When I tell people that I’m opening a floatation centre, a common response is to ask how a float is different to a bath and I can understand why. The concept of taking a hot bath (perhaps with some relaxing frills such as soothing music, low-level light and bath salts) is so engrained as the go-to relaxation tool that it is hard to think how being in a floatation tank could be any different. They are just big bathtubs, right?
Not so. A floatation tank is a very specialised piece of
equipment, which has been designed, set up and maintained according to specific
key parameters. These parameters are responsible for creating a wildly
different experience from that in the bathtub.
Below I list out the main differences and their effects to
explain why a floatation session may well soon become your NEW go-to relaxation
tool:
Unless you’re an astronaut, you won’t have
experienced the amazing feeling of physical relief brought on by the pure weightlessness in a floatation tank. It
would be worth it just for this experience.
Earplugs, soundproofed pod and soundproofed room mean
there are absolutely no audible distractions. Perfect for relaxation.
3. No Visual Distraction (unless you want it)
You control the lighting from inside the pod. You
can have a soothing light show or enjoy a totally non-visual experience of
darkness with the lid closed (definitely the best option!).
4. Water Is Maintained at Same Temperature as Skin
The effect of this is surprising. To slowly lose the
sense of the physical body is a unique and immensely relieving experience allowing you to connect fully with your mind. The sensation of the body is always present when taking a bath.
5. Enables Deeper Meditation and Contemplation
With no sight, sound, touch or weight in the pod, it
is so much easier to drift deeper within and achieve lower frequency brainwave
states for meditation, creative thinking and profound relaxation.
6. Euphoria and Increased Positivity Through Temporary DisconnectionA common effect of floating is to emerge more positive or even mildly euphoric due to the experience of pure mental and physical rest. This has been found in many independent studies and has a lasting effect after your float.
7. Enhances and Speeds Up Recovery from Injury
With no gravity acting on your joints and muscles,
all bodily resources can be spent on rest and repair rather than managing the
reaction of the central nervous system to external pressures.
8. Floatation Pod Is Significantly Larger Than A Bath
Floatation pods are a massive 8ft X 5ft. Who wouldn’t prefer to be able to spread out completely without touching the sides?!
9. Warm Air Circulates Throughout The Pod
The pod is designed so that there are minimal
differences between the water and the air to enhance the immersive experience.
No more cold knees or shoulders!
10. High Epsom
Salt Concentration
Even in a bath with bath salts, the concentration is
but a tiny fraction of the concentration in a floatation pod. This not only
helps with the buoyancy of the water but also means you can absorb more
Magnesium through the skin which is vital for lowering blood pressure and
regulating over 300 enzymes in the body. Epsom Salt is also highly beneficial for your skin and volumises hair.
There was actually more to get in here especially when you
consider the overall experience in a good floatation centre and not just the
session itself. Why not come down to Float Level in Manchester City Centre when we’re up and running and
see for yourself why this will be your new secret relaxation tool?
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