The other day I received an e-mail from a reader asking me a few all important questions:

Are there any float tanks in Perth? If so, where are they?

So Today I’m going to answer these questions and educate you on the benefits of floating and where you can take part!

For those who don’t know, a floatation tank – also a little more eerily known as an isolation or sensory deprivation tank – is a “lightless, soundproof tank in which subjects float in salinated water at skin temperature”.

While this may sound a little bizarre, the benefits available from floating will surely be more than enough to sell you on this alternative wellness adventure!

So what makes a float different from getting in the bath at home and splashing around? The simple answer is epsom salt.

There is a 4:1 ratio of epsom salt in the water, creating amazing buoyancy so your body floats like a ship in the ocean, giving a feeling of total weightlessness when you immerse yourself. Another interesting fact to note is that you do NOT get wrinkly like a prune while floating, once again due to the very high salt content!

Remember that our float water is at skin temperature, many people report that they lose sense of where their body ends and the water begins…

Before you begin your float, you will usually be asked to take a shower, as while they do clean and filter the water in the tanks, it isn’t changed after every session.

Floats can either be done in small ‘rooms’ with a door or ‘pods’ which are just a little bigger than a person. During the float, you can choose to be immersed in complete darkness and silence, which I’ve been told is the best way to achieve optimum results. If you don’t feel comfortable with this idea at first – I’m sure I’m in that boat too,  you can leave the light on, keep the door open and even have the music on.

The experience is totally up to you, the door opens from both sides so even those who might feel claustrophobic can be reassured.

What happens to the body and brain during a float is probably best described by the experts, here is an excellent website that explains what happens to your brain during a float?.

The sessions usually take an hour and when drawing to an end, music & lighting will softly and slowly come on to rouse you from your relaxation or even sleep! This is very common and it’s impossible to roll over and become submerged during a float, so no need to worry if you drift off.

Here are just a FEW of the benefits that can be experienced with floatation therapy:

* Reduce stress and stress related pain & illness
* Cleanses the body of toxins
* Helps eliminate addictive behavior, including weight loss
* Lowers blood pressure, and cortisol level
* Enhances higher learning and aids in visualization
* Improves athletic performance
* Speed healing and recovery from physical activity and injury
* Creates hemispheric and whole brain integration
* Enhances the creativity process
* Increases endorphin levels that can last up to a week
* Creates an ideal environment for meditation & lucid dreaming
* Speed recovery from Jet lag
* Floating in a zero gravity environment is ideal for managing back pain

The benefits are said to compound as you take more and more sessions, this is certainly something I’m going to research and get back to you on! I haven’t personally experienced a float yet, but cannot wait to do so.

Currently there is only one known floatation facility in Perth, the Floatation Rejuvenation Centre. When I received the question via e-mail, I directed her to the FRC with instructions to let me know how it went, here’s what she had to say:

“Hi Annette,
I did go for a float on Tuesday and it was great, I just floated, it cost $60.00 and it was so relaxing and peaceful
I would recommend it to anyone, I am going back next week for a detox and one of my friends is going for a float.
Thank you for your help finding this place.”

So $60 for an hour of pure relaxation & bliss? Sign me up now! They also offer Ion Detox Spa, massage and much more.

If you’d like to find out more or get in on the action head to:

Floatation Rejuvenation Centre

46 Hill St, Gooseberry Hill
Western Australia

Ph: 08 9257 1586

To read more see: The Book of Floating: Exploring the Private Sea.

Be well,

xo