What is Floatation Therapy?

When was the last time you paused for five minutes to clear your mind of everyday stresses? Or rejuvenate your senses? Or enhance your brain function? If you’re feeling sheepish, that’s normal - we really don’t take enough time for ourselves. But floating can help you to reset - and in just 60 minutes. So why not unplug for an hour, and just float?
I did, and this is how it went down…
Q. Where was the floatation therapy treatment?
At the newly opened Health Space Clinic on Bayswater Road in Sydney’s Kings Cross. The shopfront is packed with healthy treats and organic produce, and inside, you’ll find massage therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, naturopaths, nutritionists, kinesiologists, physiotherapists and of course, a floatation tank.
Q. What did the float tank involve?
Essentially, you get into the tank and float for 60 minutes. With over 500kg of epsom salts in it (magnesium sulfate), it’s impossible for you to sink or roll over. I even tried to force my arm underwater a few times to no avail - it was a bit of a workout actually! Built from fibreglass, the tank is designed to block out any external distractions so you can focus on relaxing and achieving wellness.
The water is heated to 35.5 degrees (skin temperature), meaning that once you’re settled in the tank, it’s almost impossible to distinguish where your body ends and the water begins, effectively “fooling” the brain into believing that you’re floating in mid-air.
As you float, the magnesium from the epsom salts absorbs into your skin, regulating blood pressure, aiding detoxification, helping to prevent cardiovascular disease and easing muscle soreness and sports injuries.
The benefits of the float tank are honestly endless, and include:
- Promotes a feeling of total calm and relaxation
- Eliminates fatigue and jet lag
- Relieves pain from arthritis, migraines and injuries
- Improves sleep and alleviates physical and mental stress
- Energises and revitalises the body
- Heightens visualisation and expands awareness
- Boosts motivation and alertness
- Decreases anxiety
- Speeds the healing process and prevent sports injuries
- Boosts immunity and productivity
- Decreases the production of cortisol, acth and lactic acid
- Increases the production of endorphins
- Enhances meditative state
- Reduces blood pressure, pulse, heart rate and oxygen consumption
How did the treatment feel?
It takes a while to get used to the idea that you’re meant to spend 60 minutes just floating inside what is essentially a giant egg. As someone who finds it hard to switch off, I struggled to force myself to relax, meditate and sleep - but I eventually got my brain to stop ticking! It’s quite amazing - you really have no concept of where your limbs are, and you feel totally weightless. It’s strange, but it works.
And how did you feel afterwards?
Look, it takes a lot of patience and an open mind to really feel the effects of floatation therapy. I’ve been twice, and things didn’t get easier the second time around. Much in the same way that I can’t stop thinking once I’ve gone to bed, I still made mental lists of all the things I need to do and enjoyed the occasional flap of the arms (just to make sure they were still there). I think it’s a great way for people to strip back the stress and focus on just breathing, but right now, I’m still in the ‘beginners’ phase. I want to try to totally clear my head and fall asleep in the tank, so I’m definitely up for round 3.
Who would you recommend floatation therapy for?
Anybody who just needs a bit of time to themselves to unwind, clear their thoughts, rest and refresh. If you can turn off your brain and fully immerse yourself in the treatment, the benefits are incredibly rewarding. And if you enjoy meditating, you’ll love the float tank.
Have you ever tried floatation therapy or would you like to?
84 Member Comments
Sounds wonderful but I don't think I'd actually do it.
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oh i’ve done this! the little capsule can feel a little alarming at the beginning and it’s a very interesting feeling! you literally cannot make yourself sink to the bottom
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Wow I’ve never heard of this before. I’m not claustrophobic but this kinda scares me
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Not for me. I'd hate to be locked up in this egg
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This actually sounds amazing! I live a couple of blocks from a centre with a floatation tank and drive past it every day. It’s been on my to-do list for so long - I just need to bite the bullet and do it.
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I totally would be up for this experience. I have a spa in my local community that offers this service and hope to make an appointment in the next few weeks.
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I will stick to my own bath, even though I wont float, a few friends had this and cramped up terribly
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I think I would feel too closed in inside it, so I wouldn't feel at all relaxed.
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No, not for me. I wouldn't feel at all comfortable floating inside that giant 'egg'.
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I have tried this one. It's interesting and I am glad that I have experienced it, but I don't find it particularly relaxing or enjoyable. I prefer a massage or a facial.
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I am trying this next week! A place recently opened in my town and a few people have gone and found it amazing. I am in my 3rd trimester and they say it can help with aches, pain, insomnia and general stress relief. I say a kid free hour is bound to be beneficial ;)
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I haven't tried it but I would like to as the health benefits of magnesium are amazing an I often have epsom salt baths - not 500 kg worth though! I was thinking when they said that it have more of a deep, above ground pool look.
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I would try this but saying that it would be hard to relax/meditate in that huge egg like that for me anyway & besides couldn't anyone just get a floatable pool & add salt to it & do this from home? It's just the same thing.
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I'm claustrophobic so I don't think this would work for me
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This looks so cool!
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My sister absolutely loves this and always tells me to try it!! I am just unsure I would like to feel closed in... But I think I will have to give it a go!!
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Absolutely something I NEED and would love to do! I have never heard of Floatation Therapy before and even reading about it was relaxing.
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Floatation tanks are amazing. I have been to one in Heathmont Victoria afew times now. I feel so relaxed during, my brain actually turns off which is a funny thing for me! Even afew I'm relaxed still. Not to mention my skin feels amazing after it due to the salt! So many things that don't work out there but this is deffintly one to try! Highly recommend
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sounds awesome, wonder where in adelaide offers it?
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Sounds interesting but looks a bit claustrophobic.
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This sounds amazing. How relaxing!
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I went in a few floatation tanks more than twenty years ago. I only went in them if the door was left open. I would have freaked out if the door was closed.
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I absolutely love being in a warm bath, so relaxing and warming
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This sounds interesting.
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