Float Therapy goes by many names: Floating, Floatation (or Flotation) Therapy, Floatation REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy) , Sensory Deprivation, Sensory Reduction, Float Session, Float Tanks, etc...

Float therapy is the act of lying in a shallow dense solution of Epsom salt and warm water in a quiet, and dark room - typically for the purpose of meditation, relaxation, or pain relief. Floating gives the user's mind and body a break from the constant mental and physical sensations we experience throughout our daily lives.

To float is to experience nothingness, if only for a short time.

The goal of a float tank is to remove the sensations we typically experience - to minimize what we are feeling, hearing, and seeing.

Feeling: A float tank contains around 10 inches of water, with around 1,000 lbs of epsom salt added to the water. The salt allows the user to float on the surface of the water. In addition, the water and air temperatures are kept around 93.6°F - the same temperature as the average human's skin. The goal is for the user to not feel the difference between the water and the air, and to remove the weight of gravity.

Hearing and seeing: A float room and/or tank is sound-proofed and light-proofed so that the person floating experiences as few sensations as possible. (Dependant on the float center and float tank, some float experiences can include music or lighting options.)

Floats are typically either 60 or 90 minutes. Some float centers offer 30 minute floats or longer floats - such as stacking 2 regular appointments together, or floating overnight.

It is common for people to float weekly or monthly. Everyone's preferences and abilities differ, but research suggests that a regular float practice increases the benefits of floating.

One of the FTA's active projects is to support the use of existing float research by sharing summaries of published research studies on our resources page.

For an additional and comprehensive list of float therapy research, we suggest visiting the Float Research Collective's ClinicalFloat.org.

The history of Floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy) dates back to the 1950’s when Drs. Jay Shurley and John Lilly at the National Institute of Mental Health became interested in understanding how the human brain would respond to an environment devoid of external sensory input.

The most common reasons for floating are relaxation, anxiety relief, and pain management, but the list of benefits is extensive. Some additional benefits include:

• Provides relief from chronic pain, namely back pain

• Relives stress

• Improves Creativity

• Helps the body with Athletic Recovery

• Supports recovery from Anorexia Nervosa, and issues with body dysmorphia

• Helps recovery from substance abuse and addictions

• Eases PTSD symptoms

• Improves sleep/ can ease insomnia

• Improves problem-solving

• Assists with Meditation

• Reduces inflammation in the body

• Allows for exploration of spirituality

• Helps with magnesium deficiency in the body

• Can strengthen immune system

Most float centers will send you a welcome email or go over what to expect when you book - but just in case, here are some things to know.

Before your float:

- It is suggested that you don't drink caffeine before your float

-You should avoid alcohol for 24 hours before you float

- Make sure you eat something, but don't arrive full to a float (digestion noises can be distracting)

- It is suggested to avoid shaving for 24 hours before the float (salt water in micro cuts/freshly exfoliated skin can sting a little.)

- Arrive a few minutes early to make sure you aren't feeling stressed when it comes time for your float. Most float centers will request you arrive 15-30 minutes early for your first appointment to go over any paperwork and get a walk-through or orientation before you float.

- You will probably need to sign a waiver before your float or fill out some basic paperwork.

- You want to wait at least two weeks to float after getting a tattoo. If you are unsure, speak with your artist as they may suggest you wait a full month.

-You should not float if you have a sunburn as the salt can irritate it

-If you have recently colored your hair, you should wait at least two weeks to float or until the water in your shower runs clear - as hair color can stain the interior walls of the tanks and these stains are expensive and difficult to remove.

After your float:

- All float centers are different, but most floats conclude with gentle music and lights coming on - or by a verbal message letting you know your session has ended. (Your float center will provide this information to you during your orientation, before you float.)

-Expect your body to feel very relaxed and heavier than normal as you exit the float tank. Make sure to use handles or tank edges to carefully exit the float tank.

- It is recommended that you give yourself some time to come back to the world after your float. It can be disorientating to drive immediately after floating. If there is a space to lounge after, it is recommended that you do so. It also is very beneficial to take some time to reflect on your experience.

-Some float centers have a 'ready room' if their space allows, where you may find blow dryers and other amenities to help you get ready before you leave.

- Make sure to hydrate! Magnesium can have a diuretics effect on the body and is very detoxing. Some people find that they need to drink extra water after a float.

We get this question a lot! But once they try it, most people find they don't feel claustrophobic in the tank.

Here are some common answers to this question:

• The float tank is a lot bigger than you would think.

• There is no lock on the float tank door. You have full control over closing the door or lid (and over the lights in most centers).

• Many float centers have open pools that don't have any door or lid at all! This can be a great option for those that want a more open experience.

The water in a float tank contains Epsom salts, which changes the specific gravity so that you will float effortlessly. A standard float tank has about 10 inches of the float solution, meaning you can easily sit up in the tank.

As always - check with your doctor and your local float center, but here are some conditions that may prevent an individual from floating:

• Open wounds or recent surgeries

• Some severe mental disorders, consult with a healthcare provider

• Epilepsy that isn't controlled by medication or individuals prone to seizures

• Severe kidney disease or conditions

• Incontinence that isn't controlled

• Chemotherapy and radiation

Check with your local float center to confirm, but many pregnant women find relief from gravity and the physical pressures of pregnancy through floating. Float centers can often provide extra floaties so that the mother can support her belly in the float.

The easiest thing to do is search for Float Tanks or Float Therapy in your area. You can also visit FloatationLocations.com to find a float center near you.