first time float tank therapy
the floating experience in a nutshell
- Some floaters avoid shaving/waxing, excess tanning, or any other activity that may increase the skin’s sensitivity for 12-24 hours before a float. However, shaving the face is rarely an issue as the face does not generally sit in the water. Individual preferences and tolerances apply.
- Don’t allow hunger or thirst to prevent you from being able to relax and enjoy your float. Having a small meal an hour or two prior to the appointment is probably ideal for most people.
- Also, avoid going into the tank dehydrated, which is just good practice in general. Everyone is different, so please pay attention to your body and use common sense.
- Avoid caffeine or smoking prior to the session if this would impact your relaxation. Please pay attention to your body and do what is best for you.
- Use the restroom as needed prior to floating.
- If you have recently dyed your hair, please refrain from floating until the color has completely set in, which can take 1-4 weeks.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please see our FAQ or give us a call to speak to an employee.
- Dress as comfortably as you can, keeping in mind that you will be undressing and dressing before and after your float. However, for those customers that come to the center in business attire, this is not a concern, as each float room has a personalized changing area
- If you wear contacts, it is highly recommended that you remove them prior to floating. If so, please bring contact lens solution and any other necessary equipment.
- A swim suit is not needed, as we encourage customers to float nude. Each customer has their own float room, featuring a tank, shower, and changing area. If you prefer to float in a suit, please bring one. For more information on this, see our FAQ page.
- Bring a comb or brush for your hair, as well as any other vanities or toiletries not already provided at the center.
- A personalized float room all to yourself, including state-of-the-art float tank, shower, and changing area
- Shower supplies to include a selection of high quality body washes, shampoos, and conditioners. These products were chosen with great care, and with the health of our employees and customers in mind.
- Fresh shower towel
- Fresh wash cloth for use inside the tank if you get water in your eyes
- Ear-plugs for use in the tank. These are optional, and many customers choose not to wear ear-plugs while floating.
during the float
Body Position
Floaters generally choose to have the arms down and at the side with palms facing up or down or arms overhead with the palms facing up. The water will normally pull the arms into one of these positions. Some floaters will cross the arms over the stomach or chest, but generally, it is best to let the water in the tank support the arms.
Breathing
This will often be the only thing a person hears inside the soundproof tank. For those that have learned to do so, breathing techniques can be an amazing tool for calming and relaxing the mind and body. Breathing through the nose and not the mouth is a best practice, both in and out of the tank. That's what the nose is for!
Being Still
The more calm and still you are in the tank, the better. The body may shift around in the tank, and floaters can sometimes touch the sides of the tank with their arms or even feet. Do not overreact to this. Instead, let your body naturally find the center of the tank, which it will. Floaters usually figure this out shortly after starting their first float.
“Trying” to Relax
Don't try too hard to do anything or bring expectations into the tank. Just be aware that it is a unique environment and that your body knows what to do. Some float in order to meditate, and some float simply for relaxation and pain relief. It will be more enjoyable if you let the experience be what it is for you and know that it might be different every time you float.
The Eyes
It is often best not to try too hard to force the eyes closed; instead, keeping them open is often a good technique, as there is nothing to look at, and they will complete naturally as you relax into the session.
after the float…
- Filtered water and other beverage options
- Healthy snack options
- Comfortable seating
- Books and periodicals on a number of subjects
…the day after
Floating dates back to the 1950s when physician, neuroscientist, and psychoanalyst Dr. John C. Lilly, author of multiple books on floating, devised the concept for the ‘isolation tank’ as part of his research at the National Institute of Mental Health.