All about Float Therapy
Ever thought it would be nice to hide away from the world for a while? In your own private space bubble, which is warm and comfy? Well that is essentially what you do in a floatation tank. And with a mountain of studies demonstrating the benefits of floatation for both the body and the mind, it was a logical fit in our ongoing quest to be one of Victoria’s best yoga retreats (yes, there are several awesome retreats in Victoria, we’re all different and will work for different people. So we will never say that we are Victoria’s best Yoga retreat or Victoria’s best Wellness Retreat - but we keep striving to be one of them.)
What is a floatation pod?
Stripped back to it’s rawest form, a floatation pod is a large bath tub filled with warm (not hot) water and a huge amount of epsom salts which are high in magnesium. The pod can be left open or fully enclosed to create a variety of experiences including:
Warm magnesium soak & float: The magnesium salt absorbs into your skin to relax muscles and reduce inflammation. In addition, high salt levels increase your bodies natural buoyancy, meaning you float on the surface of the water with no effort required. It is like the ultimate water bed, that conforms to your bodies shape and supports you in all the right places so that you feel truly weightless. This can be experienced with the pod door open and lights on for people who are sensitive to the dark or enclosed spaces. Relaxing music or a guided meditation can also be provided to help you find comfort in your float therapy.
Full sensory rest: Ideally, you can be completely enclosed in the pod with the ‘door’ closed and in total darkness and silence. This is what is referred to as sensory deprivation - where we allow all the sensory nerves (eyes, ears, temperature and pressure) to switch off at the same time as your muscles. There is a small internal light which can be turned on to help get you in and out of the pod without overwhelming your eyeballs or if you prefer to not experience full darkness.
Boring but relevant to know, floatation pods have filtration systems that sanitise and filter the tank water between each use and heaters that keep the water at a constant temperature throughout the duration of your float.
What are the benefits of floatation therapy?
Research shows that float therapy may offer a variety of health benefits which include:
Release of muscle tension and muscle pain
Reductions in stress and anxiety levels
Relief from headaches
Enhanced sense of wellness & relaxation
Reductions in blood pressure and heart rate
Better sleep quality
Several studies have reported that people with anxiety, stress and sleep related disorders experienced significant reductions in their levels of stress, pain, muscle tension, and anxiety after a single float session. They also reported significant increases in feelings of relaxation and overall well-being.
What should I expect in my first float therapy session?
It’s natural to feel a little apprehensive before your first float - so here’s the most important part: there is no gold medal or ‘right way’ to float. You are allowed to make the experience what you need it to be. Especially that first time.
But on top of that important tit bit, it can help to have a run down of what to do, where and expect:
Shower both your body & hair immediately before you float to remove oils, product & residue (skin/ hair products and recent hair dye are the enemies of floatation tanks and can cause permanent damage). On our retreats, you can do this in your own private bathroom in preparation for your float time. Then pop on your bathers/towel/robe/tracksuit and make your way to the ‘Float Room’.
The Float Room - It’s cozy, warm (~27 degrees) and privately located so people aren’t walking past. There is a toilet in case you urgently need to go, a clothing rack and a large step to help you into the tank. You lock the door from the inside. You may choose to have the block out blind down to remove all day light, or the privacy curtain which allows natural light in the room
What to wear? You can float naked or in your swimmers. Whatever helps you feel most comfortable. There are optional ear plugs if you would prefer not to get water in your ears. Your hair will get wet. Please tie up long hair, remove watches, contact lenses and all jewellery if you are concerned about exposure to high salt levels. Open cuts, scratches and irritations (including shaving abrasions) may sting in the first few minutes of your float, you have the option to cover with vaseline or provided resin ointment. If you have dyed your hair in the past 48 hours, please advise and a swimming cap will be provided to protect both your hair colour and the floatation pod)
Start the timer, optional music/ or guided meditation: There is an Ipad and instructions on how to choose your float options next to the clothing rack.
Getting in the pod: Once you are prepared, slide the floatation pod entry door back using the handle and climb into the pod. The water will feel comfortably warm (not hot) and be approx knee deep. Find the optional head rest, internal light switch and choose whether you will close the lid, or float with the lid partially or fully open before lying back in the pod (it’s most comfortable to use neck support at first until you get used to not having to hold your weight up).
‘Nesting’: Especially on your first float, you will take time to relax into the buoyancy and get comfortable. You might change your mind multiple times about whether to have the door open/closed, light on/off, head rest in/out, hands by sides or behind your head. That is totally normal! Just FYI, sometimes the front of your body will feel cold at first (especially if you have the door open) as the air temperature (27 degrees) is usually cooler than the water temp (34-36 degrees). It’s not actually cold! You’re body is just sensing the difference between the two. If it continues to bother you, try lying on your right side using the head support as more of your body will be submerged, or close the lid (with option to keep the light on).
Normal things that might happen: You may feel slightly disoriented or dizzy at first if in the dark - you can orient yourself with your arms against the side of the pod or turn the light on if needed. You might find your thoughts racing instead of slowing - that is ok! Let your mind wander and try not to judge where it goes. You might also focus your thoughts on your breathing, trying to slow down the inhale and the exhale. You might fall asleep - this is also ok! you will be gently awoken by music at the end of your float.
What not to do: Don’t rub your eyes with wet fingers. It will sting a lot. If this happens, it’s often worth finding a towel and wiping your eyes rather than suffering through. Better yet, don’t do it. Also don’t get water in your mouth. Epsom salts taste very bitter.
How will you know when your time is done? Either your guided meditation or period of silence will end with gentle relaxation music to guide you back to wakefullness. Once this music begins, we ask that you squeeze out your hair and exit the pod within 5 minutes.
After your float: Dry yourself and pop on your towel/ robe/ trackies. Press the rest button to sanitise & filter the pod for the next user. Please leave the floatation room need and tidy as you found it - running the spray mop over any excess water on the floor before you leave. Try to drink some water to rehydrate after your float.
Remove Float Salt: You will need to jump in the pool / spa or your shower immediately after your float to remove residual epsom salts from your skin and hair. If not, your hair & skin will dry with a scratchy, sand like texture that will come off in your clothes and bedding feeling quite uncomfortable. There is no advantage to keeping this on your body for an extended period of time.
