Salt Water Float Therapy

I was gifted a float session by my foster kitties, Miella and Gus, last year. Although I had heard of floats, I wasn’t really aware of just what the purpose was or how they worked. And I wasn’t sure this is something I’d ever want to try, but I recently did. I’ll attempt to give you a bit of background information and describe my first float experience in this blog.

I had lots of questions prior to my first float; what is a float, what do I wear, what do I bring, is it hygienic, what if I can’t do it, or don’t like it, etc. I generally ask a lot of questions, especially if I am trying something I’ve never done before. However, every float is different, and everyone has different expectations and experiences. 

What is a salt water float? 

A salt water float generally takes place in a sensory deprivation chamber, aka float tank or pod. There is approximately one foot of warm water, (temperature is approximately that of the human body; 33-36C), and a thousand pounds of epsom salts. The high concentration of salt automatically makes one very buoyant. Floating in a pod eliminates as much outside distractions as possible. Floats are sometimes referred to as REST – restricted/reduced environmental sensory therapy. 

What is a pod?

A pod is an enclosed tank. The pod I floated in had a large door. Once in the pod, you kneel and pull the handle down to close the door. The whole idea is to have the least amount of distractions as possible. The tank is sound proof, dark (although you can leave the light on but again, less stimulation the better), and warm. If you are claustrophobic you may not be able to float in a tank, although even with the door closed, there is still lots of room to sit up and I didn’t feel the least bit uncomfortable as there was plenty of space. There are also float rooms that have an open pool/float space that is an option for those not feeling comfortable in an enclosure. 

Is the pod hygienic? 

I asked this question and was told that the filtration system uses a UV light, an ozonator, along with several filters, and the water is constantly being circulated. They are much cleanlier than a public pool. 

What do you wear for a float?

It’s best to wear just your birthday suit, although you can wear a bathing suit, but again the less stimulation, the better the float. 

What is the purpose of a float?

The idea is to be in a totally relaxed environment, with no outside stimulation, so your mind can drift between wakefulness, meditative state or sleep and your muscles can relax to a natural state. The buoyancy is similar to a zero gravity experience. 

Reaching the theta state is the optimal state. This is a very positive mind set state, meditative state or daydream state. This is the state when tasks are so automated that you mentally disconnect from them. Also, the state just before deep sleep and the state just as you are waking up. 

If I fall sleep, might I roll over and drown?

Not likely. The buoyancy makes it nearly impossible to unintentionally roll over. 

Will I get water in my ears? 

Oddly this was never a concern for me, although I have no idea why. I used to get water in my ears whenever I went swimming, and be in discomfort for hours/days. The floatation centre will provide you with ear plugs, so you shouldn’t’ get water in your ears. 

What are the benefits of a float?

The benefits are endless but not limited to; alleviating insomnia, migraines, mental anxiety, muscle tension, joint pain, depression, decrease blood pressure, stress relief, processing emotional trauma, detoxification, improved athletic performance, improved creativity and many more. 

It is said that floating for one hour is equal to sleeping for six hours. 

Are there people who shouldn’t float?

These are some reasons, but not limited to, why you may not be able to, or shouldn’t float.If you have open wounds, it is best to wait til they heal before you float. It is not recommended if you have contagious diseases, untreated epilepsy, low blood pressure, kidney diseases, claustrophobia (open float room is a recommended or leave the door open in a pod), recent tattoo’s or piercings, undergoing chemo or radiation, or incontinence. If you have any questions, it would be best to talk to your health care professional before booking a float. 

My friend, Krista Crane, booked our floats about a week in advance. Once I knew we were booked I became anxious, nervous, excited and apprehensive. I really wasn’t sure I wanted to try this, but since I had a gift certificate, why not. I peppered Krista with questions, as she is an old pro when it comes to floats. I’m sure she was ready to tell me to knock it off with the questions, but I’m grateful for Krista for encouraging me, answering my questions, and knowing I needed to do this float when we did.

What do I need to bring? Towels, soap, shampoo, brush, bathing suit, and on and on. Krista said all I needed was a brush for my hair, deodorant and a water bottle. You may get thirsty after floating. I was.

Will there be light or music? You have the choice to leave the light on, or off. You can have music on or off. Again, less stimulation the better the float. 

Do I shower before or after? Both. Shower before so you are clean and after to get rid of the salt. 

Poor Krista, it went on and on.

Our float was scheduled for 2pm, for 45 minutes. Krista picked me up at 11. (I have to admit my state of mind wasn’t great and I almost cancelled prior to pickup.) She had a plan prior to the float. I was not aware, so it would be a surprise. We went to the Front Porch in Mulgrave, for a snack prior to our float. It is recommended to have something light to eat, prior to floating. You don’t want your tummy rumbling from hunger while floating. I had a most delicious scone. I had never been to the Front Porch before, but believe me I’ll be going back. A quaint, interesting, lovely place on the water in Mulgrave. Very relaxing and homey feeling. For some reason I want to call it The Open Door.

We then took some back roads, very back roads at one point, making our way to Antigonish to Nepsis Floatation. It was a nice drive and we passed through some very pretty areas. I think this led to a relaxed state prior to the float.

Upon arrival at Nepsis Floatation, we were greeted by Amanda Maginley, owner of the business. The setting is quiet, soothing, and relaxing. There is a room, with dim lighting, the chill room, where Amanda met with Krista and I. She explained the process and we had time to ask any questions we may have. Amanda is patient and answered everything in detail. 

Amanda led us to our pod rooms. Of course we had separate rooms, with our own pods. Since this was my first time, Amanda took me to the pod and explained what to do and offered some information I’d not thought about. The room has a shower, the pod, benches and hooks for convenience, a chair and all the amenities needed; towels, washcloths, bathrobe, ear plugs, halo (for placing under you head in the pod), short float noodle (in case you want more floatation under your back, legs, shoulders, etc), shampoo, conditioner, soap and vaseline. Tubes of vaseline are supplied to apply to hangnails, small scratches/scraps, and some people have sensitive hoo hoo’s. Yes, you read that correctly. I asked Amanda how I would know the float is over. She said music would play. If I didn’t hear it the first time, she would play it again, a bit louder. If I still didn’t hear it, she would knock on the door and come in, but would not open the pod. 

You are required to use the washroom (located across from your pod room, hence the bathrobe) prior to floating.

I’m now left alone in my float room. OMG! I undress and insert my earplugs prior to showering. It is recommended to insert the earplugs prior to getting wet. The first shower is to cleanse your body. You don’t wash your hair in the first shower. Once you are finished you make your way to the pod. I bring a washcloth with me, in case I end up with the salt water in or around my eyes. Thank you Krista. Amanda has also placed a spray bottle of regular water in the pod to spray my face in case of the salt water coming in contact in or around my eyes, nose or mouth. I carefully step into the pod and immediately feel the warmth and soothing feeling of the water. I lower the lid/door, but of course I didn’t pay attention to Amanda saying ‘make sure you are kneeling or sitting when you lower the lid’. Of course, I plunked myself on the head with the lid. Once the lid is closed. I take the halo and small noodle and lay down with my head away from the lid opening. The light is still on at this point, but I decide I don’t want any light and I turn it off. Total darkness. I lay there observing nothing. No light. No sound. I’m floating. It is bizarre really. The water is so comforting. I take note that only my toes, chest, face and a small part of the back of my hand are out of the water. I position the halo to provide extra buoyancy for my head, but I soon realize I don’t need it or want it. At some point my halo leaves me. initially my arms are down by my sides. But I try different positions and raise them up by my shoulders.

I take note that I feel like I am not connected to my body. WHAT? Yes, I am aware of the parts of my body out of the water, but not the parts under water. I know my toes are there, but there feels like nothing connected to my toes. I also notice that the discomfort in my knees is nonexistent. My joints are not aching. Oh my, this is heavenly. However, I do notice that I’m getting soreness at the base of my head, my neck and across my shoulders. I try the noodle and I relocate the halo, and although I get some comfort, before long the discomfort returns. I just let it be and try to ignore it.

There is no concept of time. I try not to think about not thinking. I’ve never been one to truly relax. The past few months have been stressful and I try to forget about all of that. But the more I try to not think about it, the more things come to mind. I focus on my breathing and just the sensation of floating. I begin to twitch; toes, feet, hands. At one point I have this ridiculous thought ‘what if the building catches fire and they forget I’m in here’. And the next thought is ‘I’m in water, I’ll be fine’ which is ridiculous, but as quick as the thought came, it went. A good sign that this thought came and went so fast, I assume. I know at times I thought about ‘time’ wondering how much more time I had to float. I had no idea. I wondered if I’d hear the music. Every time I thought of something, I found my mind going back to the sensation of the float, the water temperature, the soothing feeling, etc. I hear a strange sound. What was that? Nothing I assume, but then I continue to hear it. It’s music. My float is over already? Seriously. I jump up, opening my lid, thankfully not banging my head, and find I’m rushing. I also have a sense that I am leaning forward and have to concentrate on not losing my balance. Perhaps this is because of the near zero gravity experience of the float. 

It’s shower time again. Shower number two is shampoo, conditioner (if you wish) and a good body cleansing to eliminate the salt. I dress and proceed to another room to comb my hair and use any of the hair care products provided. There is time to sit in the chill room and discuss the experience with Amanda, relax, be in the moment and absorb what your float was like, and/or have a cup of tea. I know I didn’t get to the theta state, but Amanda assures me that is normal for the first float. I explained that part way through I had a very bitter taste in my mouth, which is probably from the salt and its presence in the air in the pod. I mentioned the discomfort in my neck/shoulders and Amanda explained this is due to holding onto stress and given the past while, that is no surprise. I also said that I was twitching which Amanda said is a good sign as I was releasing cortisol, which is a stress hormone. Believe me, I’m sure I have a lot of that stored up. Not a good thing.

Overall this was a tremendous experience. I’m going to go back again very soon for another float. I want to go while this first float is still fresh and see if I can get closer to the theta state. The first float is a ‘what’ float. All the initial questions and concerns are answered. I felt relaxed and rejuvenated. I had an overwhelming feeling of having done something good for myself, which I rarely do. I also realized I need to work on quieting my mind and lessening the stress. I’ve done well over the past three years, or so, of appreciating the little things and getting outdoors and being in the moment and enjoying nature. I need to do more of this and work on my breathing and meditating. I need to make time for me and realize that it is okay to do that. I need to let go of the guilt when I do things for myself. 

If anyone has any questions or concerns about floatation therapy, ask and I’ll answer based on my one and only experience. Better yet, contact a floatation therapy location near you. I highly recommend trying it. 

Nepsis Floatation offers several intro and membership packages. They are the only float therapy business east of HRM.

Thank you Krista for taking me to my first float, for getting me out of my comfort zone and doing something for ME. You recognized, more than I did, that I needed to do this. Hugs my friend.

In closing, a huge thank you to my foster kitties, Miella and Gus. Thank you my dear fur kids, for gifting me this float experience. Signed, Foster Mom, aka Two Treats.

If you liked what your read, or have any questions that I might be able to answer, feel free to leave a comment. As always, all pictures were taken by yours truly.