What to Expect
What to Expect
YOUR FIRST VISIT:
Avoid shaving, tanning, waxing (or anything that would increase skin sensitivity) the day of your session.
The contact with the high concentration of salt may cause some stinging. If you have any cuts or scrapes we recommend that you cover them with the Vaseline that is provided in the float room. This way you will keep the salt out of the cut for the duration of the float and should feel no pain at all.
Please avoid consuming caffeine the day of your float.
Caffeine is a stimulant and sometimes causes people to feel a little bit anxious. We want you to feel completely relaxed while floating and give you the best chance to completely let go.
Don’t over hydrate your body!
We all know what happens when you drink too much water… the last thing you want while you are completely relaxed is to feel like you have to go to the bathroom.
Avoid floating on a completely full or empty stomach. We recommend eating a very light meal or a snack before you float.
As we mentioned above, we want to decrease the chance of any disctraction while in the tank, where there is no external timulation at all, any stress on your stomach – being too empty or too full – will distract you from what you are trying to achieve.
Float FAQ:
Is this covered by my Insurance Benefits?
Floating is not currently covered, however an increasing number of insurance companies in Canada are covering floating sessions under Hydrotherapy depending on your specific policy. They may require you to be referred by your Physician, Chiropractors, Physiotherapist or other clinical professionals.
You may have coverage under auto insurance policies if you have been in a car accident.
What if I’m claustrophobic?
Being in the tank is more like floating in outer space than being shut in a box. You’re always in control of your environment, and even people with extreme claustrophobia have reported having no problems during their time in the tank. You can always leave the door open for as long as you like – again, you are in control.
Can I float if I’m pregnant?
Pregnant women love floating! There is even a special position you can float in that relieves all of the weight of the baby off of the mother’s body which can be a great help to those suffering from lower back pain. We recommend floating in your second and third trimesters, please consult with your physician before coming in if you have any concerns, or wish to float in your first trimester.
Is there anything I should do to prepare?
Don’t drink coffee for several hours beforehand. Also, we suggest not shaving the day of your float, the salt water can irritate your skin. Eat a light meal about an hour to 90 minutes ahead of time.
Can I float if it’s ‘that-time-of-the-month’?
Yes. Just follow the same protocol you would for a swimming pool.
Do I need to bring anything?
If you have longer hair, you will want to bring a comb, and any post shower hair & body care products. Also, something to put your contact lenses into while you’re in the tank. Other than that, we provide towels, earplugs, body wash/shampoo & water.
How do you clean the tank?
The water is fully filtered between each float, passing through an intense filtration system for particulate matter and then a UV filter which targets the DNA and RNA of bacteria, viruses, algae, and other biological matter. Furthermore, the Epsom salt solution is naturally sanitary; the combination of the high concentrations of Epsom salt and a small amount of disinfectant make it cleaner than a pool and nearly impossible for microorganisms to survive. To add to that, we filter the water 3.75 times between each float session.
Is the water solution hard on sensitive skin?
No, the magnesium sulfate actually makes your skin very silky and soft. You will absorb some of the Epsom salt, so it’s advised that you drink plenty of water after your float.
Do I have to stay in the whole time?
There aren’t any latches on the tank doors, and you can get out anytime. That being said, the 60-minutes usually going by way, way faster than you’d expect!
Can I float for longer than 60 minutes?
Absolutely! You’re welcome to book two sessions back-to-back, allowing up to 120 minutes to float.
What’s the longest someone has been in the tank?
There’s a float center in Oregon that had an endurance athlete rent a room for a 24 hour period and apparently floated for most of that time! We haven’t heard of anyone floating longer than that.
Is there a place to keep my stuff secure while I float?
Our float room is private so you’re okay to leave your stuff on the bench beside the shower.
What if I fall asleep in the tank?
The water in the tank is incredibly buoyant and very relaxing – it’s entirely possible that you could fall asleep. Some people love to sleep during their float and you should feel free to do the same! It’s extremely unlikely that you’d roll in your sleep in which case the worst that can happen is getting woken up by a bit of salt water in your eyes or mouth.
*** add a massage or spa services before or after your float to increase your experience and overall relaxation.
Is there a right way to do it?
Each person should find whatever position is comfortable for them. Some people float with their hands at their sides, some with their hands folded across their chest or abdomen, or behind their heads. You can keep your head at either end of sit up if you like. You may float with the door open or closed. Explore what’s best for you.
Can I float if I just dyed my hair?
While there is no guarantee that the salt won’t strip some color from your hair, we recommend that you check if the water running through your hair in the shower at home is fully clear. If there is still some color coming out you should wait a couple more days/showers.
What are the effects and benefits of floating?
Floating promotes total calm and peaceful relaxation, eliminates fatigue and jet lag, improves sleep, alleviates mental and physical stress, energizes, rejuvenates and revitalizes. It helps to increase mental clarity, creativity, problem solving, intensifies the senses, helps to diminish depressions, anxiety and fear.
Floating also decreases the production of Cortisol, ACTH, Lactic Acid and Adrenaline; increases production of endorphin’s to relieve pain, arthritis, migraines, injuries and boots immune function. Circulation is improved and the distribution of oxygen and nutrients helps reduce blood pressure. These are only some of the MANY benefits!
Who invented Float Tanks?
Dr. John C. Lily, an American physician, neuroscientist, psychoanalyst, philosopher, writer and inventor. The first float tank was developed in 1954. These involved full submersion in water and a breathing device that completely covered your face. The first lay down, commercial tanks were invented in the early 70’s.
What kind of tank do you use?
We use the i-sopod by Leisure Float Ltd. The tank features a powerful UV filtration system and an audio system which allows us to gently bring you out of your float with some tranquil music.