Floating, or float therapy, has gained traction in the alternative health and wellness world because of the associated mind, body, and spiritual benefits. The stressors of modern life can weigh heavy on the body, and entering into a sensory depravation float tank can help hit the restart button on your health. In a way, float therapy is a form of meditation, but the weightlessness you feel while floating has other physical benefits.
The Benefits Of Float Therapy
Research on float therapy has broken the benefits down into three categories: mind, body, and spirit. These benefits have been proven in clinical tests, and no other therapy has compared to the relief of floating.
Mind
Floating helps to reduce long-term anxiety, ease symptoms of depression, reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks, and raise serotonin levels.
Body
Studies show that floating helps to relieve pain and inflammation, reduce joint pressure and muscle fatigue, increase immune function, regulate blood pressure, and accelerate muscle recovery and performance.
Spirit
Many people who practice float therapy experience improved mindfulness, healthy circadian rhythm, restorative and deeper sleep, reduced stress levels, and the ultimate brain relaxation.
On the latest episode of The Adventures Of V-Man, Vinnie went Just Float, located in Pasadena, California, to experience a float session like no other. This facility came highly recommended and as he will detail below, the experience did not disappoint. The peaceful ambiance, cleanliness of the facility, the thoughtful and informative staff, and the impressive technology went above and beyond expectation. Below is what he experienced during his float session.
Arriving At Just Float
I arrived at Just Float in the afternoon, unsure of what to expect. I saw a sign that said “Expect Nothing” as I entered the facility, and that kind of influenced the entire experience. When you don’t have any expectations, you simply enjoy the experience as it happens.
Upon entering the facility, which is one of the largest float therapy facilities in the country, I immediately felt a peaceful vibe. The lights were dim and ambient music softly played in lobby speakers. The ladies behind the desk greeted me excitedly and detailed the floating process and the intent behind float therapy. One of them claimed that she uses the float tank as a napping chamber of sorts, and the other spoke of the “the powerful energy” and centering that comes from floating. Was I about to experience some form of transcendental meditation? Would I have an anxiety attack? Would I go stir-crazy from listening to the ringing in my ears, resulting from years of exposure to loud music?
The Tank
There are several options for floaters. Complete sensory deprivation is a common practice, in which the person floats in complete darkness and silence. If anyone has a fear of being claustrophobic, you can leave the float tank’s door open to your private suite. The tanks are eight feet long, six feet wide, and six feet tall, so there is plenty of room to move around. I’m about six feet tall and felt like I had plenty of room in the tank. Let me clarify that there is only 11 inches of water, which doesn’t seem like a lot, but you float with ease.
The second option is to turn the lights on in the tank and just float, as the name of the business suggests. The third option is to have ambient music softly playing during the float session, but you have the ability to press a button and silence the music. You can have the lights on or off while listening to music.
The Experience
The water in the tank is essentially a pool of mineral-rich Epsom salt water. The high salt content allows the body to float with ease. I was surprised at how buoyant I felt as I entered the tank and leaned back to begin my float session. I pressed the button in the tank to begin my float session, the lights turned off to make it pitch black in the tank, and the music played, slowly fading out into complete silence. I was alone, removed from the stressors of the outside world, floating effortlessly.
Initially, I was quite anxious, extending my arms to touch the sides of the tank to get my bearings. I needed to know where the light and music buttons were, just in case I felt uncomfortable. Slowly but surely, I submitted to the experience and began to relinquish control. The tension in my lower back and neck began to lessen, my body began to sink (not literally because it’s impossible not to float) into an incredibly calm state.
Floating in the silence was an extremely surreal experience. There was no way that I was going to fall asleep, but I began to push off the sides of the tub, gently moving around the tank. I pressed the music button to drown out the ringing in my ears and lost track of time. Before I knew it, the lights illuminated, indicating the end of my float session. I exited the tank and rinsed off to wash away the excess salt. My skin felt wonderfully soft and hydrated. I almost didn’t want to wash away that feeling!
Conclusion
Floating was a unique therapy and I highly recommend Just Float for any Los Angeles residents. Taking an hour to completely relax and experience the novelty of floating is a pleasant break from reality. Additionally, they are incredibly COVID safe, taking extra precautions to ensure customer safety. The beauty of the floats is that they are customizable, and Just Float offers a first-time floater special. There are also monthly packages available, should you decide to continue floating on a regular basis. Floating might be your ticket to help naturally relieve stress, tension, pain, or anxiety. Just float and find out.
