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The Science Behind Floatation Therapy

Floatation therapy is an increasingly popular form of relaxation and therapy that involves floating in a sensory deprivation tank filled with a high concentration of Epsom salt water. While the practice of floatation therapy has been around since the 1950s, it has gained renewed interest in recent years due to its potential health benefits. Proponents of floatation therapy claim that it can help with conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia, among others. But what is the science behind floatation therapy, and how does it work?

Numerous studies have been conducted on the benefits of floatation therapy, and the results suggest that it may have a significant positive impact on both mental and physical health. By reducing sensory input and promoting deep relaxation, floatation therapy may help to alleviate a range of symptoms and promote overall well-being.

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To ensure the health and safety of all our clients we ask that when you please reschedule your appointment if you are feeling unwell.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please read these so that you can get the best floating experience possible.
It is now possible for breastfeeding women to float but we need to talk first as there are some things that will need to be done to achieve this.

When can’t I float?

We don’t allow people to float if they:
        – Are experiencing any symptoms of respiratory disease
        – Are currently menstruating
        – Have infectious diseases
        – Have open wounds or skin ulcers
        – Have a perforated ear drum
        – Are incontinent
        – Have diarrhea and for 3 days following
        – Have uncontrolled epilepsy
        – Have recently coloured hair with strong colours such as red, black or dark brown – and colour is still coming out when hair is washed. Hair colours leaching during floating can stain our tank
        – Are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
        – Have artificial tanning products that may come off in the water
        – We don’t recommend you float if freshly shaved or waxed due to high risk of water stinging freshly aggravated skin/open pores.
Please check with your health practitioner before booking if you are concerned about the following conditions: heart conditions, asthma and sensitivity to magnesium. Please let us know if you have kidney disease or heart disease.

What do I wear in the tank?

You are in a private room and no clothing or swimwear is needed (or recommended).

Will I get claustrophobic in the tank?

Our FloatSpa float pods are HUGE. They have an internal size of a king size bed (internal length 2.32m) and 1.5 meters high, so when you are floating on the water you can’t even touch the top. Also, the light inside the float pod and the closing of the lid is controlled by you, so you can choose to float with the lid fully or partially up, and the light on if you prefer – although you may not experience the full benefit of sensory restriction. For anyone who needs more space and/or prefers no lid at all, try our open float pool – the size of a super king bed and big enough for couples floating. It is ideal for the very tall (over 7 feet) and those anxious about enclosed spaces.

Can I get out anytime?

Yes, you are in control and can get out and exit your float session at any time (although you are more likely to feel like staying in longer rather than want to get out early).

Do you change the water in between people?

Our FloatSpa float pods and pool feature state-of-the-art water cleaning systems that filters and disinfects the entire volume of the salt water before, after and between each float session to maintain impeccable water quality.
Between each session, all the water is pumped into a separate water preparation tank. Each time the water is pumped the water is filtered, through a 5 micron particle filter, a glass and sand filter and treated with UV light.
In addition to the 500 kg of food quality Epsom Salts (Magnesium Sulphate) – which acts as a powerful sanitiser, in each of the pods, H₂O₂ (hydrogen peroxide) is added to the water.
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a disinfectant that kills germs and viruses safely and quickly without using potentially toxic chemicals. Its antibacterial and antiviral qualities are more effective than distilled white vinegar and rubbing alcohol.

What do I need to bring?

Bring whatever you comb your hair with and a drink bottle for when you leave as you will probably be thirsty. We provide organic shampoo & conditioner, and a large range of Sukin skin care products is available to pamper yourself after your float. We also provide towels and a hairdryer. As you have a private room you don’t need a swimsuit.

Is there anything I need to do to prepare to float?

Other than be open to a wonderful new experience:
– It is best to float on an empty stomach but not be hungry (a light meal 2hrs prior is ideal)
– Please ensure you arrive well hydrated
– Avoid caffeine in the 5 hrs prior to your float
– Don’t shave or wax prior to floating (see earlier note)
– We provide everything you need for your float except what you comb/brush your hair with
– We recommend you remove eye contacts (if applicable) before entering the float pod. Bring own container and solution to facilitate this.

Can anybody float?

Yes it doesn’t matter what age, shape or size you are you will float effortlessly. There is no height or weight limit.
Float treatments are suitable for both men and women of all ages (we allow from ages of 14 and up). You must be physically able to get into and out of the float pod by yourself. Floatation may help to reduce or eliminate pain, detox, relieve anxiety and depression, recover from sleep deprivation (1 hour of floating can equal up to 8 hours of deep sleep), relieve stress and calm the mind.

Is it safe during pregnancy?

Totally! The water is maintained at approx. 35 degrees = relaxed skin temperature. It is a wonderful way to take the weight off your entire body during pregnancy, with the added bonus of boosting your magnesium and sulphate levels which is essential for a healthy human to form. However, if you have some challenges with your pregnancy please consult your health practitioner first to make sure floating is still right for you. We allow mums-to-be to float up to 37 weeks’ gestation.

What is in the tank?

The float pods and pool contain purified water and Epsom Salts (magnesium sulphate). Magnesium is the second-most abundant element in human cells and the fourth-most important positively charged ion in the body. It helps to regulate the activity of more than 325 enzymes and performs a vital role in orchestrating many bodily functions, from muscle control and electrical impulses to energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins. Sulphate flushes toxins, improves absorption of nutrients, helps form joint and mucin proteins, brain tissue and helps prevent or ease migraine headaches. Basically we need it and most of us are deficient as the soil is now depleted.

Is everybody successful at floating?

As with all different therapies not everybody will enjoy floating. You need to be open to a very different experience when you float and you may need to float a few times (we recommend at least 3 times) to really start to let go and allow the process of this profound relaxation of your body and mind. All experiences are different, very rarely are two floats the same as each time you float you go deeper into the layers of your being.

Check out our other services

Floatation

Enter a deep state of relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety through floating in our specially designed pods or pool.

Pneumatic Compression

Intermittent pneumatic compression to increase circulation, reduce swelling and remove lactic acid in the limbs

Cold Compression

To accelerate recovery from injuries and joint surgery. Combines hot and cold with gentle compression, reducing pain and increasing blood flow to injured joint.

Infrared Sauna

Infrared heaters to heat the body directly, rather than heating the air around the body, providing a deeper, more detoxifying sweat

Oxygen Bar

High concentration oxygen treatment with our Oxypoint Oxygen Bar to improve the oxygenation of the body and help in the healing process.

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OUR LOCATION

227-229 Devon Street East, New Plymouth, New Zealand

OPERATING HOURS

Mon-Fri: 7am-9pm
Sat-Sun: 8am-9pm
By appointment only

CONTACT

Phone: +64 21 207 6400