Introducing The Float

words by larissa klerck

You’ve heard people talking about it and you’ve seen the snapchats of your friends chillin’ in a neon-lit dome looking thing … but what actually is Float Therapy? Floating (for short) is a way of experiencing deep relaxation for the body and the mind and is achieved by spending an hour in a float tank. Experts say that one hour in a float tank is equivalent to four hours of solid, uninterrupted sleep! Heard of sensory deprivation before? Well that’s exactly what floating is all about! No sound, no smell, no sight, no movement. Intrigued? So was I until I checked out floating for myself. Let me run you through it…

Most float clinics ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment so you can fill out a health questionnaire and watch a cool little YouTube video on “how to float”… neat huh? You’ll be offered a warm cup of tea or glass of water (filtered of course) while you hang out on the comfy couches and mentally prepare for what’s about to happen. The staff will walk you to your float room and give you another quick briefing on how to float before closing the door and leaving you to your own devices (eeek!)

My first thought about the float tank was “That thing is huge!” which definitely helped ease my claustrophobia – winning! There was a beautiful open shower in the room which you’re told to rinse off in before stepping into the tank. I popped my ear plugs in and then opened the lid. When you first put your feet in, they literally lift to the top of the water without any effort whatsoever! Once you’re in completely, there are a few different ways to tailor your float experience which is GREAT if you’re a first timer. I decided to leave the tank light on which was a soft hue of purple but you can turn this off from inside the tank at any stage. And for all of you who are freaking out about being locked inside a dome, you do have the option to leave the lid slightly open if you want.

For the first five minutes of your float, you’ll hear gentle music playing from inside the tank while you get used to the unique sensation of floating. The music softly fades out and then you have the rest of your float to completely relax. It’s hard to explain exactly what it feels like but because the water is skin temperature, you really do feel like you’re floating.

When the float is finished (and you’re at the point where you really don’t want to get out), the music will start back up again bringing you to a more conscious state. After hopping out of the tank, you can have another warm shower with organic shampoo and conditioner at your fingertips! When you’re all finished, the staff will encourage you to have another tea or water and hang out in their relaxation room while you ponder just how incredible that was.

I can’t tell you if floating is for you or not, but I can tell you that I experienced absolute bliss not just during the float but for the rest of the day as well. Regular float therapy would have a long-lasting positive impact on our health fo sho’!

Be sure to check out a float clinic near you:

• Freedom Float Centre, Burleigh Heads
• Float Life, Arundal
• Robina Chiropractic Wellness Centre, Robina