Float Therapy

 

It took 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt and I floated. Actually for the first time in my life I floated for 60 minutes. 90 minutes would have been ideal. Flotation therapy is real and there are so many benefits to a liquid float. 

This week my husband and I experienced Liquid Floats, a local business located in Austin, Texas. 

What Is Floating?

The practice of Floating effortlessly places us in an environment where most external stimulus is cut off including gravity, something we rarely escape. -Liquid Float 

Floating is an old idea called sensory deprivation, but now with a new name, it provides several major health benefits with scientific research validating the performance enhancing effects.

Float for 60 or 90 minutes in a large pod of super-saturated magnesium water which will make you completely buoyant. Choices for music and light are optional in your pod. Be completely dark and silent? Or have light with meditative music. I say try both.

I was instructed to shower before entering the pod. Afterwards I slithered in the egg-shaped tank and shut the door with a slight panic attack. You can leave it slightly open if you suffer from claustrophobia.

For me, I committed to go all in. To relieve my mind, my body and all my emotions, to be in a complete state of relaxation. 

Reasons to give floating in the dark a shot.

⇨It's an experience that's both new and familiar. 

⇨Use this as a break from the beauty of habitual lifestyle routines 

⇨ Channel in creativity

⇨reduce stress

⇨relieve anxiety

⇨get more restful sleep

⇨learn to meditate

⇨alleviate post-natal depression

⇨jet lag

⇨hard working parents who crave a little quite time 

just to name a few... 

⇨Bonus Benefit: Magnesium 

Pods for Floating use an Epsom salt (magnesium solution). Almost a thousand pounds of Epsom salt is dissolved in a couple hundred gallons of water, creating a relaxed space that suspends you from gravity. This was the coolest feeling for me. Almost zero gravity.

Oh and your skin and hair will thank you. Remember how your skin and hair feel at the beach from the salty ocean water. Exfoliation at it's finest. 

Also magnesium is known to help balance calcium levels in the body, reduce stress, balance hormones, normalize blood pressure, reduce risk of cancer and other diseases and much more.

When floating, your brain starts producing slower brain waves, the same ones associated with mediation. In this state, the stress hormone cortisol is reduced. And your brain starts pumping out endorphin and dopamine, the feel good chemicals. When it's all over, you have the option to shower. I showered and used my personal conditioner and I went back to external life, drank a ton of water and was in chill mode for the rest of the day. Tip: I did bring my personal conditioner and face soap since the shower holds a body soap and shampoo. 

Before you go, watch this video. 

Floating: Bottom Line 

Floating isn't a wonder-cure for ailments or some groundbreaking alternative therapy, but it is no longer just for hippies looking for a drug free psychedelic experience. It is real. I found it to be extremely relaxing and had the best sleep. I would definitely do it again. 

Have you tried a Liquid Float?