Floating
Doing nothing sounds like a nice change of pace from our ultra-connected, fast paced world. Believe it or not, the concept of doing nothing is taking over wellness community lately with Sensory Deprivation Therapy or Float Therapy wellness centers popping up all over the country. Float Therapy occurs in a solution of Epson salts and water. You enter a giant tank which unburdens you from the sensations of gravity, temperature, touch, light and sound.
With all this hype about floating, I had to try it myself. I found a wonderful Float house, right here in Truckee, called Rise Float House.
Although I have added Epson salts to my bath from time to time, Float Therapy takes it to the next level. It took a little getting used to, lowering my body into a dark tank, but soon I was effortlessly floating atop the water and fell into a deep state of relaxation like I’ve never experienced before.
Float sessions usually last about an hour. If you are prone to claustrophobia, many centers will allow you to keep the lights on or keep the door to the tank open.
Floating is the perfect environment for healing. Swedish research says it is good for managing stress, anxiety, chronic pain, depression and even high blood pressure. Other studies suggest it can improve creativity. And, by soaking in Epsom salts, your body receives the benefits of a long magnesium soak - helping to balance hormones and calcium levels.
Floating is becoming popular with celebrities and big name athletes like Stephen Curry, but it's also gaining ground with people who are just looking to disconnect for a while.
The water is about the same temperature as your body so you can’t tell where the water begins and your body ends. After my float, I felt like I just walked out of a spa treatment, completely calm and relaxed. I will definitely go back and rejuvenate with float therapy in the new year!
Have you tried float therapy? Share your experience with us.