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So what is the big
deal about floating?
The big deal is that floating gives you
more than just deep relaxation, it can also be drug-free pain relief!
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Here's how it works: the dense water makes it easy to
float, in fact, just like a cork and the temperature is just right so that you can really relax.
Natural
endorphins are released and the brain gives out
alpha waves which are
associated with relaxation and meditation |
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The
buoyant water produced by the high level of
Epsom Salts fully supports your body which means
none of your postural muscles have to work at all - even your neck! the
site of most peoples stress retention
The blood vessels
in muscles near the skin
dilate allowing more blood to flow and therefore improving circulation and
washing toxins away from muscles. Within a
few minutes you feel calm and relaxed. Stress levels will be reduced and your body and mind become more
relaxed more quickly than in any other natural state. The increased blood flow
and freedom from pressure promotes healing of muscle strains and relief from
joint pain
Won't I feel claustrophobic
inside?
Because
the tanks are significantly larger than the traditional bath that you
will have at home you
shouldn't feel claustrophobic
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A vast majority
of people choose to
float with the tank lid down to achieve the
maximum benefit from their float. Even when sitting up, your head will
not touch the lid! |
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However, you have total control
over your floating
environment from inside your tank so you can choose to float with the
lid up or down and you can also control the tanks soft internal lighting
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Won't I get
bored?
No,
anyone who floats regularly will tell you how blissfully comfortable and
deeply relaxed they feel whilst floating, in fact time may pass very quickly
But isn't it an isolation tank?
Not
really. It's a privacy tank perhaps. You can listen to music which you
choose before
entering the tank. You can feel the warm water, you can touch the sides,
you are not isolated from sensation totally. You will in fact have heightened
sensation in some ways
Is
it private?
Yes,
you are shown into your own private room, which has a shower for use before
and after the session.
There is a lock on the float room door so you can maintain privacy at
all times. The door to the tank does not lock – it is motorised
and opens and closes when you press a button. However, it can be easily
pushed open if necessary
Can I accidentally
turn over in the water?
No.
The water is very shallow, usually just 25 cm or about ten inches deep.
Also it is much more buoyant than ordinary tap water because of the Epsom
Salts, so you float very easily and much higher in the water than in a
swimming pool. You float on your back with absolutely no effort and there
is no tendency to roll over. People often sleep in float tanks and there
is no risk of rolling over even if you are asleep
What if I do fall asleep?
Go
ahead and enjoy it! You cannot turn over in the tank if you do fall asleep. If
you are concerned about running over your time don't be, we can control the tank from
reception. Towards the end of the session we can play some gentle
music which will gradually get louder to wake you. If this fails, we can
remotely open the tank door and switch the tank lights on to wake you up
What is Epsom Salt and
why is it used?
Epsom Salt is Magnesium Sulphate. It is
found naturally in many spa waters. It is very different from sea salt or table
salt which is mainly Sodium Chloride. Epsom Salt has been used for centuries to
treat skin complaints and is used as a medicine. It is non toxic,
it won't harm you if you swallow some, but try not to, it has a very salty taste
What if I can't
swim?
No problem,
you do not need to be able to swim, the water is only 10" deep. Floating is as easy as taking a
bath. You just step in, sit down, and lay back and enjoy. You can touch the bottom with
your hands. There is no skill required, you just let the buoyant water do the
work
Might I be too heavy to
float?
No way. it does not matter what shape or
size you are
Can I catch a disease
from someone using the tank before me?
No you can't.
We adhere to strict hygiene
regulations, the water contains a very high salt concentration and also contains
a small amount of
Milton fluid which keeps it
sterile. In addition every hour (and also between each session) the water is
thoroughly filtered The solution levels are regularly checked. The risk of infection is much lower
than in the situations that we all face when working with and meeting other
people every day or in swimming pools
Is it true that
floating cures jet lag?
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Yes. research shows
that floating after a long haul flight is much more effective than
bed-rest. It's also an ideal way to relax after a long day in the office
too.
Floating is used widely in the treatment of stress, anxiety and to improve
concentration and creativity. Sports performance and wind-down are also enhanced
during floating. It's recognised that 1 hour of floating has the restorative
effects of 3-4 hours of normal sleep
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Is there a limit
to how much you can float?
No, not at all. The
natural reaction triggered in the floatation tank is reinforced each time you
float and has an accumulative effect. Regular floating benefits the body because you learn to relax quicker.
Frequency is a matter of individual preference and lifestyle – some people float
once or twice a week to keep the body and mind in perfect tune, others float
when they are experiencing a demanding time in their lives and require
relaxation. If you are unsure, we are there
to give advice so please ask
What about my hair?
Your hair should be
washed in the shower before floating. Please avoid using hair conditioner before
getting in the tank. Swimming caps do not work very well. Although hair
extensions have shown not to be affected by the water, anyone floating with them
does so at their own risk.
Please ask the operator's advice
if you are not sure about anything
Will my skin become
wrinkled?
Not at all,
unlike a bath. The water
contains high Epsom Salt levels which leaves your skin soft and silky and will
not wrinkle even after an hour in the tank!
Can I float with
someone else?
Unfortunately not,
floatation tanks are designed to accommodate 1 person at a time. The aim of
floating is to reduce environmental stimulation and to have another person
in the tank at the same time would defeat the object. We have 3 floatation tanks so if you want to float
at the same time as a friend we would be more than happy to arrange this for you
What effects does
floating have on the body?
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In the
gravity free environment, the body balances and heals internally as all
the senses are rested. Research shows that floating measurably reduces
blood pressure and heart rate whilst lowering the levels of stress
related chemicals in the body. Old injuries and aches (especially back
and shoulders) experience relief as floating helps blood circulation. |
Many people find that they can float on their back with their arms
raised above their heads, something that is quite unusual for them
Is floating
suitable for everyone?
In general, floating is suitable
for most people. However there are certain medical conditions on which floating may have an
adverse effect. Anyone
suffering from mental illness including clinical depression are not suited to
floating because the effects of floating are unpredictable in these cases.
Obviously patients with open wounds or incontinence are unsuitable candidates.
Patients with severe hypertension (abnormally high blood pressure) may
experience such drastic reduction in blood pressure as to faint but when this is
controlled by a drug regime, there is little risk. Similarly there is little
risk for controlled epileptic patients, but it is recommended to have a suitable
helper present during the float session.
If in any doubt, please consult your GP
I am pregnant,
is it suitable for me?
Yes! Once you are in you wont want
to get out!
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Mid term
pregnant women often find considerable relief from pain and stiffness,
particularly while floating prone, with elbows on the floor of the tank and chin
cupped in hands. In this position the foetus is fully floating and the mother’s
back and pelvic girdle are released from load.
Mothers-to-be have also remarked
that floating has allowed them to lie on their back, something they have not
done for some time. We also have a special float pillow which will allow you to
lay on your front too! |
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"Pregnancy and Birth"
magazine gave floatation 10/10 as a useful pregnancy therapy!
If you are in any doubt, please consult your GP
Do I need to prepare
myself before the float?
It's probably best to leave it a
day after shaving or waxing as this may cause a stinging sensation from
the high salt content of the water. Have only a light meal before the float and
try to avoid stimulants such as coffee and alcohol
What do I need to bring?
Just a towel, each room
has
shampoo, conditioner and shower gel in it. We have a separate area for hair
drying and makeup so the float room is quickly available for the next client.
Towel hire (£1) is available if
you don't want to carry it around or if you forget to bring your own.
If you wear contact
lenses, please bring along their case to put them in as it is not advisable to
wear them while floating, just like a swimming pool
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