Float therapy, also known as isolation or sensory deprivation therapy, involves floating in a large, salt-water-filled bathtub. It is best for individuals seeking stress relief, pain alleviation, or enhanced creativity, but may not be as effective for those accustomed to other meditation forms. The practice offers a unique way to tune out distractions and achieve deep relaxation.
- Stress relief
- Muscular pain
- Rheumatism
- Chronic pain
- Fatigue Fertility
- High blood pressure
- Migraine headache
- Jet lag
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Back pain
- Depression
- Pre-menstrual tension
- Post-natal depression
- Problem solving
- Creativity
- Increase energy
- Increased feelings of well being
I didn’t feel clausterphobic in the float room because the ceiling was high enough at my head. It slopes lower towards my feet but I didn’t find that to be a problem.
I booked an hour and a half float session becuase with meditation it takes a while for me to properly relax and I wanted to make sure that I had adequate time to adjust given the new environment. These rooms have a button where you can have a soft light on or push it again for total darkness. I played around with both but ultimately found the darkness to be preferable and less distracting.
This float chamber also has a neck support which you can use to help stabilize your head. I don’t think it’s necessary but I ended up using it for most of my session to fell a little more secure and to ensure water didn’t get in my ears.
Inside the chamber there is also a dial which can be used to play quiet, relaxing music. I tried that out for a bit and found it enjoyable since it was so faint it wasn’t really distracting.
It took me about 20 minutes to fully relaxing during my session. I think that’s because I was just enjoying the experience of floating and total relaxation. For an hour and a half session, this went faster than I expected. There’s no need to worry about over staying your welcome either. The light outside the chamber will turn on to alert you that your session is over.
After your session you can rinse off with a shower with soap and shampoo included:
I really enjoyed my float therapy session. Since I did it in early March in Minnesota, it was kind of a hassle to get undressed, shower then get dressed again and go off into the cold. However, the warm float tank really took the chill off and took me away from the winter doldrums.
While I found the float therapy session to be relaxing, I didn’t have as productive a meditation session as I normally have in my Sol Tec Lounge. It could be that I am used to my form of meditation over this one. Using the Lounge in my house is much more convenient as well.
I highly recommend trying float therapy. I think many people will benefit from just being able to tune out the world and all its distractions for an hour. While I didn’t fall asleep during float therapy, I slept very well the night I did my session.
Frequently Asked Questions About Float Therapy
What is float therapy?
Float therapy, also known as isolation or sensory deprivation therapy, involves floating in a large, saltwater-filled tub designed to reduce external sensory input. This practice is considered a form of meditation, where the Epsom salt in the water allows for effortless buoyancy.
What are the claimed benefits of float therapy?
Float therapy is claimed to alleviate a range of symptoms including stress, muscular pain, chronic pain, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, and migraines. It also promotes creativity, problem-solving, increased energy, and enhanced feelings of well-being. The article notes the experience as both relaxing and conducive to deep meditation.
Is float therapy good for relaxation and mental well-being?
Yes, float therapy is presented as an effective method for relaxation and meditation, with some users reporting it took around 20 minutes to fully relax in the sensory-deprived environment. The writer found the darkness during a 90-minute session to be preferable and less distracting for achieving a meditative state.
How does float therapy compare to other relaxation methods?
The article contrasts float therapy with the Sol Tec Lounge, which uses layered music and vibrations to maintain presence, whereas float therapy aims for sensory deprivation. While the float tank can play quiet, relaxing music, the author found total darkness to be more effective for achieving a deeply relaxed state comparable to meditation.
Are there any downsides or discomforts to float therapy?
The author did not experience claustrophobia due to the high ceiling of the float room, noting the temperature was body-neutral to prevent discomfort. One minor inconvenience noted was the hassle of getting dressed and undressed in cold weather after a session. To ensure full relaxation, the author booked a longer 90-minute session.
Where can I try float therapy in San Diego?
The article describes a personal experience with float therapy at the Float Foundation in Minneapolis, but it does not mention specific locations in San Diego. For those in the San Diego area interested in relaxation and wellness, Yawnder, a local mattress retailer, offers an Encinitas showroom with products that can enhance home comfort and sleep quality.
Want to test this in person? Visit our Encinitas showroom or call 858-232-5760.