Just Float
What was I thinking? Good lord what was I thinking. Stepping into this DARK tank of warm water I thought to myself, what if I have a panic attack. I sat down and closed the metal door. Yep, I held my breath, but I settled in to float. It took me a minute to wrap my mind around the fact that this small pool of epsom salt saturated water could make me feel like I was suspended. Wow, this was crazy. Gravity had been hacked and my mind surrendered to relaxation.
This was the ticket, the ticket to a moment of less pain, less stress and pure relaxation. Heaven. What seemed like ten minutes in the tank was actually 70 minutes. When I climbed out of the darkness I felt physically and mentally lighter than I had in years. This moment of pure bliss happened more than 5 years ago. Today, sensory deprivation tanks have been replaced with floating tanks or pods. This redesigned, less claustrophobic floating spa are popping up all over Southern California.
What is floating?
Just Float in Pasadena explains what floating is and how it works.
Your private float usually consists of an over-sized tub filled with less than a foot of warm water saturated with 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt. The result? Everybody floats...no effort required.
Your mind and body can completely unplug and relax: no gravity, no noise, no light, no stress.
Water and air temperatures are carefully controlled to match the surface of the skin. Boundaries fade and breath deepens as you float in complete comfort for an hour.
A rigorous sanitation system ensures that every float is clean and safe. We're obsessed with creating the most exceptional float experience.
Floating has been around for over 50 years and is proven to reduce stress and increase feelings of well-being.
A few of the benefits:
Promotes Mindfulness
Relaxation response
Visualization & self-awareness
Creativity & problem solving
Behavior modification
Meditation
Relieves Stress
Reduces anxiety
Promotes great sleep
Reduces cortisol
Pain management
Helps with depression
Improves Health
Lowers heart rate
Decreases blood pressure
Increased immune function
ENDPAIN, a non-profit that tells stories of individuals exploring and discovering creative ways to deal with their pain.
Watch this beautiful story of Ashley Naves, a fibromyalgia patient, as she experiences a float tank for the first time.