Feature

It’s not the newest, shiniest button in the box, but flotation is definitely creating quite a market for itself on the UK holistic scene. Alongside tanks in therapy salons and spas, you can now also find dedicated ‘float’ centres both in the capital and further a field.

The whole idea of flotation is that you enter a zone of sense deprivation (in a good way), where the body is suspended, the vision blocked by darkness and the audio turned off by silence. So long as you are ok with dark, small, wet spaces, this allows you to enter a deep meditative state.

The new market of flotation has also bred a new design in tank, known as a pod. With an automated lid that opens and closes quietly and smoothly, flashing LED lights and speakers, it’s a really high-tech experience, though possibly a little reminiscent of ‘The Matrix’…

The flotation tanks are filled, calf-deep, with warm saline water that is heated to approximately body temperature, so that when you lie back in it you are suspended by the salt content. The heat of the water mirrors that of your body, meaning that you almost become unaware of the water itself and feel like you are floating in space.

When you lie back in the tank, your ears should be underwater with the water line around your brow, temples and chin. The sensation of having your ears under water amplifies your body’s internal mechanisms, meaning that it’s easier to tune into the sound of your own breath – this really adds to your sense of relaxation and focus.

The float usually lasts for about twenty minutes to half an hour and if you are able to fully relax, this whizzes past amazingly quickly. To wake up, the new state-of-the-art tanks will gradually introduce some gentle music (usually of your choice) and light to ease you back into consciousness.

This intense and high quality period of relaxation offers a great state of calm, all of your muscles have been able to loosen whilst being supported, meaning that you feel as though you’ve had a great massage, but alongside feeling relaxed, you also feel fresh, alert and revived.

Here are a few tips to follow to ensure a good float session:

Always shower before and after your session.

Make sure that you’re not hungry as these pangs can become all consuming once you’ve removed all other stimuli.

Cover any cuts or grazes with a layer of Vaseline (or similar), this prevents them getting covered in salt water and stinging throughout your float.

Ensure that you are provided with earplugs, this stops your ears filling with the salty water, which can be uncomfortable at the time and also cause you earache in the long term.

If you’re not sure about being in total darkness, most tanks have dimmer lights that can be set to your desired level.

The most important thing to remember is that you must be comfortable to relax fully!

For more information: www.floatationtankassociation.net

Image copywrite: The Floatation Tank Association