| Imagine you are relaxing in a dark, warm room with external noises and no one to distract your rest. Now imagine you are floating in body temperature water, your body is weightless, and you feel no discomfort or pressure and your mind is totally free to wander wherever it will with nothing and no one to interfere or make demands on your attention. |
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That’s the experience you enjoy in a floatation tank or room, designed to totally relax your body and mind.
Prior to a float session, you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire about your health and be told some of the things to expect and you choose the music you would like to listen to. Before you float, you must shower and wash your hair and you are recommended to put Vaseline over any cuts or abrasions which may sting in the salt water. Ear plugs are also provided.
The water in the tank contains a high level of Epsom Salts - think Dead Sea without other people! - which allows anyone no matter what their weight to float effortlessly. The water is filtered between each session and is about ten inches deep.
When you enter the tank, a light lets you get your bearings and relaxing music is played for the first ten minutes to help you wind down. As soon as you feel comfortable, you turn off the light and lie back and enjoy the experience. The music comes on again at the end of the session which lasts one hour.
Benefits
Research has shown that floating reduces blood pressure and heart rate and lowers levels of stress-related chemicals in the body.
In a gravity-free environment people find relief from sports injuries and aches and pains - floating is recommended by National Back Pain Association.
Many people use floatation as an aid to improve their concentration and creativity. During your session you may experience a variety of feelings. Don’t worry if all you feel is bored, afterwards you will feel amazingly relaxed and refreshed. I can testify to that!
Some people - and I am one of them - find it difficult to relax the neck. You can use a little neck pillow but you are advised, if you can, to do without it. I overcame this by having my arms floating above my head.
The advantages of this type of relaxation are:
Prices
Floating costs £40 per session (+ £1 for a towel) but there are various packages and gift vouchers available. For maximum benefit three sessions are recommended.
I went to The Floatworks Ltd, I Thrale Street SE1 9HW 020 7357 0111, www.floatworks.com
For details of a centre near you visit www.floatationtankassociation.net/