Introduction
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to float in a warm, dark, and silent pod or room, free from all the stress and worries of the world? If so, you might want to try floatation therapy, a unique and relaxing practice that can help you achieve a state of deep calm and well-being.
Floatation therapy, also known as sensory deprivation or restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST), involves lying in a water-filled tank that is saturated with Epsom salt, which makes you float effortlessly. The water and air are heated to match your body temperature, and the tank is designed to block out any external stimuli, such as light, sound, or touch. This way, you can experience a sense of weightlessness and detachment from your surroundings, allowing your mind and body to relax and heal.
Floatation therapy has many benefits for stress relief, such as lowering your cortisol levels, improving your sleep quality, reducing your anxiety and depression, and increasing your well-being. It can also help you with physical pain, inflammation, blood pressure, heart rate, and immune system. Some people even report having creative insights or spiritual experiences while floating.
If you are curious about floatation therapy and want to learn more about how it works, what to expect, and how to integrate it into your daily life, then keep reading this comprehensive guide. You will discover how floating can help you cope with stress and improve your health and happiness.
How to Prepare for a Float Session - Guide to Floatation Therapy.
Before you book your first float session, there are some things you need to do to prepare yourself for the best possible experience. Here are some practical tips on how to get ready for floating:
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine before floating. These substances can interfere with your relaxation and make you feel jittery or restless.
Eat a light meal or snack an hour or two before floating. You don’t want to be hungry or too full while floating, as this can distract you from the experience.
Shower and rinse off any products from your hair and skin. You will be provided with shampoo, conditioner, soap, and towels at our centre. Make sure you wash off any makeup, lotion, perfume, or hair products before entering the tank, as they can contaminate the water or irritate your skin.
Wear earplugs and use a neck pillow if needed. You will also be given earplugs and a neck pillow here. The earplugs will help you block out any residual noise and prevent the salt water from getting into your ears. The neck pillow will support your head and neck if you feel any tension or discomfort while floating.
Relax and breathe deeply. Once you are in the Pod or Float Room, try to find a comfortable position and let go of any tension in your muscles. Focus on your breathing and notice how it slows down and becomes deeper as you relax. You can also use some relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery, to help you calm your mind.
What to Expect During the Experience
Floating in a sensory deprivation tank/Isolation tank can be a unique and profound experience that varies from person to person. Some people may feel bored or anxious at first, while others may feel blissful or euphoric right away. Some people may fall asleep or lose track of time, while others may remain alert or have vivid thoughts or visions. There is no right or wrong way to experience floatation therapy; it depends on your individual preferences, expectations, mood, and state of mind.
However, there are some common aspects that most people report feeling during their float sessions:
The sensation of weightlessness and buoyancy. As you float in the water, you will feel like you are defying gravity and being supported by an invisible force. This can relieve any pressure or pain in your joints, muscles, bones, or spine. You may also feel like you are floating in space or merging with the water.
The feeling of being in a safe and peaceful environment. As you detach from the external world, you will enter a state of deep relaxation and tranquility. You will feel like you are in a cocoon or a womb that protects you from any harm or stress. You may also feel more connected to yourself or to something greater than yourself.
The possibility of entering a theta brainwave state, which is associated with creativity and problem-solving. As you relax more deeply, your brainwaves will slow down from the normal waking state (beta) to the relaxed state (alpha) and then to the meditative state (theta). Theta is the state where you can access your subconscious mind, intuition, and imagination. You may have insights, ideas, or solutions that you wouldn’t normally have in your conscious mind.
The potential challenges of letting go of thoughts and distractions. As you float in silence and darkness, you may notice that your mind becomes more active and noisy. You may have random thoughts, memories, emotions, or worries that pop up and demand your attention. You may also feel restless, bored, or uncomfortable at times. These are normal reactions to sensory reduction and can be overcome with some patience and practice.
How to Integrate the Relaxation Techniques into Daily Life
Floatation therapy can have lasting effects on your daily life, especially if you do it regularly. Floating can help you improve your mood, energy, focus, performance, and well-being in various ways. Here are some examples of how floatation therapy can benefit your daily life:
Enhancing mood and energy levels. Floating can boost your endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine levels, which are the neurotransmitters that regulate your mood and motivation. Floating can also lower your cortisol levels, which are the hormones that cause stress and fatigue. As a result, you will feel happier, calmer, and more energised after floating.
Boosting immune system and reducing inflammation. Floating can stimulate your lymphatic system, which is responsible for fighting infections and removing toxins from your body. Floating can also reduce inflammation, which is linked to many chronic diseases and pain conditions. As a result, you will have a stronger immune system and a healthier body after floating.
Promoting mental clarity and focus. Floating can enhance your cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, concentration, and learning. Floating can also improve your mental flexibility and creativity by allowing you to access different modes of thinking and problem-solving. As a result, you will have a sharper mind and a more productive work after floating.
Improving physical performance and recovery. Floating can improve your blood circulation and oxygen delivery to your muscles and organs. Floating can also relax your muscles and joints and speed up your recovery from injuries or workouts. As a result, you will have a better physical performance and a faster healing process after floating.
Developing mindfulness and self-awareness. Floating can help you cultivate mindfulness, which is the ability to be present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surroundings without judgment or reaction. Floating can also help you develop self-awareness, which is the ability to understand yourself better and recognize your strengths, weaknesses, needs, and goals. As a result, you will have a more balanced and fulfilling life after floating.
To maintain the benefits of floatation therapy, you need to practice some habits that can help you sustain your relaxation and well-being in your daily life. Here are some suggestions on how to do that:
Scheduling regular float sessions. The more you float, the more you will experience the positive effects of floatation therapy. Ideally, you should float at least once a month or more frequently if possible. You can also experiment with different durations, frequencies, or settings of your float sessions to find what works best for you.
Practicing meditation or yoga. Meditation and yoga are complementary practices to floatation therapy that can help you enhance your relaxation, mindfulness, and self-awareness skills. You can practice meditation or yoga before or after your float sessions or on any other day when you need some stress relief or mental clarity.
Using aromatherapy or massage. Aromatherapy and massage are other ways to relax your mind and body by using natural oils or touch to stimulate your senses and soothe your muscles. You can use aromatherapy or massage before or after your float sessions or on any other day when you need some pampering or comfort.
Journaling or expressing gratitude. Journaling and expressing gratitude are powerful tools to improve your mood and well-being by writing down your thoughts, feelings, experiences, or achievements. You can journal or express gratitude before or after your float sessions or on any other day when you need some reflection or appreciation.
Seeking social support or professional help if needed. Sometimes, floating alone is not enough to cope with stress or emotional issues that may affect your life. In that case, you may need to seek social support from your friends, family, or community members who can listen to you and offer you advice or assistance. You may also need to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor who can provide you with more specialised guidance or treatment.
