Floating in a Green Salt Pool

Floating in a pool of vibrant green water, a person lies on their back, seemingly at ease. The water looks serene, but the surrounding landscape is anything but—it's dry and rocky, creating a bizarre and beautiful contrast.

Sensory deprivation therapy

This unique experience is known as floating in a salt pool, also called sensory deprivation therapy or floating therapy. The core of the experience is simple: a person floats in a solution of water and Epsom salts. The high concentration of salt about 25% — makes the water denser than the human body, allowing anyone to float effortlessly On top of the water. The therapy isn't just about floating; it's designed to cause a temporary loss of sensation. The environment blocks out all external stimuli—no light, sound, or touch. Theory suggests that the lack of input can help the brain relax and enter a deeply meditative state. Epsom salts, an ingredient in the pool solution, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe muscles and joints.

A wellness trend emerges from a scientist’s experiment

Floating therapy has been around for decades, with roots tracing back to 1954. That's when a scientist, John C. Lilly, invented the floatation tank. Lilly, a neuroscientist, was interested in studying brain waves, and his design was an invention made in the name of science. However, despite the treatment's origins, its health benefits were overlooked until the 1972 when the counterculture movement caught wind of the tank, dubbing it 'sensory deprivation therapy'. Lilly did not intend for his creation to be a wellness trend, but it has evolved to become a staple in wellness centers.

Benefits floaters seek

Recent studies on the benefits of floating therapy have shown some promising results. The lack of sensory input can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and even alleviate pain. Some users report feelings of euphoria and increased creativity. However, it isn't just about mental health benefits—floating can also help with muscle recovery and relieving tension. The relaxing environment and the soothing properties of the Epsom salts help muscles relax and recover, making it a popular choice for athletes.

What happens in the tank.

The experience starts with a prep phase and continues on to the float phase and the relaxation.

1. Getting into the tank: First, the floater enters the tank and lies down in the water. The solution is kept at a neutral body temperature, around 35°C, ensuring there is no sensation of hot or cold.
2. The water supports the body's weight, but if it seems too hard to relax, many pools come complete with headrests to help assist the reverie.
3. Sensory deprivation and floatation: With no light, sound, or touch stimuli, the body begins to produce white noise. The brain starts to release endorphins as the high magnesium concentration causes the body to relax and rest.

Exploring the potential for obsessiveness

For some users, floating can become a way of life. There's a caveat, though—floating can become addictive. The calming effects of floating can become addicting to some, with users looking to replicate the feeling as often as possible. While it can be a beneficial part of life, it's important to remember that floating is only one part of a healthy lifestyle. It's a relaxing and beneficial process, but not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. The practitioners of floating have voiced their concerns. Some users report feeling a sense of euphoria and increased creativity after floating, but there are also potential drawbacks. The lack of sensory input can lead to a feeling of detachment and dissociation from the world, which can be disorienting.

Floating for the first time

Moving forward when one decides to take up floating therapy, the process begins with finding the right floating center. Ideally, get one that is clean and puts hygiene as a priority.

• Forgo makeup: Initially, avoid wearing makeup, as it could end up in the floatation tank solution. The practice centers usually recommend showering before entering the pool to ensure the solution remains clean and hygienic.
• Avoid cooking: A dehydrated body and a dehydrated float, so do not avoid hydration.
• Post-float: You may need about 20 minutes to recuperate from the experience, so don't drive afterward.

A mindful pause in a warm but dry world

Floating therapy stands out as a strange but effective experience, especially in places where the temperature varies drastically. It's an oasis of calm, of relaxation, and peace. So, if one wants to experience the feeling of floating in a saltwater solution, one must make it a point to experience this one-of-a-kind experience.