Imagine closing your eyes in a quiet, dark room and floating on salt water. At many wellness centers and spas, they invite you to do more than imagine.
Float pods and float rooms are popping up all around the country as a treatment that induces deep relaxation and promotes wellness.
Some athletes swear by it as a way to recover from sore muscles and injuries and it is popular among NFL players.
Float therapy, also known as sensory deprivation or flotation therapy, involves lying in a float tank or pod filled with body-temperature water infused with a high concentration of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate), creating a buoyant environment that mimics the sensation of floating on the Dead Sea. By eliminating external stimuli like light, sound and touch, float therapy offers an unparalleled experience of serenity, with both physical and mental health benefits.
How Float Therapy Works
At the heart of float therapy is the concept of sensory deprivation. In a float tank, the absence of noise, gravity and visual distractions allows your body and mind to enter a deeply meditative state. The water, typically heated to match your body temperature, feels almost imperceptible, creating the sensation of floating weightlessly. The magnesium sulfate in the water helps relax muscles, reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.
Because the concentration of salt is so high, even people who say they are unable to float in normal water have no difficulties doing so in the float tanks.
Float sessions typically last between 60 and 90 minutes. Many spa-goers report that after the first 20 minutes of initial adjustment, their minds begin to drift into a peaceful state, similar to the feeling of meditation or sleep. The calming effects of sensory deprivation make float therapy ideal for people dealing with stress, anxiety or chronic pain.
Most people float naked, but because of the high concentration of salt, users are encouraged to cover any scratches or sores with petroleum jelly, which the spa typically provides. Do not shave 24 hours before floating for the best experience. Showering beforehand is typically required and recommended afterward. Wear earplugs (again, usually provided by the spa).
Many spas ban people from floating if in the 14 days prior they have dyed their hair, gotten hair extensions or used tanners or bronzing lotions.
Health Benefits
Float therapy offers a wide range of benefits that extend beyond relaxation. Physically, the zero-gravity environment relieves pressure on the joints and muscles, making it an effective treatment for individuals with conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia or chronic back pain.
The magnesium in the Epsom salts is absorbed through the skin, further helping to relax tight muscles, reduce inflammation and aid recovery after workouts or injury.
Mentally, float therapy can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression and insomnia. Research has shown that float therapy can lower cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress, and increase endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancers. Some users describe a heightened sense of clarity, creativity and focus after a session, making float therapy a go-to for professionals seeking mental rejuvenation.