How long does it take?... The float room is booked for a period of seventy-five minutes. This allows for a float session of approximately one hour. The remaining fifteen minutes will allow sufficient time for the client to use the shower facilities both before and after the float session.
How do I stay afloat?... It is impossible to sink in a float tank. The tank solution is ten times more buoyant than seawater. The salt content (22%) is precisely calculated to support your body fully and evenly.
Will Epsom salts affect my skin?... The Epsom salt solution is very beneficial to the skin. The high concentration of salt prevents the skin from wrinkling during a float, as well as keeping you buoyant. It results in the skin feeling soft and supple.
Will I Benefit From One Float Session?... You will definitely benefit from your initial float. You will almost certainly feel more relaxed with a feeling of well being. However, it has been proven that regular floating significantly increases the benefits to the body and mind. It is recommended that you float once every three to four weeks in order to maintain and improve the many benefits of the therapy.
Can floating really improve my life?... In this age of the "quick fix", it's been said that if someone could capture the effects of floating in a pill, it would quickly outsell Valium, Prozac and Viagra put together. There is a growing movement towards natural solutions to the problems of daily life, solutions with no unwanted side-effects. The benefits of floating are natural, long-term and cumulative. Every time you float, you reinforce the health benefits of the Relaxation Response. In the tank, your body "learns" what true relaxation feels like, a skill it will never forget.
Is there any proof that floatation actually works?... There are over one hundred universities and medical research facilities, several dozen sports science units, and at least two national sports institutes working with floatation REST. The effects of floating have been scientifically researched and documented since the first tank was built - as a research tool - over forty years ago. Floatation REST even played a part in NASA astronaut training programs. Detailed information on REST research can be obtained from IRIS (International REST Investigators Society) in the USA.
What do I do while I'm floating?... You don't have to "do" anything! Floatation is usually a passive experience. Within ten to twenty minutes you are on the edge of sleep, in a dreamy but conscious state where time doesn't seem to exist. Most people just lay back and enjoy it. However, if you want, you can actively "direct" the experience. You can use the tranquillity to focus on creative solutions to aspects of your everyday life, mentally prepare for an important meeting or exam, or pray, meditate, do breathing exercises. You can even take this one step further, by running audio or video based training programs in the tank. Suitable subjects include visualisation or meditation exercises, academic or technical information, motivational programs ranging from weight-reduction through to executive decision-making skills and, in particular, sports training programs. A variety of videos are available for hire from the centre or, alternatively, you are welcome to bring your own.
Will it do anything for my love-life?... Michael Hutchison in his excellent (and unbiased) "Book of Floating" mentions that an improved love-life is a widely reported bonus of regular floating. Certainly, many sexual problems are related to mental stress and physical tension. We are sure that this is a promising area for future research.
Can I Be Sure That The Tank Is Hygienic?... Yes, and there are two reasons for this. First, the high salt concentration makes it impossible for harmful bugs, viruses or bacteria to survive. Second, the entire solution is filtered and sanitised after every float session. In fact, the float tank is one of the most hygienic places in the world to spend time in. A full chemical and bacteriological testing program carried out by the Australian health authorities in 1989 confirmed that there are no health risks associated with commercial floatation.
Should I be worried about feeling claustrophobic?... Most people that express apprehensions about feeling claustrophobic in the tank are pleasantly surprised at how spacious it feels on the inside. The relaxing experience of floating tends to dispel fears very early on. Although it is unlikely, should you have any concerns whilst floating, the door is simple to open, the light can be switched on (from inside) and you can easily contact the receptionist via the incorporated intercom system. If you have any serious concerns, please consult your GP prior to floating.
What Should I Wear Whilst Floating?... Most people choose to wear nothing at all whilst floating as it dilutes the level of sensory escape. Each float tank is situated in it's own private room, which also houses a shower for use both before and after floating. Shampoo and shower cream is provided, and clients can choose to bring their own personal towel or use the centre's hire facilities. Disposable ear plugs are provided with each float.
Are there any known side affects to floating?... There are no known side-affects to floatation therapy.