Float therapy is a treatment like no other. Whether you’re dealing with stress, aches, pains, or other health concerns, float therapy may be right for you. However, before starting a float session, it’s important to know how to prepare. While you can go in without any expectations, proper preparation can make your float even more beneficial.
In this post, we’ll discuss what to consider when preparing for a float therapy session. We’ll also talk about how a floatation tank works, including how to make the most of your experience.
Table of Contents
- Understand how floating works
- Prepare your mind for your first time in a float tank
- Try to avoid the following before your first float therapy
- Book a float session today
Understand how floating works
If you’re thinking about scheduling your first float tank experience at your local float spa, it’s essential to do some research beforehand. The main aspect of float therapy is the act of floating in a highly specialized tank, also called a sensory deprivation tank. The tank is filled with water heated to the outer skin temperature and about 800 pounds of Epsom salt is added.
When entering the tank, you’ll want to float on your back and fully relax your muscles. The high concentration of salt keeps you floating on the water surface while your head is partially underwater.
The tanks are large enough, that most people of average height can typically stretch out their legs and arms without touching the sides or walls during the floatation, but of course every person is different.
The main goal of a sensory deprivation tank is to block out all sensory stimuli. That said, these tanks are dark and soundproof. You don’t want any outside distractions while you float, allowing you to go into a quiet, deep meditative state. While this can help you stay calm and reduce stress, the salt in the water helps to soothe aches and pains. For many people around the globe, floatation is a very beneficial health and wellness treatment. During each session, expect to float for about one hour.
One reason why float therapy is becoming more popular is that it can provide several benefits. While the advantages can change from one person to the next, there are some common ones to consider, such as stress relief and greater relaxation.
If you have stress on an everyday basis, float therapy could be right for you. It promotes a deep sense of relaxation, calming the most stressed individuals. When all outside noise and distractions are eliminated, this leaves you to float your worries away. Your nervous system will take a break from the high demand of everyday life, allowing you to relax and keep a clear head. It’s even possible to notice a major difference after just one float session!
Another top perk of float therapy is that it helps to reduce muscle tension. If you work out regularly, play sports, or frequently deal with physical ailments, floatation can be extremely useful. This has to do with the high buoyancy of the water and Epsom salt in the tank, allowing you to fully relax your muscles. As your body is fully relaxed without any pressure or weight, it goes into a state of healing. Float therapy is a quick and easy way to reduce muscle tension and eliminate discomfort.
By understanding more about float therapy and its benefits, you’ll be able to prepare and make the most of your first session!
Prepare your mind for your first time in a float tank
While you should learn more about float therapy before starting your first session, getting your mind right is even more essential. If you’re not in the right mental state when starting your float, you may not see the desired results.
First things first, you’ll want to be as relaxed as possible during your float therapy session. While the treatment does help with this, being relaxed beforehand can be even more beneficial. Wondering how to accomplish this? One tactic many people use is to take a few minutes before the appointment to transition into the experience. This can be a few seconds of peace and quiet, an hour-long meditation session, or even some yoga. You’ll want to find something that gets you as calm and relaxed as possible. A few other options people use are reading a book or taking deep breaths. Many people decide to complete these relaxation techniques when showering before your float tank therapy appointment. Also, try to avoid staring at your phone or watching TV right before the treatment. This can keep your brain too active and promote anxiety or stress during the session.
By staying calm and relaxed before your appointment, you can reap significant benefits during and after the float. Furthermore, if you continue with floatation for multiple appointments and prepare properly, it’s very possible to experience less stress and anxiety in your everyday life.
Try avoiding the following before your first float therapy
After learning more about float therapy and how it works, including the importance of staying relaxed, we’ll now talk about what to avoid before the session begins.
As you’re getting ready for your appointment, you’ll want to avoid caffeine. This includes drinks like soda, coffee, and tea. Caffeine tends to make people more nervous and anxious, which can negatively impact the floating experience. You can also deal with a caffeine crash during the session, possibly leading to a less effective float. While everyone should avoid caffeine before the session, it’s even more important if you have a sensitivity. However, timing is also a crucial factor. If you drink caffeine early in the morning and have a session later in the day, your caffeine intake may have no impact on your experience. The best thing you can do is listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
Alcohol is something else you should avoid before floating. While it’s essential to never drink right before your session, you should also consider refraining from alcohol the night before the appointment. Being hungover is something you never want to deal with while floating. Additionally, the after-effects of alcohol can also influence your balance, which isn’t a good combination when you’re in a sensory deprivation tank.
Another tip to remember is to never shave or wax before your appointment. Avoid freshly shaved skin. As these tanks often have around 800 pounds of Epsom salt, this can irritate shaved or waxed areas. The same goes for open wounds. If these are exposed during floating therapy, you may notice pain, discomfort, and irritation. If you have minor scratches or wounds, the best thing you can do is cover them with liquid bandages. If you have larger open wounds, consider rescheduling your appointment until you’ve completely healed. These wounds can get painful and irritated during the float, and the bacteria could also compromise the cleanliness of the water.
It’s also important to take a shower before floating. Not only does this help to keep the tank clean, but showering also promotes relaxation in the body. Having a calm shower beforehand allows the body to unwind, which is ideal before a float session.
Book a Float Session Today
By understanding how to prepare for float therapy, you can experience lasting benefits after each appointment. Furthermore, once you get more experienced with this treatment, the advantages can increase even further.
Schedule your first float session today and get started!
