I borrowed this from a collection of nearby float centers. I thought it would be more useful and informative than what I would write myself. I have edited them to better reflect the environment I’ve created.
What is REST?
It’s an acronym coined by a scientist that stands for “Reduced Environment Stimulation Therapy”. It simply means float therapy.
Why can’t I just do this at home, for free?
Well, you can, but not in your tub in your master bath, and it won’t be for free. The salt water concentration in the float suites is what enables effortless floating, and 1000 pounds of epsom salt is not cheap. Aside from buoyancy, there are other considerations, like environmental control to keep water and air temperature at 94 degrees and to remove all light and most sound. So if you want to float at home, you’ll need a special setup. I recommend checking out the Zen Float Tank. It’s made specifically for home use. It doesn’t manage the environment as well as commercial float tanks, but it’s pretty good.
How often should I float?
Single and first floats can often be profound. However, there can be a bit of a learning curve requiring a few floats to feel totally comfortable. Also, floating has powerful cumulative effects and is becoming recognized as an essential part of an optimal ongoing wellness practice. Basically, floating 1 to 2 times per week will supercharge your long term physical, mental, and spiritual health.
What if I don’t practice meditation, can I still float?
Floating has nothing to do with meditation, spirituality, or religion at all; on the other hand, floating is all about having your very own personal and unique experience, and it’s up to you as to what you “bring in or leave out” while in your session. It is not necessary to be into meditation to experience a good float. Think of floating in its most basic of terms – soaking in 1000 pounds of epsom salts at a constant temperature of 94 degrees… it’s that simple. For those who do meditate, practicing this inside of a sensory deprivation tank can take a meditator to new heights/depths.
Is there a right way to do it?
All the ways are right. Each person should find whatever position is comfortable for them. Some people float with their hands at their sides, some with their hands folded across their chest or abdomen, or behind their heads. You can keep your head at either end or sit up if you like. You may float with the door partially open or closed. The first float is kind of like the test drive of a new car. You are just checking this new thing out. Give yourself time to find your comfortable position(s), whatever is best for you.
Can I float if I’m pregnant?
Absolutely! In fact, pregnant clients may experience some of the greatest relief from floating—physically and mentally. The added weight and pressure on the mother’s body is likely to cause pain and discomfort, the weightless impact of floating can provide much relief! Many clients report a unique and memorable experience floating while pregnant. Reduce stress, strain and tension, and experience a new level of connection with your baby.
Can I float while menstruating?
Yes, it is safe for women to float while menstruating if using proper feminine hygiene. If you are comfortable and can control your menstruation in a swimming pool, then you can do so in the float room. Please use a fresh feminine cup or tampon before your float, and if you are at all concerned or uncomfortable, just reschedule for a better time.
What if I’m claustrophobic?
The Wave Float Rooms I’ve installed are spacious and have a glass door. Most people with claustrophobia have said to have little difficulty with these rooms. Your float room is private and you’re always in control, you may take as much time as needed to settle in to your float.
How clean is the water?
The water used to fill the float rooms goes through extensive filtration, including reverse osmosis. This ensures that only pure, clean water free from odors and unhealthy dissolved solids is used as a foundation for the float solution. The salt in each float room costs in excess of $1000, so much like a public pool or hot tub, the water is not drained between uses, but instead is circulated, filtered and sanitized by a commercial grade spa filtration system before being treated by UV light, ozone and hydrogen peroxide. The highly concentrated epsom salt stifles any bacterial growth. I test the solution between each float in order to ensure that it’s clean and well balanced, with a consistent specific gravity of between 1.23 – 1.26, hydrogen peroxide concentration at least 100ppm, pH between 7.3 – 7.6, and total alkalinity between 80 – 100ppm.
Will the salt damage my hair?
The salt water will not harm your hair, but you cannot float if you have dyed your hair, or have had it chemically treated in the past 10 days for risk of water and equipment damages.
Do I wear a bathing suit?
No you do not. You Float nude in a private room. This ensures no contamination from soaps or unwashed bathing suits entering the Float tank.
Can I drown if I fall asleep?
No, the water is so dense it is tough to even roll over. Since the water is saturated with 1000+ LBS of epsom salt you will be effortlessly supported. Also, as soon as any of the water enters your nose, mouth, or eyes you would surely be awakened.
What if I have a cut or scrape?
On any open cuts or scrapes, apply our supplied petroleum jelly before entering the float tank to prevent irritation from the salt. Salt is healing, and your body may get used to the stinging, so you might even try to tough it out without petroleum jelly.
I’ve experienced a burning sensation in a personal area while floating. What’s up with that?
Recent shaving, or sexual activity without adequate lubrication can cause micro abrasions, which can cause a burning or even stinging sensation from the super saturated salt solution. This has been reported to be more prevalent with women over 50. You may use petroleum jelly to help protect the area. It’s also been reported that a similar burning sensation can occur from hemorrhoids. In most cases this sensation isn’t overwhelming, but during an acute hemorrhoidal flair up, or after a particularly fun evening of sexual activity without adequate lubrication, or if you just shaved, this burning or stinging sensation can be very uncomfortable. Remember that salt is healing, and your body may get used to the stinging over the course of the float. If you can ride it out, you’ll still get the benefits of the float, but if it’s too uncomfortable to bear, just exit your float early.
How much can I float?
You can float as often as you like. There are no adverse effects, aside from being too relaxed. There is no limitations on doing “nothing”. We recommend a practice to maintain familiarity to get the most out of your practice. Float once a week, bi-weekly or monthly. I float on average 3-4 days per week.
Do I need to bring anything to my float?
No, just show up 10 minutes early and I will take care of the rest. I have soap and shampoo, towels, earplugs, and makeup remover. You may bring your personal hair products for after your float. You may bring your smart phone and listen to your own music while floating.
Will my skin wrinkle?
No, your skin will come out feeling silky smooth.
Are there any contraindications for floating?
Check with their doctor when beginning any new health regimen, such as flotation. Float therapy is safe for just about everyone, however, those with epileptic conditions or who have kidney disease (as the kidneys are responsible for processing Magnesium) should take extra precautions in consulting their physician before floating.
