floating
“there’s an infinite amount to find in the presence of nothing.”
phlōt has three state-of-the-art Pro Float sensory deprivation tanks.
floating unveiled
what is floating?
floating is a practice in which you enter into a sensory reduced environment. it is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. the environment inside a float tank does not occur anywhere in nature and can only be duplicated in another float tank. there is no light; visual perception is eliminated. there is no sound; audio signals are gone. the water is the same temperature as your skin; tactile sensations dissolve. there’s over half a ton of Epsom salt in the water; gravity disappears. 90-95% of the sensory input we normally process is turned off and extraordinary things begin to happen. the body goes into a deep state of rest and relaxation.
what to expect?
release all expectations. floating is about everything that you won’t be doing.
for an hour you will be doing nothing and this, perhaps, will be the most relaxing thing you will ever do.
why float?
it turns out that when you float in a warm, Epsom salt solution that is housed in an environment which frees you from almost all of your senses, wonderful things happen. with external stimuli at a minimum, our bodies have a profoundly intense relaxation response. the body is no longer in “fight or flight” mode and switches to “rest and digest”. this natural transition carries a wide array of health benefits. the brain reduces cortisol output (stress hormone) and increases dopamine and serotonin, the “feel good” endorphins. it is essentially a reboot switch for your mind. this warm, salty bath dissolves stress stored in muscles, decompresses joints and elongates the spine, and puts the body in an ultra deep state of rest and relaxation. floating helps with rest and recovery, stress, anxiety, can alleviate chronic pain, and so much more!
mental benefits
heal the mind, heal the body
- stress relief
- reduced anxiety
- accelerated mindfulness/meditation
- enhanced creativity
- mental clarity
- release of endorphins
- improved learning and memory retention
physical benefits
relieve tension you didn’t know you had
- improved muscle recovery
- better sleep quality
- pain management (chronic, lower back, fibromyalgia, migraines)
- reduction in concussion symptoms
- decreased muscle tension
- enhanced athletic performance
- reduced blood pressure
first float
once you have decided to float for the first time – which should be an easy choice! – there are just a few steps to follow:
1. schedule your float
online
this website is filled with "book now" buttons, including this one below!
by telephone
don't be shy, pick up your phone
and give us a call today!
in person
stop in, say "hi", take a tour,
and schedule an appointment!
2. before your float preparation
eat a light meal
1-2 hours before your float
you don't want to be stuffed nor do you want to be starving during your float. consuming food within this time frame will put your tummy in a sweet spot.
do not consume caffeine
you want to be in a calm, relaxed state during your float., and caffeine would interfere with that.
refrain from shaving the day of
freshly shaven skin can be irritated by the Epsom salt water, so it's best to avoid shaving for several hours before your float.
give yourself time
plan to arrive early so you can begin to relax before your float and stay as long as you want after your float. we recommend you take some time for yourself and enjoy the post-float glow.
3. time to float!
- plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early to check in. (please call if you're going to be late)
- new customers will be given a short walkthrough and any questions will be answered
- take a quick pre-float shower and then enter the float tank
- after 60 minutes the lights and music will fade on to ease you out of your float
- step out of the tank and take a quick post-float shower to rinse all the Epsom salt away
- get dressed and enjoy your post-float serenity in our relaxation room
- enjoy our refreshments and relax for a while
frequently asked questions
all you need to bring is yourself. towels, washcloths, soap, ear plugs, and everything else are provided.
people who are claustrophobic consistently report they have no problems with floating. you are always in control of your environment and can leave the tank door open and the lights on if you desire.
the water is fully filtered three to four times between each floater through the tanks advanced filtration system, which uses a 10 micron filter and is sanitized using UV light and hydrogen peroxide. also, the high concentration of salt creates a very hostile environment for anything small that wants to live. the cleanliness and clarity of our water is extremely important to us, so we regularly test and monitor it throughout the day to ensure it is held at the highest standard.
of course! in fact, we encourage it. floating is a wonderful experience to share with a family member or friend. you can’t float together (our tanks are built for one), but we have three floatation tanks.
yes, your hair will get wet. the water and Epsom salts are neutral so your hair will not be damaged. if you dye your hair, you will need to wait at least 14 days to allow the new color to set in properly. with red dye, we require a wait time of 30 days and your hair must run clean in the shower and not stain a towel.
you cannot float if you have Henna coloring in your hair or a henna tattoo.
not at all. some people fall asleep, and that’s ok: the water is too buoyant for you to sink. the worst that can happen is you are awakened by saltwater getting in your eyes.
absolutely. floating has been proven to be a great experience for women who are pregnant, and it is completely safe. it is a great source of relief from the stresses of gravity and some women report that it is a wonderful way to bond with the baby, as you have a greater awareness of their presence.
everyone floats naked. you are in your own private room and inside the float tank. it’s best not to wear anything because a bathing suit (or anything else) can be a tactile distraction while you’re floating.
yes, absolutely. we have several options available. please visit our store for more detailed information.
absolutely. just follow the standard sanitary protocol used in hot tubs or pools.
our tanks
size
our cabins are some of the largest float tanks on the market. with almost 8 feet of interior length and almost 5 feet of interior width, even the largest floaters will feel comfortable.
insulated fiberglass
with a solid foam core embedded in the structure, the Pro Float cabin ensures maximum sound proofing and heat retention, allowing for a more comfortable float.
air circulation
high efficiency air circulation replaces air inside the tank with the fresh dry air that is outside the tank. it won't feel stuffy!
vibrant lights
each cabin is equiped with a soft light LED system. you can choose to float with the lights on, but most people usually turn them off.
tactile transducers
underwater speakers provide the option to listen to music as you float or help you through guided meditations. you have the option to play your own music. you will be eased out of your float with our music for the last couple minutes of your session.