tub, e.g. a
menstrual cup or tampon. If you use tampons, we recommend a fresh one before you
float and a change after you get out.
Generally, contraindications include powerful sedatives, being prone to seizures (e.g.
epilepsy), or schizophrenia. Magnesium from the epsom salt can have interactions with
certain antibiotics and muscle relaxants, and may be an issue if you have kidney
problems. People with low blood pressure should take extra care, especially when
standing up after floating. If any of these conditions apply to you, please consult your
doctor before getting in a tank.
In many cases, yes, it’s fine for children to float. The most important thing is to make
sure that they personally really want to, and that they understand that they are allowed
to get out of their float whenever they like. We do not encourage reluctant kids to float.
We will allow clients aged 16 years and up to float on their own recognizance. Children
aged nine years and up are allowed to float if a guardian is present in the center and
prepared to attend to the child if they come out of their session early.
There is no wrong. You’re alone in a private room and no one can judge you. Just do
what’s comfortable and let your body relax.
Many people have worries of one kind or another, but it’s very rarely a problem. For
one, the tank is actually much bigger on the inside than you might think, and you can sit
up and move around easily. Some people feel claustrophobic but only with the door
closed. If you are feeling claustrophobic just open the door and float with your head at
the door end! The majority of people who worry about claustrophobia in the tank
actually reported a sensation of floating in space. Many people who think they’ll be
claustrophobic say that it was the best experience they’ve had for confronting their
claustrophobia. You are in control of the situation and can get in and out whenever you
want. The key to remember is you’re in total control of the experience
Maybe a little. Probably not your first time, but it’s possible. Don’t expect anything crazy.
You might see weird colors. Sometimes people hear different tones and muffled voices,
or have the sense that their body is rotating or sliding sideways. You might have a
distortion in your sense of passing time, or feel like you’re watching yourself like in a
movie. It can be pretty cool.
You can open the tank door and turn on the light at any time, no harm no foul. But truly,
for most people, knowing that you’re completely in charge of your own experience is all
the reassurance you need to have a good time.
We do not allow smoking indoors whether it’s legal or not. We will turn away any clients
who are impaired or intoxicated. We will ban anyone who disrespects our business or
the comfort of other clients.
We hate spam too, and we will treat any contact information you share with us as a
matter of trust and honor. We need your contact information in order to communicate
with you about appointments you make, and occasionally about payment issues or
other problems. If you give us permission we will send you an infrequent newsletter and
maybe once or twice a year a special offer, nothing more. Your support has made our
business possible, and it’s very important to us to respect that.
Modern life is stressful for nearly everyone. Traffic, deadlines, constant connection to
technology, not enough sleep… replenishing ourselves in body, mind, and spirit is an
essential part of modern wellness. Floating reduces stress, promotes relaxation,
improves sleep and gives us all a chance to unplug and recharge.
Single and first floats can often be profound. However, there can be a bit of a learning
curve requiring a few floats to feel totally comfortable. Also, floating has powerful
cumulative effects and is becoming recognized as an essential part of an optimal
ongoing wellness practice. Basically, floating regularly will supercharge your long term
physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Though it’s definitely on the rise, it’s far from new. Floating has been around for over 60
years and has been the focus of a lot of research.
The salt water concentration in a float system is the only place in the world that anyone,
no matter the body type, can completely float without moving a muscle. Plus there are
no hard surfaces pressing against your skin, no chill from water or wind, and no
possible interruption of your bliss from noise or outside forces.
First-time floaters with us need to read and sign a waiver and watch a brief introductory.
Our staff would like to have time to answer your questions and concerns. We want you
to enjoy your full hour of floating!
Please call us +50767430052 as we may be able to adjust your appointment time. If not, your
time in the float cabin will be reduced as we still need to end your float at your appointed
time to ready the room for the next client.
When it comes to eating, we suggest a light meal 90 minutes prior so you’re neither full
nor hungry. As for liquid, hydrate normally in such a way that you won’t need a restroom
break mid-float.
Avoid both for at least several hours prior to your float.
Yes. The float area and bathroom are completely private. The area is your own private
oasis while you’re here.
Before you float, you take a quick shower to remove body oils and products. After, you
shower to remove the salty residue from your skin and hair.
Each float is private with a door that can be opened any time. In other words, you are
able to leave the cabin whenever you like. You can also turn the light off and on as you
wish..
No, the high salt concentration prevents this from happening. It leaves your skin quite
soft and smooth.
Music will gently fade on to let you know it’s time to exit.
Certainly remove prior to floating as the salt water might damage it.
Yes you will definitely float! Ability to swim is not necessary as absolutely everyone
floats without effort. The salt water will support weight of 1000+ pounds.
Many guests love to fall asleep in the relaxing world of a float tank. In fact, 1 hour of rest
in the tank is anecdotally reported as the equivalent of 4 hours of deep restful sleep.
Also, because of the high salt content, you will float completely safely whether you’re
awake or asleep.
It is better to remove them before floating.
The salt water can sting wounds, so we provide packets of petroleum jelly to cover any
problem areas.
Ideally, don’t shave at least 8 hours before your float. The salty water can be irritating or
itchy if you do.
If they’re new additions, just make sure they’re fully healed. Otherwise, the saltwater will
sting.
We recommend waiting at least one week to let the color fully set. We don’t want the
salt affecting the color, or your color bleeding into the water. If the color is not rinsing out
when you shower, it’s usually fine to float.
It’s 8 feet long by 4 feet wide by 4 feet tall.
Yes. We kindly ask that you consider everyone around you in the middle of their float. If
you would like to share with others by engaging in conversation, please do so mindfully.
Also, please refrain from cell phone use as much as possible. Make time for yourself!
If at any time you are not completely pleased with your experience, we will refund 100%
of your money.
We require 24-hour advance notice.
Yes, you can float while pregnant after your first trimester, and up to 37 weeks.
We recommend that you consult your physician before floating while pregnant
but many women have found floating to be the most relaxing experience they
had during their second and third trimesters. Flotation Therapy can provide relief
from the added weight of pregnancy by reducing the strain on the body and
spine. It promotes excellent relaxation and sleep, as well as a sense of well
being and connection. Flotation can help with all the aches and pains and
inflammation normally associated with pregnancy. Please call ahead so we can
set up your room with extra foam flotation supports that may help you find the
position that feels the most comfortable to you. Many women have no problem
with floating through their pregnancy, and report that they find powerful relief in
a tank, and also a wonderfully enhanced connection with their baby.