Is this new-agey mumbo jumbo?
Floating has been around for 40 years, and has oodles of published research
How are the tanks kept clean?
The highly sterile salt water is fully filtered three times between each float and is sanitized with UV light.
Do I need to bring anything?
If you have long hair we recommend bringing a brush. If you wear contact lenses you will need to bring a case, if you plan to take your contacts out here. Otherwise, We provide everything you need (earplugs, ear wash solution, sandals, robe, towel, Vaseline (for minor cuts)). Plus each room is fully private and you go into the tanks nude so there is no need to bring a bathing suit.
Do I need to wear anything?
Nope. It is recommended to float naked. The feeling of a suit against your skin can be a distraction and take away from your overall experience.
Is there anything I need to do before I enter the tank?
Remove your clothes, jewelry, and contact lenses. Insert your earplugs if you choose (they are easier insert prior to showering). Shower, shampoo (not conditioner – until after the float), rinse thoroughly and dry your face before you get in the tank.
Will I fit in your tanks?
Unless you’re over 7 ft. or over 500 lbs. you’re good to go!
Is there an age limit?
As far as age is concerned, we have heard of children as young as 4 years old floating successfully. Our policy is under 18 requires parent/guardian signature, 12 and under requires a parent’s supervision (in the room). Another option we will allow is to float with a parent at no additional charge.
Are there any restrictions on who can float?
Yes. Floating is not recommended if you are presently ill, have incontinence, kidney problems, epilepsy, or have an active skin condition (open wounds etc.)
People with medical conditions or are pregnant should consult their physicians before floating; however, pregnant women usually see some of the greatest benefits from floating.
If you have cuts, scratches, or have recently shaved, there may be stinging for several minutes. We provide you with Vaseline to cover minor cuts to prevent this.
What is the best way to position your body?
Ultimately, you will want to experiment to see what feels the most comfortable for you. Some prefer hands behind or above the head, while others like their hands on their chest or along their sides. If you have neck issues we recommend the behind or above your head position. We also provide neck supports if you desire.
Do I shower before using the tank?
Yes. Showering before entering the tank will eliminate personal products, oils and other contaminates. For this reason, we also only want you to use soap and shampoo only (not conditioner) and thoroughly rinse your body off before entering.
Using the shower afterward is also suggested to remove the Epsom salt residue that is left on the skin, hair, and ears.
Should I eat before floating?
A light meal is recommended about 60 to 90 minutes prior to floating so your stomach does sound like an a growling grizzly bear. However, it is best to avoid large meals and caffeine before floating as it may interfere with your ability to relax.
Do I shave before I float?
It is best to refrain from shaving at all but especially within 3 hours before floating as your skin may sting from the concentrated salt solution.
Can I get too much Magnesium?
No. The body naturally optimizes the levels of magnesium so there is no overload effect from floating. And although it would be great, nothing has demonstrated that magnesium is transdermally absorbed into the blood stream through floating. You will still need to eat your leafy greens!
Will the salt get in my ears?
The salt water is not harmful. We provide you with earplugs if you desire; however, these are unnecessary but if you do use them, we recommend placing them in your ears before your shower for easier maneuvering. Regardless if you use earplugs, we also provide a vinegar solution to rinse the salt residue from your ears if needed.
How long/often should I float?
You can float everyday without harm; however, regular sessions of once or twice provide the most benefit. These benefits also typically last longer than one day and most claim that they have cumulative effects rather than having to “start over”, regardless of the time between floats.
Our sessions are 60 minutes, but you may end the session whenever you want by exiting the tank. Experienced floaters usually prefer longer floats, often hours at a time, for greater benefits.
Generally, people report that it takes around 30 minutes for their bodies to settle and their brains to enter “theta state”.
Bonus: if we don’t have a float scheduled after yours, we invite you to stay longer at no additional charge.
If I fall asleep, will I drown?
It is perfectly normal and common to fall asleep giving the extreme relaxing nature of the environment. It is projected that one hour of delta sleep acquired in the float tank is equivalent to 6 to 8 hours of very deep sleep.
However, to take advantage of your best experience, we recommend staying awake if possible.
Plus, the water is only 10 inches deep so you will not drown. Not to mention the Epsom salt to water concentration makes this solution denser than the Dead Sea – you will float effortlessly, regardless of your size or weight.
If you do happen to get salt in your eyes from arm movement, etc., we provide water bottles and towels to rinse your eyes and dry them off.
We provide neck pillows for those who desire additional support.
Can I float if I’m menstruating?
Yes. Just as you would prepare for a pool – please wear a tampon.
Can I float if I’m pregnant?
YES! Although it is a good idea to get your providers approval, pregnant women often get the greatest benefits from floating. Due to the toll of extra weight and demands on your body during pregnancy, the decompression and reduced negative pressure created by gravity, is very beneficial. It helps relieve joint and back pain, inflammation and stress on organs as well as the unborn baby.
What if I’m claustrophobic?
This is a natural concern. However, almost all people find that the space inside of the tank feels adequate, even limitless. With the absence of sensory inputs it is difficult to feel claustrophobic within a tank. In addition, you are in complete control of your entire experience. You can leave the door open, light on, and go in and out as necessary.
Are your tanks clean?
ABSOLUTELY! Epsom salt (1000lbs per tank) is a natural sterilizing agent -no living microorganism can survive in this environment. On top of this, the entire volume of the tank is pumped out and filtered three times between sessions. Our filtration and sterilization system also utilizes Ultra Violet light and hydrogen peroxide (maintained at a consistent level of 100ppm). Research shows that UV is the safest most effective system available. In addition, we require you shower prior to entering the tanks.
Can I float if I just dyed my hair?
We recommend that you check your hair in the shower at home to see if it runs clear. If there is still color running out you should wait a couple more days. Also, we can’t guarantee that the salt won’t strip some color from your hair but is unlikely if it wasn’t newly colored.
Can two people float together?
For your benefit we recommend that you float alone. Floating is about reducing external sensory inputs. Floating alone will give you the optimal experience around this. However, we have 4 float tanks so you can schedule group appointments to share the experience.
How long have float tanks been around?
Float tanks were invented in 1952 by neuroscientist John Lilly, an American physician, neuroscientist, psychoanalyst, psychonaut, philosopher, writer and inventor. Investigating the nature of human consciousness, Lilly sough to create an environment in which a person was removed not only from all sensory input, but also from the pull of gravity itself. The commercial float tank was developed by Lilly and Glenn Perry in 1972 and has been in continuous use ever since.
Is this like Altered States?
Yes, but you’re not submerged in water, you don’t eat ritualistic mushrooms, and only a small percentage of floaters turn into proto-human monkeys.
Can I bring a friend?
Absolutely. You can’t float together in the same tank, but you can book floats at the same time.