Floating

Flotation  is a natural, peaceful way to heal and enhance the body and mind. It  consists of floating in a highly concentrated Epsom salt and water  solution in a sound and light free environment. The high salt  concentration allows you to float effortlessly and gives great relief to  your joints and muscles because of the reduced pressure of gravity and  healing properties of Epsom salt. The sound and light free environment  helps the mind completely relax. This combination of a tranquil  environment, relief from gravity, and Epsom salt provides the mind and  body with numerous physical and mental health benefits.
Our rooms are custom built by Float Lab Technologies,  the world's only NSF certified flotation chamber manufacturer. They  strive to provide the safest, most durable, and most hygienic chambers  possible.
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Feel Weightless

Relax your body, relax your mind.

  • pain relief

  • improved healing

  • joint relief

  • relief from discomfort during pregnancy

 
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Let it go

Let your senses relax.

  • stress relief

  • reduces blood pressure

  • relief from insomnia

  • relief from migraine or tension headaches

  • can help with PTSD

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Salt

Enjoy the benefits of high concentrations of Epsom Salt

  • relief from muscle and joint soreness

  • skin and hair benefits

  • detoxification

  • lowering of blood pressure

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you clean the float rooms?
Our rooms are kept safe and sterile by use of the best float chamber cleaning systems in the industry built by Float Lab Technologies

Float Lab Technologies is the world's only NSF certified flotation chamber manufacturer and strives to provide the safest and most hygienic chambers possible.

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“The standards are those we have found necessary for reliability of operation, for safety, and for maintenance of a hygienic environment. Low cost of operation and safety are favored over low initial investment; if a more expensive item meets our standards and decreases the cost of operation we use it rather than a less expensive item that may be less reliable, unsafe or costly to operate in the long run. A cheaper item may end up generating far more cost in terms of unreliable operation, redesign cost, time spent on its maintenance, anxiety over its unsafe operation, and its potentially unhealthful effects on persons using the tank.”

— John C. Lilly- The Deep Self

Who invented the first float tank?
John C. Lily.

How long have float tanks been around?
The first float tank was developed in 1954.  These involved full submersion in water and a breathing device that completely covered your face.  The first lay down, commercial tanks were invented in the early 70′s.

What if I am claustrophobic?
The thought of being in a dark space can be frightening to some. However, as with your eyes closed, total black does not create an enclosed, confined, limited or restricted feeling; it actually seems vast or unlimited. Our Chamber models are big enough to stand and walk around in. Remember, you are in complete control of your surroundings, so if need be, you can exit the Chamber at anytime.

Do I need to bring anything?
If you have longer hair, you may want to bring a comb.  Also, something to put your contact lenses into while you’re in the tank.  We provide towels, earplugs, body wash, and shampoo.

Do I get dehydrated from soaking for so long?
No.

Can I drown if I fall asleep in there?
No. Some people fall asleep, but the water is so buoyant that you stay afloat.  The worst that can happen is getting woken up by a bit of salt water in your eyes.

How big is a Chamber?
The dimensions of our Float Lab Chambers are 5′ Wide 8′ Long x 7′ High.

Does it have other names?
Yes: Sensory Deprivation Tank, Float Tank, Flotation Tank, and Isolation Chamber.

Is it hard to do?
No. In fact, the less you do the better. It may take a couple sessions to get the hang of it.

Do I shower before using the Chamber?
Yes. To extend the life of the filtration system, showering beforehand is extremely important. Using the shower afterwards is also suggested to remove the coating of Epsom salt that is left on the skin and hair.

What do I wear while floating?
You don’t wear anything while floating.

How long do sessions last?
One or more hours. You can get out at any time.

Should I eat before floating?
A heavy meal beforehand is not suggested, however you don’t want to hear your stomach growling. Also avoid caffeine before floating for it may interfere with your ability to relax.

Will I float? I don’t normally float in water.
Yes. It is impossible not to float in the tank. 1000 pounds of Epsom salts dissolved in the water make a buoyant solution much denser than water alone. So no matter your weight or height, you will float on your back without effort. As you lay back, the water will reach the temples; leaving your eyes, nose and mouth fully exposed.

Can you fall asleep in the tank?
Yes. Many people safely fall asleep in the tank as a result of being so relaxed. Even those who say they never sleep on their backs in bed, do so very easily in the tank. People may think it is unsafe due to the fear of rolling over. If this were ever to happen, the salinity of the water would irritate the eyes and nose- immediately waking the floater.

Can two people float in one tank at the same time?
No. Floating is intended to be a private, individual experience.

Will I have Epsom Salt stuck in my ears?
No. Earplugs are provided to enhance your floating experience. We recommended rinsing your ears out with water after each session.

Is the salt dangerous to your eyes?
No, but it can be a little uncomfortable. Before entering the Chamber, make sure to dry your face off, push your hair back and keep your hands away from your eyes.

Is anyone unable to use the tank?
People with infectious diseases and those who are epileptic (not on controlling medication for the condition) should avoid using the tank.

Can I float if I’m menstruating?
Yes.  Just follow the same protocol you would for a swimming pool.

Can pregnant women float?
Yes. Pregnant women probably get more relief from floating than most people. The extra weight carried by the mother-to-be can be very stressful due to the forces of gravity. Floating eliminates the negative effects of gravity, which causes joint pain, inflammation and stress on the organs as well as the unborn baby.

Pregnant women have also reported a reduction of erratic movements of the baby inside the womb. This is due to a phenomenon call “mirror effect.” The baby is safe and secure inside the womb and the mother shares a similar experience in the isolation tank. Women report a stronger connection with their baby when exposed to this environment.

Is there an age limit to float?
If you are under 18 years old, you will need your parent’s permission. If you are over 100, you will need your child’s permission.

 Research

 Addiction and Substance Abuse

J.A. Best, (1977). Satiation and sensory deprivation combined in smoking therapy: Some case studies and unexpected side-effects.

Barabasz M., Barabasz A. & Dyer R.Chamber, (1993). REST Reduces Alcohol Consumption: 3,6, 12 and 24 Hour Sessions.

Adams, H. B., (1990). Arousability and the Nature of Alcohol and Substance Abuse.

Adams, H. B., Cooper, G. D., & Scott, J. C., (1987). REST and reduced alcohol consumption.

 

Autism

Harrison J. & Barabasz A., (1993). REST as a Treatment for Children with Autism.

 

Eating Disorders and Weight Management

Barabasz M. & Barabasz A., (1993). REST: A Key Facilitator in the Treatment of Eating Disorders.

Dyer R., Barabasz A. & Barabasz M., (1993). Twenty-Four Hours of Chamber REST Produces Specific Food Aversions in Obese Females.

 

Heart Health And Stress

Hu Pei-Cheng, Wang RR, Shang ZH, (2000). Flotation therapy in treatment of patients with primary hypertension.

Suedfeld, P., Roy, C., Landon, P.B.Restricted Enviornmental Stimulation Therapy in the treatment of Essential Hypertension.

Jean L. Kristeller, Gary E. Schwartz, Henry Black. The Use of Restricted Environmental Stimulation
Therapy (REST) in the Treatment of Essential Hypertension: two case studies.

Van Dierendonck, D., Nijenhuis, J.T., (2004). Flotation restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST) as a stress-management tool: A meta-analysis.

Takashi Kihara, MD, Sadatoshi Biro, MD, Masakazu Imamura, MD, Shiro Yoshifuku, MD, Kunitsugu Takasaki, MD, Yoshiyuki Ikeda, MD, Yutaka Otuji, MD, Shinichi Minagoe, MD, Yoshifumi Toyama, MD, Chuwa Tei, MD, (2002). Repeated sauna treatment improves vascular endothelial and cardiac function in patients with chronic heart failure.

Mitsuo Sobajima, Takashi Nozawa, Hiroyuki Ihori, Takuya Shida, Takashi Ohori, Takayuki Suzuki, Akira Matsuki, Satoshi Yasumura, Hiroshi Inoue, (2013). Repeated sauna therapy improves myocardial perfusion in patients with chronically occluded coronary artery-related ischemia.

 

Mental Performance

Jacobs, T.The effect of the floatation version of restricted environmental stimulation technique (REST) on Jazz Improvisation.

Levin, J and Brody, N., (1974). Information-deprivation and creativity.

Forgays, Donald G., Forgays, Deborah K. Creativity Enhancement Through Floatation Isolation.

Taylor T., Enhancement of Scientific Creativity by Floatation REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy).

 

Objective Look At The Flotation Industry

Kristoffer Jonsson and Anette Kjellgren, (2014). Curing the sick and creating supermen – How relaxation in flotation tanks is advertised on the Internet.

 

Pain Management

Åsenlöf, K., Olsson, S., Bood, S. Å., & Norlander, T. Case studies on fibromyalgia and burn-out depression using psychotherapy in combination with flotation-REST: Personality development and increased well-being.

Fibromyalgia Flotation Project

The Effects of Flotation REST on the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Gilbert M. Koula, John C. Kemp, Keith M. Keane, Allan D. Belden, (1990). Replication of a Clinical Outcome Study on a Hospital-Based Stress Management and Behavioral Medicine Program Utilizing Flotation REST and Biofeedback.

Bood, S. Å., (2007). Bending and mending the neurosignature. Frameworks of influence by flotation-REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique) upon wellbeing in patients with stress related ailments.

Landström, A., Bood, S.Å., Kjellgren, A., & Norlander, T., (2007). Treating stress related pain in a clinical sample with flotation-REST:A further report on improvementson pain assessed by the Pain Area Inventory (PAI).

Bood, S. Å., Sundequist, U., Kjellgren, A., Nordström, G., & Norlander, T., (2005). Effects of flotation-REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique) on stress related muscle pain: What makes the difference in therapy, attention-placebo, or the relaxation response?

Fine, Thomas; Turner, John Jr. (2005). Rest-assisted Relaxation and Chronic Pain.

Mereday C., Lehman C. & Borrie R.Flotation For The Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Kjellgren, Anette; Sundequist, Ulf; Norlander, Torsten; Archer, Trevor, (2001). Effects of flotation-REST on muscle tension pain.

Goldstein D.D. & Jessen W.E., (1990). Flotation Effect on Premenstrual Syndrome.

 

PTSD

Anette Kjellgren, Hanna Edebol, Tommy Nordén, Torsten Norlander, (2013). Quality of Life with Flotation Therapy for a Person Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, Atypical Autism, PTSD, Anxiety and Depression.

Float Therapy Helping Veterans News Article, (2014).

Clinical Psychologist David Manfield Discusses Float Therapy and PTSD.

 

Physical Performance

Patrick Mcaleney, Arreed Barabasz, and Marianne Barabasz,  (1990). Perceptual and Motor Skills, 71:3 , 1023-1028 Effects Of Flotation Restricted Environmental Stimulation On Intercollegiate Tennis Performance.

Morgan PM, Salacinski AJ, Stults-Kolehmainen MA, (2013). The acute effects of flotation restricted environmental stimulation technique on recovery from maximal eccentric exercise.

 

Well Being

Ruzyla-Smith P. & Barabasz A., (1993). Effects of Flotation REST on the Immune Response: T-Cells, B-Cells, Helper and Suppressor Cells.

Van Dierendonck, Dirk; Nijenhuis, Jan Te, (2005). Flotation restricted environmental stimulation therapy
(REST) as a stress-management tool: A meta-analysis.

Kjellgren, Anette, (2008). The Experience of flotation-REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique): Consciousness, Creativity, Subjective Stress and Pain.

Rand Walker, W. Freeman, R.F., Christensen, D.K., (1994). Restricting Environmental Stimulation (REST) to enhance cognitive behavioral treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder with schizotypal personality disorder.

Bood, S. Å., Sundequist, U., Norlander, T., Nordström, L., Nordenström, K., Kjellgren, A., et al, (2006). Eliciting the relaxation response with help of flotation-REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique) in patients with stress related ailments.

Crinnion WJ, (2011). Sauna as a valuable clinical tool for cardiovascular, autoimmune, toxicant- induced and other chronic health problems.

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