What is Float Therapy?
Resting or remaining buoyant on the surface of a liquid made up of 10 inches of water and over 1,000 pounds of pharmaceutical-grade magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) offered in a private suite free from everyday sensory overload requiring no skills, a physically passive form of total wellness a therapeutic approach that simultaneously restores the body and revives the mind.
During a float, you are suspended effortlessly in a supersaturated solution of Epsom salt and water within a light- and sound-controlled environment that reduces sensory stimulation and effectively suspends the effects of gravity on the central nervous system.
The water is at skin temperature, and after a few minutes, you lose the awareness of where the body ends, and the water begins. Resting in this unique environment creates profound changes within the mind/body system and improves the brain’s overall function and central nervous system. After your first float, you may think it seems like magic, but it’s backed by over forty years of mainstream scientific research in human performance.
Floating is about everything that you won’t be doing
After your float you’ll feel refreshed, rejuvenated and revived, a feeling that can last for days.
FAQs
Do I need to bring anything?
Come as you are. Feel free to bring your brush or comb, but we do have them available if needed. For your sessions we provide everything that you need – towels, earplugs, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and hair dryers are all provided. Don’t worry about your makeup, we also provide you with makeup remover and a washcloth in the shower.
Is there anything I should do to prepare?
In the 24 hours before your float, don’t shave or wax as the Epsom salt solution may sting if you have an abrasion (we’ll provide single use packets of petroleum jelly to cover any small abrasions). Don’t drink caffeinated beverages for several hours before you float, as it may interfere with your ability to relax. Eating a light meal about an hour to 90 minutes prior to your float should alleviate any hunger pains.
What do I wear and is the room private?
Your room is completely private, so most people choose to float in the nude. However, it’s your float, so you can certainly wear a swimsuit if you’re more comfortable. Your room also has its own shower and is for your exclusive use for the duration of your session.
What if I’m claustrophobic?
Our float rooms are spacious with inviting interiors lit by twin underwater LED lights and have high ceilings. After you shut the door you have two options, you can leave the underwater lights on or you can choose to float in the dark.
You are always in control of your environment. You can leave the lights on or get out at any time. While it may seem a bit strange at first, we find that if you give yourself a little time to relax and get used to it, you’ll feel very safe and comfortable. Many people with extreme claustrophobia have reported having no problems with their time floating.
How do you clean the water and the float rooms?
With over 1000 lbs. of Epsom Salt dissolved, it’s not water anymore! This Solution is part of the experience and is the medium in which we float so we take it very seriously. The solution is passed through a commercial grade filtration system a minimum of 6 times between each person. This system uses a combination of hydrogen peroxide and high intensity UV light to create a super potent oxidizer which disrupts and kills most pathogens naturally. No off gassing, just water and oxygen are the byproducts. All of this, along with the natural pathogen killing qualities of the thousand plus pounds of Epson salt, means that the solution in the rooms is cleaner than most tap water. We follow safe operating practices known as US Float Tank Standards published by The Float Tank Association. We test our solution multiple times a day to ensure perfection. Each week the float rooms undergo a “deep clean” where they are fully sanitized both inside and out to ensure your safety and comfort every session.
What if I fall asleep?
Because of the deep relaxation floating provides, some people do fall asleep. Not to worry, the water is so buoyant you stay completely afloat. The worst that can happen is getting woken up by a bit of saltwater in your eyes. 90 minutes of floating is equal to 4 hours of solid sleep. Because of this, many people who suffer from insomnia or jet lag get great relief from floating. So, relax and let yourself drift away.
Will I get cold, like staying in a bath too long?
No, the room is heated all the time to the perfect temperature to heighten your floating experience. The temperature of the water feels warm when you get in, but it is at normal skin temperature (93.5 degrees Fahrenheit), the perfect temperature for floating. You’ll always be comfortably warm.
Can I float if I have my period?
Yes. Just follow the same protocol you would for a swimming pool or hot tub.
Can I float if I’m pregnant?
Absolutely, pregnant women love floating!!! It’s a wonderful way to alleviate the strain of carrying all that extra weight. If you have any concerns, please consult with your physician before coming in.
What if I can’t swim or float?
Floating doesn’t require any swimming skills whatsoever and no one has ever drowned while floating. The pods contain only 10 inches of water, and due to the extremely high concentration of Epsom salt, no matter your size or shape, you’ll float like a cork.
Will my skin wrinkle during my time in the water?
No, remember this is not normal table salt. Epsom salt is very good for you and leaves your skin feeling soft and silky after your shower. If you have abrasions, scratches or other cuts, the salt can sting which is why we suggest you do not shave 24 hours before your session. Individual packets of petroleum jelly are provided for you to protect any potential sensitive areas.
What is Epsom salt & what are its benefits?
Epsom salt is not actually salt but a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way to enjoy the amazing health benefits. Magnesium plays several roles in the body including regulating the activity of over 325 enzymes, reducing inflammation, helping muscle and nerve function and helping to prevent artery hardening. Sulfates help improve the absorption of nutrients, flush toxins and help ease migraine headaches.
What’s the longest someone has floated?
There is a float center in Portland Oregon called Float On that had an endurance athlete rent a room for a 24-hour period and apparently floated for most of that time! We haven’t heard of anyone floating longer than that. Some people enjoy back to back float sessions for up to 3 hours.
Can children float?
Yes, we do require anyone under the age of 19 to be to have their release form signed by a parent or guardian. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent our guardian in the float (must be scheduled in the couple’s room). If the child has sufficient experience floating with us, we may, at our sole discretion, allow a child under 16 to float without an adult in the float room, but the adult must remain on property for the duration of the session.
Is there enough air circulation in the room?
Absolutely. Each tank has a completely silent air circulation system that is constantly pulling out stale air and replacing it with fresh air.
Can more than one-person float at a time?
Float District locations are equipped with the Only “Couples Rooms” (Double Wide) in the market. Couples floats are a great way to introduce a friend or family member to floating who is apprehensive about the experience. We do have three float rooms minimum in our locations, so up to four people can come in to float at any one time, so bring your friends. If you have friends who prefer not to float, we offer at least three other service modalities for them to experience while others in your party float.
Will I get bored?
During the day we are constantly bombarded by sensory input and mental activity. In your first float your mind will be adjusting to the lack of stimulation and your brain may demand to be entertained. Take some deep breaths and relax into the experience, soon you’ll float away.
What if nothing happens?
In this age of instant gratification and multi-tasking it can be very difficult to not put expectations on everything that we do. We suggest that you approach your float with compassionate curiosity and allow yourself to simply be in the moment. Know that whatever your experience, your body is receiving the benefits of deep relaxation and everyone’s float is different.
How many times do I need to float to feel results?
Many people experience significant benefits on their first float, however like any form of active wellness, consistency and repeated usage yields the best results. We find that after your second or third float, you’ll be able to more easily relax both physically and mentally and you’ll really start to feel how awesome floating can be.
Will I be spacey afterward?
Everyone’s float experience is different. Some people report feeling extremely relaxed like after you’ve had a great massage, others have a heightened sense of energy and alertness. Take a few moments to check-in with yourself or join us in our float lounge. We enjoy talking with people about their float experiences, but we also realize that perhaps you just want a few moments of solitude. Give yourself some time before you go to your next activity, you deserve it.
What about my hair?
Yes, your hair will get wet, though the solution is neutral, and the Epsom Salt is not at all harsh. If you do have freshly dyed hair though, we ask that you wash it at least four full times or two weeks after color treating before coming in to float as any color leaching out would not be good for the water and can damage our float tank.
Special Note: If you use a Keratin hair smoothing treatment, they recommend staying out of saltwater and this includes Epsom Salt. So, if you use this product, we recommend taking precautions against getting your hair fully wet by using a high-quality swimmer’s cap to keep as much water out as possible.
Who invented floating?
Dr. John C. Lily, an American physician, neuroscientist, psychoanalyst, psychonaut, philosopher, writer and inventor.
How long have float tanks been around?
The first float tank was developed in 1954. These involved full submersion in water and a breathing device that completely covered your face. The first lay down, commercial tanks were invented in the early 70′s. Floating has been around for over 40 years and has loads of published scientific research to back it up.
Is there anyone who should avoid floating?
Consider the following from the release we have all floaters sign.
I will NOT use the floatation tank if:
- I have not showered thoroughly and still have oils, creams, or makeup on my body.
- I have had any type of hair color/treatment within the past two weeks.
- I am pregnant and have not discussed floating with my Doctor.
- I am under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- I have a communicable or infectious skin condition, disorder, or diseases.
- I have open sores.
- I am diabetic, and I have not discussed floating with my Doctor.
- I have a history of heart trouble, schizophrenia, epilepsy, seizures or blackouts and have not received my doctor’s permission to use the floatation tank.
- I am experiencing a heavy menstrual period.
- I have a skin condition which may be adversely affected by absorption of magnesium.
- I am taking a medication or medications which magnesium from the Epson salt can have interactions with certain antibiotics and muscle relaxants.
- I have kidney disease.
- I have incontinence, or voluntarily/involuntarily release of bodily fluids of any kind.
- I have low blood pressure which makes it hard for me to sit or stand up.
I understand that if during my float session there is any contamination of the float tank water it may result in a full drain, clean and solution replacement. This results in not only the cost of cleaning and the water and Epson salt for the replacement solution, it creates significant down time for that room resulting in lost revenues. We inspect and clean every room after every session. Should we find the float room soiled after your session, you may be charged a cleaning fee of up to $1,500 if it requires a full solution replacement and significant cleaning.
What kind of tanks does Float District use?
Next Generation WAVE ELITE Float Rooms are flowing with innovation, they truly are revolutionizing the flotation industry with their state-of-the-art float rooms. The Wave Elite is not a pod nor tank, Wave Float Rooms offer the perfect solution. The preferred comfort of a float room along with the signature Wave contour ceiling, will provide the ideal atmosphere for the perfect float experience. Our “Room within a Room” design, provides a heated buffer zone that allows for a condensation free float, with precise air temperature control allows for a consistent float therapy session.
The Wave exclusive design offers a glass entry door and roomy interior with a spacious, bright and welcoming atmosphere. Effectively eliminating the fear factor associated with pods and tanks, you can see why the Wave Float Room has been called the perfect hybrid between a pod and other float rooms.
Inside your Wave Float Room standard features include an intercom system, under water lighting, safety grab bars, a glass entry door and an audio system. The audio system features auto fade at the start and/or end of every float session and other options to personalize each float experience.
And to top off the beautiful design and precise sensory-free technology is the advanced sanitation offered through the Vortex Filtration System that rounds out this technology. The Vortex system offers the following:
- High speed filtration, over 90 GPM flow rate between clients
- Minimum of eight turnovers of solution between clients
- Three points of suction for the most thorough cleaning
- Automatically dossed, UV, ozone and Hydrogen Peroxide
This is why FLOAT DISTRICT invested in the ultimate in next generation float therapy equipment.
FLOAT DISTRICT locations will be among the very first locations in the world to offer the WAVE ELITE COUPLES FLOAT built to allow two people to float in the same room. Float District is the only center in Omaha offering Couples Floats. This is a great way to introduce a skeptical friend or family member to floating.