Trying Something New: Flotation Tanks
I have been curious about flotation tanks (aka sensory deprivation tanks or isolation tanks) for years. I learned that they were accessible to the average Joe when I was in college, however I’ve always been deterred by the sticker price of the experience.
What Is a flotation tank?
For those of you that are unfamiliar with flotation tanks, think Stranger Things and the tank that 11 floats in to connect to the Upside Down.
It is basically a chamber or tub that is filled with around 10 inches of water and a ridiculous amount of Epsom salt. We’re talking like 1100 lbs of Epsom salt (give or take depending on the business you visit). This causes the water to be incredibly dense and your body can’t help but float.
The water and the air in the camber are kept at 93.5 degrees Fahrenheit which is a neutral point for human skin. This means that after you relax, in theory you eventually forget where your body ends and the space around you begins. You might be thinking “yeah ok, but I can obviously see where my body is.”
Nope. Lights out. Pitch black. Sound proof. Hello sensory deprivation.
When done properly the only thing you will hear is the sound of your heart beat and breath as you float into the great abyss with your thoughts.
Going for It
I figured now would be as good a time as any to have an internal awaking to the purpose of my life. Not to mention I’ve always had an interest in space and seeing how we couldn’t afford space camp when I was a kid, this was probably my best chance at pretending I was an astronaut in near zero gravity. I started doing a bit of research and found a location that was having a sale for first timers and talked my husband Mike into going with me.
Upon arrival I had expected to be walking into a new age, hippy dippy spot with Buddhas all over the place and the smell of essential oils wafting in the air. Ya Know, because in my head that is what happens when you walk into a place looking for internal enlightenment.
While we were greeted with a long hallway lit with dim colorful lights, the space was actually pretty neutral on the spiritual decor.
Time to float
After a fun chat with the owner and a tour of the facility, Mike and I were each lead to our separate float rooms and given directions. While I have seen images of pod like float tanks, the folks at PuREST Flotation in Trumbull, CT have built out very stylish, clean float rooms that eliminated any concerns of claustrophobia for me.
After putting in the water ear plugs and rinsing off in the shower it was time to hop in the tank. The water was not nearly as warm as I had expected, though considering it was body temperature it was not uncomfortable. I instantly noticed the buoyancy of my body which took a bit of getting used to. Once I was situated I pressed the light switch off and drifted into the experience.
An hour came and went much faster than I had expected. I found that my mind had been so busy trying to figure out how I felt through the whole thing, that I never truly relaxed. Mike on the other hand fell asleep, proving he can literally sleep anywhere.
Back to reality
When it was time to wrap up, the lights came back on in the chamber and music started playing in the tank. A Lesson I learned the hard way- be super careful when you sit up, because news flash….you’ve been floating in salty water and it doesn’t feel awesome when it runs into your eyes!
Thankfully there was a spray bottle with clean water in the tank so a quick spray to the face and I was ready to shower off and link back up with Mike.
Following our float we were able to kick back a bit and chat some more with the owner in their awesome lounge. You can enjoy a cup of tea, read or just look out the windows that span the full length of the room.
Overall I thought this was a pretty cool experience and would really like to give it a shot at least one more time to see if I hit that state of total relaxation.
Have you tired float therapy before? Share your thoughts in the comments below!