Touted as the fastest and most relaxing experience available, floatation therapy provides the perfect environment in which to relieve stress and allow you to completely relax. The floatation spa, originally designed by John C. Lilly, M.D., was in the form of a tank in the early 1950’s. Technology has come a long way in making floatation spas and rooms more appealing to clientele. His most important discovery was the sense of well-being that the floatation experience provides users. The mind becomes highly active and creative from a state of deep relaxation, allowing problems to be peacefully confronted and resolved. The body totally relaxes, stress melts away, pain and muscle aches subside, and it is even said to help insomnia.

The biggest advantage that floatation therapy has over any other stress tool is that there is no learning curve. Unlike meditation, that takes practice to reach such a deep contemplative level, floatation has no procedures or mental focusing. You get in the tank and float.

The floatation spa is a very quiet and cozy space with 10-12 inches of warm water and 800 pounds of Epsom salt. The amount of salt makes the water denser than the body, allowing you to float with a sense of weightlessness. If you were to float in plain or chlorinated water, you would need to periodically move your arms and legs to remain in a floating position. Otherwise the body’s limbs would begin to sink. In the floatation tank, you need only relax, and the body floats at or near the water’s surface.

A filtration system cleans and filters the water in between each use several times. The water is kept at body temperature. The inside of the tank is warm, humid, private and dark. Once inside the spa, you will have control of the light and music switch. There is also a large glass partition for those who may be concerned about being claustrophobic. You can wear a swimsuit or nothing at all, showering before entering and after exiting the spa. If your ears are sensitive, you may wish to wear earplugs which are provided, as well as soap, shampoo, and towels. Just lay on your back and float. You may experiment with different floating positions or use the time to get in some good stretching. Stretching before you float is also a good idea.

A typical floatation experience lasts about an hour. This hour is said to be equal to four hours of restorative sleep and the equivalent detoxification of a three-day fast. You be the judge. Afterwards, you will find that your skin is smooth, soft and silky from the Epsom salt. Your skin wont wrinkle from the salt water, as plain water removes salt from your skin.