About Floating
Originally developed in the 1950’s as a way to study consciousness and brain activity, floating has become a respected health practice. With benefits ranging from pain relief and stress reduction to improved focus and mental clarity, it’s no surprise that floating has attracted the interest of athletes, artists, meditators, and military personnel alike.
How does floating work?
The therapeutic benefits of floating are derived from reducing sensory stimulus on the body and mind. Logistically, this environment is created under very specific conditions:
- A light- and sound-proof float cabin reduces sensory input and distraction, freeing the mind and nervous system to recalibrate and expand.
- Water is heated to sensory neutral temperature (95 degrees F), softening focus on the body’s boundaries as well as patterns of tension and pain.
- Water is concentrated with 900 pounds of Epsom salt to promote effortless buoyancy for any body weight and size. This zero-gravity environment relieves pressure on muscles and joints and gives the body space to unwind.
Benefits of Floating
The benefits of floating can’t be chalked up to run-of-the-mill relaxation. Deep, prolonged states of relaxation such as those achieved in floating actually cause chemical changes in the brain (namely endorphin and neurotransmitter production) that relieve pain, elevate mood, regulate hormone balance, and impact a wide range of physical and mental functions.
Scientists have been exploring the positive applications of sensory deprivation and zero-gravity environments for decades. Some of the striking benefits of floating they’ve found include:
- Reduced anxiety, blood pressure, and chronic pains like arthritis and migraine
- Relief from PTSD, depression, PMS, and post-partum depression
- Improved sleep from the release of tension, stress
“The cure for anything is salt water. Sweat, tears or the sea.”
-Isak Dinesen
“An hour in the tank and I’d come out relaxed, rested, my back feeling amazing, and in good shape to interact with normal, non-restaurant people. Interestingly, I found that for a day or two after floating, my experience of colors and flavors would be much more acute and intense. Reds were redder, blues brighter, and the taste of food more explosive. Lying in the tank, I’d feel like I was moving though space, my brain speaking to itself in an unfamiliar language.“
-Anthony Bourdain
“The sensory deprivation chamber has been the most important tool that I’ve ever used for developing my mind, for thinking, for evolving.“
-Joe Rogan
“Listening to whale songs while floating is…far out.“
-The Dude
“In a float cabin, you will find that what’s within you is infinitely bigger than the inside of any TARDIS.”
-The Doctor
“The path of the spiritual revolutionary is a long-term and gradual journey toward awakening. If you are looking for a quick fix or easy salvation, turn back now, plug back into the matrix, and enjoy your delusional existence. This is a path for rebels, malcontents, and truth seekers.”
-Noah Levine