FLOATING

The premise of floating is that there is a tank filled with less than a foot of water, saturated with nearly 1000 pounds of epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) which has the affect of making the body buoyant.  You climb in, close the door, lay down and come to a relaxed and comfortable floating position.  You are cut off from light, sound and the sense of touch/feeling is minimized due to the temperature of the air and the water being very close to your body temperature.  We are now free of the external bombardment of sensory perceptions, conditions where the body and mind can rest, repair and recharge.  As we sink into the silence and stillness we can begin to tap into the awareness behind the mind, the observer behind our operations.  This exploration of consciousness is a whole new frontier, pointing to the paradoxical truth that incredible complexity and staggering simplicity coexist simultaneously.  By tuning into the subtle and nuanced internal functions and sensations of the body we can develop our interoceptive awareness.  And by letting go of the minds obsessive tendency to grasp, we can reprogram ourselves for more optimal healing conditions.

There’s a misconception about floating because you often hear people refer to it as sensory “deprivation”, but it would be more accurate to say it’s sensory “isolation”.  Claustrophobia is a common concern of newcomers, but in my experience I have found that it is the opposite of claustrophobic and incredibly expansive feeling.

Our bodies are constantly under stress, gravity pulling on them 24/7/365. Floating provides near weightless conditions where we get close to escaping the non-stop strain that gravity puts on us.  Once we relieve the pressure put on our bodies by this gravitational force, it frees up energy and resources for our body to distribute where it is most needed.

The magnesium sulphate in the water is also great for our health.  It has a very calming/relaxing effect and can help with sleep.  I generally sleep like a baby after floating.  The epsom salt can also help with muscle recovery, aches and pains etc.  Magnesium offers a wide array of health benefits, it is integral to proper body function.

An analogy I like to use is that floating is like defragging a computer.  I’m able to drop all the insignificant mental baggage I’ve accumulated, prioritize and hone in on the things that really matter in my life.

Each float is distinctly unique and I like to say that whatever you experience is precisely what you need to experience at that moment in time.  It really couldn’t be otherwise.

Floating also has a cumulative effect, the more you do it, the more benefit you gain.  It compounds as you gain more experience with it and learn how to better navigate your inner space.

Below I will summarize the benefits I’ve personally experienced as well as many that others can attest to.  Many claims are anecdotal but there is also a lot of scientific inquiry into this revolutionary modality, much of it being measured and proven.  You can find a compilation of peer reviewed studies and other floating related scientific inquiries at www.clinicalfloatation.com.