Floatation Therapy

What is floating?

Floating is a method of attaining the deepest rest that mankind has ever experienced. You spend 60 minutes or so lying quietly in the dark, in 10 inches of warm water which contains 800 lbs of Epsom salt; the water is so dense that you float effortlessly. Floating provides the opportunity for complete mental and physical relaxation.

Is there anything I should do to prepare?

In the 24 hours before you float, don’t shave or wax as the Epsom salt water may sting your skin if you have an abrasion. Don’t drink caffeinated beverages for several hours before you float, simply because it can make you a bit jittery. Eat a light meal about an hour to 90 minutes prior to your float to avoid the distraction of being hungry. That’s it, no other preparation is needed.

Do I need to bring anything?

Come as you are – we provide everything that you need, making it easy to float after the gym or before work etc. Towels, robes, earplugs, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, a hair dryer, are all provided. You may wish to bring a contact lense case, a brush & your personal beautifying products.

How many times do I need to float to feel results?

Many people experience significant benefits on their first float, however like any form of active wellness, consistent and repeated usage amplifies the results. We find that after your second or third float, you’ll be able to relax both physically and mentally and you’ll really start to feel how awesome floating can be.

What effects does floating in a floatation tank have on the mind?

When you float, you produce slower brain-wave patterns; known as theta waves, (normally experienced just before falling asleep or during deep meditation). This can be accompanied by vivid imagery, very clear, creative thoughts, sudden insights and inspirations. Your mind is free to explore thoughts without distraction, your brain pumps out dopamine and endorphins, the neurotransmitters of happiness. Because of these effects, floating is used effectively in the treatment of depression and addictions, including smoking and alcohol. It is also used in schools and universities as tools for Super Learning.

What if I’m claustrophobic?

You are always in control of your environment, you have the ability to open the door to the float tank at any time and leave a light on. While it may seem a bit strange at first, we find that if you give yourself a little time to relax and get used to it, you’ll feel very safe and comfortable. Many people with extreme claustrophobia have reported having no problems with their time in the tank.

How do you clean the tank?

At Mind Body Soul Float we go above and beyond the filtration standard. The water here is fully filtered 5 times between each float, passing through a 5 micron filter and a brominator. The standard is filtering 3 times in between floats with a 10 micron filter. The natural bacterial killing qualities of the Epson salt means that the water in the tank is cleaner than tap water. The cleanliness of the tank and that of our float center is of the utmost importance to us. We are governed by and follow Maryland Department of Health regulations.

What do I wear?

Nothing, floating is done in the nude. However it’s your float, so you can certainly wear a swim suit but most people don’t so that they aren’t bothered by the feeling of anything touching their skin.

Do I have to stay in for the whole time?

You are completely in control of your float experience. There aren't any locks on the tank door, and you can get out at anytime. The 60-minutes usually goes by way faster than you’d expect (the average customer says it felt like 30 minutes).

What if I can’t swim? Can I drown if I fall asleep in the float tank?

Floating doesn’t require any swimming skills what so ever and you can’t drown. There is only 10 inches of water in the tank, and due to the amount of Epsom salt, no matter your size or shape, you’ll float just like a cork. Some people fall asleep, but the water is so buoyant that you will stay afloat. The worst that can happen is getting woken up by a bit of salt water in your eyes.

Do people really sleep in these things?

Yes, because of the deep relaxation floating provides, a lot of people fall asleep when they float. 60 minutes of floating is equal to 4 hours of solid sleep. Many people who suffer from insomnia or jet lag get relief from floating.

What is Epsom salt & what are its benefits?

Epsom salt, is named for a bitter saline spring at Epsom in Surrey, England. It is not actually salt but a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way to enjoy the amazing health benefits. Magnesium plays a number of roles in the body including regulating the activity of over 325 enzymes, reducing inflammation, helping muscle and nerve function and helping to prevent artery hardening. Sulfates help improve the absorption of nutrients, flush toxins and help ease migraine headaches.

Can I float if I have my period?

Yes. Just follow the same protocol you would for a swimming pool or hot tub.

Can I float if I’m pregnant?

Absolutely, pregnant women love floating! It‘s a wonderful way to alleviate the weight of carrying a little human inside of you. If you have any concerns, or you are in your first or third trimester, please consult with your physician before coming in.

Will my skin wrinkle, will the salt hurt my skin?

No, the salt is very good for you and leaves your skin feeling soft and silky after your shower. If you have abrasions, scratches or other cuts, the salt can sting.

Do I get dehydrated from soaking for so long?

No, your skin doesn't even prune up. You do absorb a lot of magnesium from the Epsom salt and that’s super good for your body.

Is anyone not supposed to use the tank?

We don’t recommend tank use for epileptics whose epilepsy is not under medical control. Floating is not permitted for people under the influence of alcohol or drugs, those with infectious diseases or open skin wounds.