Float
Hello yogis, I’m Myrrh, a naturopathic healer in San Antonio, TX. Because regular floating has so many health benefits, I think it’s about time we have a blog post highlighting our wonderful sensory deprivation float tanks.
I remember the very first time I floated, it took a while to get used to being in the tank. Once I got over my initial nerves and excitement, I was in a gentle trance for what must have been a good while. I found this to be an incredible meditation tool, and it is something I always recommend to clients who have a hard time getting into that meditative state. I could hear my heartbeat and hungry tummy sounds. While that could have been a little distracting, instead it reminded me of my deep connection to and gratitude for my body. When the hour was up, the sound and oscillation of the filter startled me a bit, bringing me back to reality. I had to wait a moment for my muscle function to return since the tank had temporarily turned my limbs to jello. I experienced a blissful afterglow that lasted the rest of the day.
Here at Transcend, our tanks use 1100 lbs of epsom salts to allow the body to float effortlessly. This is because all that salt has changed the density of the water. The anti gravity creates a feeling of weightlessness and serenity. Not only does the salt make you float, it also provides quite the detox -so don’t forget to drink plenty of water! Many people are magnesium deficient and don’t even know it. Simply laying in the mineral rich float tank, exposes the body to highly concentrated magnesium sulfate which absorbs into the skin correcting deficiency and improving the quality of hair, skin, and nails. It is also believed that the salt provides an energetic cleanse for the aura as well, sloughing off anything that does not belong.
You may be wondering why we call it sensory deprivation. The goal is to be totally relaxed and allow our sense organs to shut off for a bit. Turning off the light is optional but with the tank pitch black, the eyes may release any strain. We provide ear plugs to help cancel out anything that gets past our soundproof float rooms so your ears can rest as well. Some prefer to wear a swimsuit (which is totally fine!) but we recommend floating nude and free of jewelry or anything else that you’d feel on your body. Our tanks are even regulated at body temperature to keep from noticing the salt water on your skin. This is all in effort to deprive our sensory organs of any stimulation, creating a state of total relaxation.
As more people learn about float therapy, it seems it’s ability to reduce pain is most sought after. People are delighted to learn that they can relax for an hour and find that their pain has lessened. Regular floating is a good option for chronic pain management for those suffering from things like arthritis or fibromyalgia. This is thanks to the effect of reducing inflammation while increasing blood circulation. I have heard many heartwarming stories of relief experienced during and following float therapy. One client even explained to me how being in the tank with her body and mind completely at ease, allowed her to actually pinpoint where her pain was coming from.
In my humble opinion, I find the meditative qualities to be the most exciting of all that the floats have to offer. However, there are just so many potential benefits of floating. Lowering cortisol and other stress hormone levels will give the sympathetic nervous system a break while activating the parasympathetic nervous system. This can result in a boost to immune system functioning. From digestive health to fatigue and stress reduction, floating regularly can have a huge impact on your overall health and quality of life. You may even find yourself more comfortable meditating or motivated creatively.
Whatever your reason for floating is, we always have a safe space here for you to practice self care. Please consider Trancend Health Spa for your next float!