I am little bit of a junkie when it comes to different therapies or treatments that might in some way, shape, or form enhance my well-being. I just love to find new ways to clear pathways within the body, invigorate or rejuvenate my health, or just help to change my perspective. As such, I have done everything from EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) tapping to guided imagery sessions to acupuncture and hypnotherapy—and so much more!

Recently, I tried a therapy that I have wanted to do for some time: flotation therapy.

What is flotation therapy?

Flotation therapy is a sensory deprivation healing treatment for your physical body, mental and emotional health, and spiritual growth.

Studies indicate that flotation therapy delivers wide-ranging benefits including a significant reduction in stress, but also in chronic pain, swelling, headaches, depression, and insomnia—all while lowering blood pressure and improving skin.

Pretty impressive, right?

Doctors, athletes, and float enthusiasts are also using floatation therapy for neurological, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, muscular, skeletal, and hormonal balance.

Honestly, it sounded almost too good to be true! Of course I had to check it out.

I had my session at Floating Lotus in New York City. The spa itself was very simple and understated, but clean and comfortable. The spa attendant took me into my own unique float room that had a dressing area and contained a tub filled with warm water and hundreds of pounds of Epsom salt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Side note: The only prep experts advise before your session is NOT to shave the day that you plan to go. If you do, you will definitely be feeling some razor burn.)

My spa attendant explained to me that the high amounts of salt in the tub allow your entire body to float without any effort. There is nothing holding you down, giving you a sensation that would be similar to floating in outer space. She also explained the benefits of the therapy to me; for instance, one hour of flotation therapy can offer the same feeling as eight hours of sleep.

The goal of the session is to essentially feel nothing.

No sound, no light; nothing on or touching your body. In order to keep from feeling anything, my attendant recommended doing the therapy without any clothing on.

The room was at a warmer temperature and the water, lit with a soft green light, was close to body temperature to keep it comfortable. Before entering the tub, I had to wash off in a shower just in front of the door to the tub. Once I was in the tub, I hit a button that shut off all of the lights—including the tub light—so that I was in complete darkness…for an hour.

Admittedly, at first I was a little nervous. I asked my attendant: “So, it’s going to be pitch black?”

“Yes,” she responded. “The point is not to use any of your physical senses.”

“Okay,” I thought, hesitantly. “Here it goes…”

After I showered, I stepped into the tub of warm salt water. At first, I experienced a small bout of panic. It might have been a little claustrophobia (which I tend to experience) or just the strangeness of experiencing no sound or light—especially when you live in the city, as I do. A lack of sound and light is pretty much non-existent!

After I calmed myself down, and just let go…. it was so, so relaxing. I just let my body float to the top. It was pretty amazing—everything stays afloat and you are essentially lying on the water.

It felt similar to meditation: at first, the chatter of my mind was quite loud and clear—almost like a stream of nonsense. But then it started to fade in and out, almost as if I was moving in and out of consciousness—not quite sleeping, but just on the brink. I was so aware, but so not aware . . . if that makes sense.

It felt like I was not even really in my body. As if there was no time or space.

Although the spa attendant recommended just letting my head float, I used the floating headrest that they provided. They also provided earplugs to keep my ears from being bothered by the water. They gave me a spray bottle with fresh water and a washcloth, in case I needed to touch my face (you wouldn’t want to get this salt in your eye, by any means!). And there was also a button to press in case of emergencies that may arise. That was comforting to know.

When my session was over, a soft light overhead automatically turned on. I headed into the shower to rinse off all of the salt. My session also allotted time to get ready in the dressing room, which included all of the toiletries that one might need.

I felt so refreshed during and after my session. It was as if I had just had a super long massage. My whole body felt relaxed; even my face felt and looked plumper and had a healthy glow. I could just feel a healthy circulation throughout my body! I felt a great sense of calm, relaxation, and rejuvenation, too. Flotation therapy is definitely something I would do again, and something that I think everyone should try.

That being said, there are so many great therapies to try in order to reduce stress or improve your well-being! I would love to take you along as I do try each of them. As I did in today’s post, I will let you know what I think of each therapy, and the benefits it provided for me. Stay tuned for more insights into my personal health experiments—and, of course, let me know if there’s anything specifically you’d like for me to try!

Have you ever tried a therapy or experience to help boost your well-being? Please share your experience—or one you’d like to try—with me in the comments below!

*Feature Photo credit to Core

*Additional photo credit to Floating Lotus