A Mental Health Counselor's First Experience with Floatation Therapy
I first learned about Floatation Therapy from one of my clients. When they used the term “sensory deprivation” to describe it, all I could think of was those disturbing scenes of El in Stranger Things and I quickly put the activity from my mind.
But later, after my client actually participated in Floatation Therapy and shared about it with me, their reaction to the experience definitely had my interest piqued. By the end of that day, I had booked an experience for the following day. I was shocked to see there was a location just around the corner from my office, in a salon near one of my favorite local restaurants.
That night, I spent at least an hour doing additional research and preparing myself mentally. I watched videos, read articles, and even journaled about what I hoped to get out of the experience.
So what is Floatation Therapy?! Floatation Therapy is done in a floatation tank, which can be called many different names, including sensory deprivation tank, floatation pod, float tank, isolation tank, and so on. The tank is filled with salt water that allows you to float horizontally on your back. (Thankfully, it’s not like those scenes in Stranger Things!) According to i-sopod, a float pod manufacturer:
“A floatation tank is a lightless, soundless tank filled with highly concentrated Epsom salt water heated to skin temperature. Floatation, also known as sensory deprivation, is simply the act of relaxing in a floatation tank; with all sights and sounds removed, and drifting into a meditative state that rejuvenates your mind and body.”
The benefits of Floatation Therapy appear to be numerous. According to the website of Clark Salon and Spa, where I had my float:
“Enhancing mind, body, and spirit:
– Promotes total calm and peaceful relaxation
– Alleviates mental and physical stress
– Expands awareness and intensifies acuteness of all senses
– Speeds the healing process
– Decreases the production of cortisol and adrenaline
– Increases production of endorphins
– Relieves pain from arthritis, migraines, and injuries
– Boosts immune function
– Improves circulation and distribution of oxygen and nutrients
– Reduces blood pressure, pulse, heart rate, and oxygen consumption
– Improves athletic performance
– Helps prevent sports injuries
– Eliminates fatigue and jet lag
– Heightens visualization
– Deepens meditation
– Diminishes depression, anxiety, and fear”
Wow! Those are some lofty claims! On both a professional level and a personal level, I was intrigued. So off I went the next morning to my scheduled 60 minute float. I changed into a spa robe and was led to the private “Wave Float Room” which had a very spa-like vibe and included a changing area, a shower, and the float tank/chamber/pod, which you entered straight from the shower. (Showers are necessary before and after your float.)
The chamber was filled with about a foot of water, and as soon as you lay down, you’re effortlessly buoyant due to the concentrated Epsom salt. I had read about the temperature of the water but was still surprised on how it felt when I first stepped in, though I never grew cold or warm during my float.
I was provided with ear plugs and had the option to leave a light on or off, and relaxing music on or off. I wanted the full sensory deprivation experience so I opted to be in total darkness and silence. Before turning off the light, I oriented myself to the small space, mostly to remind myself that there was nothing in there that could hurt me. You don’t realize how rarely you are in complete darkness until you’re sitting in it!
I’m typically anxious in new situations, so it took me some time to fully relax, given that this was such a vastly different situation than I had ever been in before, but my journaling from the night prior helped to focus my attention and I was eventually able to let everything go and just be. Unfortunately, there was not the total silence that is usually expected from Floatation Therapy. Because this location is in a salon and because of how sound travels through water, I could hear thumping noises coming from the hair stylists and this did serve as a distraction in an otherwise sensory deprived environment.
Once I was able to accept that I wouldn’t get the complete experience that I would have wanted, I could redirect my thoughts to focusing on my breathing and the calming sensations of floating, being weightless, and being totally supported by the water and salt. I believe I may have even fallen asleep for a minute, but the darkness was a little trippy so I wasn’t sure.
Near the end, I began to get anxious again because I had no idea how much time had passed. I started worrying that perhaps the staff had forgotten I was there, and I couldn’t remember what they said would happen to indicate the session was over. I ended up getting out early but it turned out it was only about 5 minutes early. I took another shower to get all the salt off my body, got dressed, and went to check out. The woman at the desk asked how it went, and reaffirmed some of my earlier research by letting me know that it can take a few sessions to get the full benefits because of the adjustment to such a new experience, and also that you continue to feel the benefits of each session for days after the session. As I left, my body didn’t have its usual tension; I felt airy, serene, and light.
Overall, my conclusion on the experience is that I enjoyed it and want to try it again. I think my second experience would surpass my first because I know exactly what to expect; I would be less anxious and able to relax easier, and I can continue to better prepare my mindset for meditation. While I would return to the same location due to the convenience, I also want to try a location that can offer the true sensory deprivation experience without noise distraction. Without a doubt, I was aware of some of the purported benefits, though they are only short-term. Like other activities, such as massage therapy or exercise, you get the most benefit in doing Floatation Therapy regularly.
On a professional, mental health level, I do see clear mental health benefits for interested people to try out Floatation Therapy or even make it part of their regular wellness routine. It can allow for a total physical and mental relaxation that is unique compared to other relaxation methods. It is not a replacement for mental health counseling, medication, or other treatment, but it can be used as a self-care activity. Further reading can be done on the research supporting Floatation Therapy here.
Pro Tips
There’s plenty of tips you can read online to prepare for Floatation Therapy but here’s a few of mine!
Use ear plugs (usually provided), and don’t take them out during your session. I took mine out while trying to cope with the sound interference, and I ended up jamming saltwater into one of my ears. I didn’t realize this until later, and at first I thought I was getting an ear infection. But it was a quick and easy fix once I finally realized what had happened- just use a mixture of white vinegar and water and pour it into your ear and it will dissolve the salt!
Don’t wear contacts, and try not to touch your face. If you get the salt in your eyes, it will definitely burn badly. You have to shower before getting in the tank- be sure to dry off your face before starting or you may be tempted to wipe droplets of water off your face with your salty hands, which can end up in your eyes.
Bring Vaseline. If you have any cuts, when you enter the water they will sting and can really distract you. The Vaseline should protect them from burning. I didn’t think I had any cuts, but you find out pretty quick once you step into 1,100 pounds of salt.
Eat a small meal before your float. You don’t want to be hungry and have your stomach growling, but you also don’t want to feel full.
