|
1. Do I need to prepare myself for floating? Shower before coming over. Bring at least two towels. Though soap, shampoo, and cotton swabs are provided, you may want to bring any other bathroom accessories that you may need. Lightly stretch your arms and legs so that you feel loose and comfortable when you float. If you shave 2 or 3 hours before using the tank, the shaved skin may sting for a few minutes. If you can postpone your shaving, you will probably be more comfortable. If you wear contact lenses, it would be a problem if any salt water got into your eyes. If you remove your contacts you don't have to be concerned about it. If you have caffeine before you float, it may interfere with your ability to relax. 2. Should I eat before I go into the tank? You can eat, but don't be stuffed or starved. If you eat a very heavy meal you may spend a lot of time listening to your digestive juices. And, on the other hand, if you get very hungry you may spend a lot of time listening to your digestive juices. Moderation works. 3. Is it is true that float tanks are more hygienic than spas, jacuzzis, or swimming pools? Yes. Three things make the float so hygienic. The first is the high concentration of the Epsom salt that kills off viruses and bacteria and keeps them from surviving. (It's not called the Dead Sea for nothing). The second reason is that the water in the float tank is completely filtered and sanitized after every float session and the third reason is that there is an Ultra Violet purification system hooked up to the filtering system. This is one of the best ways to purify the water before another floater enters the tank. 4. What will floating be like for me? We don't know what it will be like for you since it is such an individual experience. The most common reports are profound peace and relaxation, deep concentration and creativity. We like to avoid saying too much before people use the tank, so that they aren't influenced by what someone else says. Not only will it be different for you than it is for anyone else, it will be different each time. 5. Are there any known side effects to floating? No. Except for a difficult to remove happy face. 6. How long do people usually stay in the tank? For a first time float, public places usually schedule an hour. Some people use the tank for shorter sessions and others find 2 or 3 hour sessions very valuable. Of course the ideal way is to stay in until you want to get out. You may be able to arrange that in a public place. Experiment with your own time in the tank to discover what is best for you. One of the many advantages of having your own tank is that you can set the amount of time that is best for you without any restrictions. 7. Do you wear anything in the tank? Since it is a private experience, most people don't wear anything. Anything you wear will get very heavy with salt solution and press against your body, becoming a distraction. In this regard imagine it as similar to getting into your bathtub. 8. Is there a right way to float? Each person should find whatever position is comfortable for him or herself. Some people float with their hands at their sides, some with their hands folded across their chest or abdomen, or behind their heads. You may float with the door open or closed. Float the way it is comfortable for you and explore what is best for you. 9. Will I float? I can't float anywhere. Yes. It is impossible not to float in the tank. One thousand pounds of salt dissolved in the water make the solution so much denser than your body that your body is pushed to the surface like a cork. Your face is out of the solution and your ears are underwater. 10. What do I do while I float? You don't have to "do" anything. Floating is usually a passive experience, so that less you do the deeper you will relax. Usually within ten to twenty minutes you are on the edge of sleep, in a dreamy but conscious state where time doesn't seem to exist. Most people just lay back and enjoy just letting go and flowing with wherever the experience takes them. 11. What effect does salt water have on my skin and hair? The Epsom salt solution seems to be beneficial to the skin. We have listened to some opinions that say epsom salt is very good for strengthening the hair. We know it's good for roses, why not hair? You thoroughly rinse the salt from your hair and body when you leave the tank. 12. Can two people float in the tank at the same time? We don't recommend it. Floating in the tank is intended to be a private, individual experience. 13. Is there a best time to use the tank? No. This is a matter of individual preference. Some people prefer morning, some prefer night. The best way to find out is to experiment by using the tank at different times of the day. 14. Will I be able to resume my daily activities when I get out? Yes. And it may be good to arrange your time so you don't have to rush. Many people enjoy savoring the peace and quiet before jumping into something hectic. 15. Can people drown in the tank? No. Not unless they lay face down in it, and are capable of tolerating the sting of the salt on the eyes, nose and mouth. 16. What if I'm claustrophobic? People who say that they are afraid to use the tank because they are claustrophobic probably assume that they will be confined to an enclosed space. However, you can use the tank with the door open if you wish. You are in control of the situation and can get in and out when ever you want. You should use it in the way it's comfortable for you. The tank is such an excellent place to go through claustrophobia that if you want to get rid of yours, it is probably the best place to do it. 17. Is there enough air in the tank? Yes. The tank is designed not to be airtight, so there is a plentiful air supply. In addition, fresh air is brought in by an air circulation system. 18. Is there a typical tank user? Not that we know of. People of all ages and walks of life seem to enjoy the experience equally. What seems typical is how good everyone looks when they come out of the tank. 19. Can pregnant women use the tank? Yes. We suggest that pregnant women inform their physicians or midwives and get their opinion prior to using the tank. The reports received from pregnant women have been enthusiastic. As their bodies get heavier, floating is a great relief from the pull of gravity. Floating has given many women a welcome rest. 20. Is there anyone who should not float? We suggest that people with schizophrenia, or epileptics whose epilepsy is not under medical control not float. If you have a kidney condition, acute skin disorder, diabetes or are pregnant we suggest that you ask your physician's advice about soaking in the Epsom salts. 21. Can people use drugs or alcohol in the float tank? Absolutely NOT! We do not allow people who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol to use the float tank under any circumstances. 22. Can floating really improve my life? There is a growing movement towards natural solutions to the problems of daily life, solutions with no unwanted side-effects. The benefits of floating are natural, long-term and cumulative. Every time you float, you re-enforce the health benefits of the Relaxation Response. In the tank, your body "learns" what true relaxation feels like a skill it will never "forget". 23. Is there any proof that floatation actually works? There are over 100 universities and medical research facilities, several dozen sports science units, and at least two national sports institutes working floatation REST. The effects of floating have been scientifically researched and documented since the first tank was built - as a research tool over 40 years ago. Floatation REST even played a part of NASA astronaut training programs. |