I’ve developed a bit of an interest in various alternative therapies – from well known options such as acupuncture and remedial massage, to the more obscure, like biofield tuning (which you can learn more about here).
And it seems I’m not alone! When I shared on social media recently that I was going for my first ever flotation therapy session as a birthday treat, it led to quite a few comments and questions.
So here’s the full story …
What is a Float Tank?
Also known as a sensory deprivation tank or an isolation tank, a float tank looks like a super-sized bath tub with a lid, and is filled to about 40cm high with salt water which is heated to skin temperature.
What was the appeal?
As it was my birthday I wanted to pamper myself! Initially I wanted to book a few hours at a day spa, but the prices were prohibitive. Seriously, I could have gone away for the weekend and had a few treatments – like a remedial massage down the Gold Coast – for much the same cost.
Although I’m lucky enough to have occasional back massages and facials, and have tried other beauty treatments like gel nails in my time, I was looking for something a bit different. I recently came across something called Biofield Tuning and that sounded intriguing; and I also thought about a hot stone massage, but then I remember hearing about a flotation tank in a suburb not far from me – and the price was very reasonable.
How much?
I paid $140 which covered a one hour relaxation massage followed by a one hour float.
But what if I can’t float?!
I love nothing better than to float on my back when in a pool or at the beach – I find it very relaxing – so I was confident I could float, but I do understand when some people say they find it difficult. The hubster for example complains that he cannot float no matter how he tried, but as I remind him, I have a couple of airbags which help keep my body bouyant 😉 .
If you’re like my hubby and usually struggle to float, you have nothing to fear. The water is extremely salty and you will float with ease.
How salty?
Try 350 kilograms of the stuff!
What did the float room look like?
Like most beauty treatment rooms it is very dimly lit, with gentle music playing. There was a salt lamp in one corner.
So what happens?
My therapist talked me through the process of the float and showed me into the therapy room. After my massage I had a shower to wash all the massage oil off.
I had a couple of cuts on my hands and body which I coated with the paw paw ointment supplied by the therapist, so they wouldn’t sting in the salt water.
Turns out I had a scratch on my tummy I hadn’t noticed (thanks Miss Fleur)… it burned when I first laid back in the tank but was okay after that.
I also chose to use ear plugs as I struggled with ear infections when I did aqua aerobics a couple of years ago; but it’s up to the individual.
Didn’t you feel claustrophobic?
I did wonder how I would go! The float tank had a lid so I could choose whether to pull it completely shut or not. There are a couple of small lights inside the tank which you can turn off – or back on – if you prefer.
Was it easy to relax?
It was a bit strange at first, I remember lying back and thinking, “Now what?!”
I could even hear my own heartbeat!
My therapist had advised that the best way to relax into your float is to focus on your breathing, which I did, and the quiet darkness of the tank, combined with the sensation of no gravity, soon worked their magic …
So did you go to sleep?!
Not quite, but I definitely entered that gentle twilight state where your mind quietens.
I never sleep on my back so perhaps that’s why. At one stage I really wanted to curl up on my side but that’s not a good idea in a float tank!
My therapist did tell me though that she often falls asleep during her floats. Apparently it takes about three sessions to really get the hang of it.
How did you know it was time to get out?
The quiet music comes on again about five minutes before the end of your session, to signal your time is nearly up.
Personally, I had a rather abrupt ending to my float. I was just starting to become aware that I was hungry, needed to go to the loo, and my nose was itchy so I gently I reached up to scratch my nose. Despite being careful, a drop of the salty water fell into my nasal passages and down into my throat – it BURNED! I started coughing and spluttering and sat up, and as luck would have it, the music started up again at that point so it was time to get out anyway.
I noticed a salty crust on my tummy when I got out, and had another shower to rinse off – oh, and my hair felt like straw so needed plenty of conditioner!
Okay confess: did you go nude or did you wear swimmers?
I took my swimmers but as the private bathroom had direct access to the float room, I saw no reason to put them on after my shower.
Did it have any positive effects?
That night I had the most blissful sleep I’d had in ages – like many middle aged women I struggle with switching my mind off when I go to bed.
I noticed my skin felt really soft for a couple of days after my float too.
According to my research, the benefits of float therapy include decreased stress, anxiety, blood pressure, joint pain and headaches, as well as improved magnesium levels, immunity, focus, motivation and creativity – but I really don’t have any way of gauging whether that’s been true in my case, especially after just one float.
Anything else you noticed?
Interestingly, my fingers didn’t get all wrinkly despite being in the water for an hour – yet a short swim later in the week left them shrivelled like prunes!
Would you do it again?
It’s too soon to say, but quite possibly.
How clean is it?
Okay now you’re getting a bit technical! There’s plenty of info on the net about that sort of thing, but here’s a helpful article on flotation tanks from the West Australian government.
So I’m curious – would going for a float, “float your boat”?!