Have you ever tried going to a float spa? When someone mentioned it to me, I pictured floating around in the Dead Sea for some reason. In reality, that’s not too far from the truth really, except you’re floating in total darkness and engulfed by a somewhat eerie silence.

What is floatation therapy?

Wondering what floatation therapy is? It’s fair to say a lot of people haven’t heard of it and don’t know what it is. 

In a nutshell, it involves going into a floatation pod or room, getting into lukewarm water and lying there for a while. And let me tell you, it is pure bliss. 

Some places (like Float Spa Hove, for example) have special isolation tanks. Personally, I think this is the best way to do it because it allows total sensory deprivation and for you to switch off properly from the world.

If you get a little claustrophobic, you may not want to go in a pod. There are some floatation spas that offer rooms with a bit more space (like The Unity Centre in Lewes). 

The water is extremely salty, which is why when you lie down, you float. It’s quite a strange sensation, but you get used to it after a little while. At FLoat Spa Hove, they use magnesium-based Epsom Salts, which have loads of benefits. They’re great for your skin (they help replenish and soften your skin) and magnesium can help stimulate detoxification in the body. 

What does float therapy feel like?

Like you’re floating on air- no, wait, water! Literally. Picture a space where you can be free of your phone, free of demands from all the people you know and love. A space where you’re just on your own. Your body stays in the floatation pod, but your mind? Your mind can go literally anywhere it wants. 

Part of the process is letting your mind loose and see where it drifts to, like a piece of wood bobbing along in the ocean. Who knows where it will end up? Your skin feels supported and caressed by the soothing salty water (don’t shave beforehand, FYI, or your skin will sting like a b***h). You feel weightless, and as you sway around in the mellow water, you go into this weird trance. It feels like pure relaxation. The only challenge is if you can truly let go and allow your mind to switch off. 

Everything is silent, you just occasionally hear the sound of the water swishing or the gentle bird sounds or spa music some places play in the background. This is YOUR uninterrupted time. In a world that’s loud, crazy, hectic and full of mind-numbing technology, a floatation experience offers a welcomed break from the insanity of life. 

What are the benefits of flotation therapy?|

Wondering what floatation therapy is good for? It has plenty of benefits. I’ll talk through some of the benefits that studies have shown to be true. But with any type of therapy, everyone is different. What works for me might not work for you. Not everyone will feel floatation therapy is relaxing. But it’s fair to say that most people probably do find it very beneficial to their well-being. 

• It may reduce stress and anxiety

In a study in 2018 (Feinstein et al., 2018), participants said they had experienced a reduction in stress, anxiety and muscle tension. This study also ‘demonstrated that floatation therapy had both acute anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.’

Think about it. Laying in a bath of lukewarm water is very relaxing, and it will help to calm your nervous system. If you’re feeling uptight and in flight mode, you just might be able to show your nervous system some calming love and go into a state of rest. 

• It may improve sleep quality

If you’re calm and relaxed, then it’s highly likely that you will sleep better. Another study by the European Journal of Integrative Medicine found that people taking part in float therapy reported improved sleep quality. 

• It can reduce muscle soreness and relieve pain

What do you do when you’ve got sore muscles? Have a warm bath. Well, floatation therapy has similar benefits. Simply lying in salt water is an excellent way to soothe tired muscles. 

Research has shown that floatation therapy significant;y enhanced perceived recovery and reduced muscle soreness following high-intensity exercise Caldwell et al., 2022. 

This type of relaxation can also help with some aches and pains. According to research, floatation helps to relieve chronic pain symptoms and offers pain relief. 

• It can help with anxiety and depression

When you’re stressed or feeling down, taking some much-needed time for yourself can be a game changer. Floatation therapy is obviously very relaxing, so it’s likely to make you feel calm and at ease. A study by Garland et al found that regular floatation sessions reduced anxiety and depression symptoms. Floating in a sensory deprivation environment has a calming effect on your nervous system which helps to tackle anxiety and stress. 

Do you wear swimwear during a flotation?

The places I’ve been to generally say you don’t need to wear swimwear. It’s just you in the pod/room by yourself, so there’s no reason why you can’t go in totally naked. It feels a bit strange, but I highly recommend trying it. Being free from clothes and swimwear adds to the relaxation. There’s something about being naked that helps this experience feel more authentic and beneficial. But you can also wear a swimsuit if you’re more comfortable, it’s totally your choice.

If you’re curious about floatation therapy, give it a try. It’s such an amazing experience. I’ve personally found it really good for relaxation and getting away from the madness of everyday life. They say that you get more benefits once you’ve been 2/3 times so if you book a session, it’s worth scheduling a couple more if you can. Taking time for yourself is so important and floatation therapy is an excellent way of getting some much-needed peace and relaxation!