ABOUT FLOAT THERAPY
The History of Floating
Invented in the mid 1950's by neuro-scientist Dr. John Lilly, floatation therapy tanks were originally named "sensory deprivation tanks," and sometimes "isolation tanks." Over the years the name was changed to float tanks or floatation therapy tanks.
Although floating was invented in the United States, it has grown quickly over the past two decades in Europe. You can now easily float around the world.
Floatation therapy is based on a scientific approach to deep relaxation called Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique or R.E.S.T. for short. The idea was developed in 1954 at NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) in Washington. Floating in a floatation tank triggers a deep relaxation response, much deeper than normal sleep. It enables us to drift into the elusive Theta state, which is hard to achieve.
Floatation REST has many physical and mental benefits because it provides an unparalleled level of relaxation. With the elimination of external stimuli, the central nervous system's workload is reduced by as much as 90%. This reduction draws a person's energy inward and promotes relaxation--also known as the parasympathetic response. The parasympathetic response is the mechanism by which the body naturally regenerates itself and maintains chemical and metabolic balance. Old wounds and injuries are allowed to heal faster. Increased T-cell production strengthens the immune system. This deep level of relaxation also benefits the cardiovascular system. Known as the vasodilatory effect, the body's circulation is increased while the blood pressure and heart rate are reduced. Furthermore, the elimination of gravity on the body allows muscles and joints to release tension and heal more rapidly. For this reason, people suffering from musculoskeletal and rheumatic conditions greatly benefit from Floatation REST.
The "Brain Wave Explanation" by Michael Hutchison best describes what happens to us at each of the 4 stages of brainwave frequency. Floating subtly changes our body chemistry, creating profound benefit for an individual's emotional balance. Negative emotions such as anxiety and fear are replaced by positive feelings of empowerment, confidence, and well-being.
As a person floats, the brain waves slow down into theta frequencies, a state of tranquility, creativity and very deep relaxation. Theta waves, measured at 4-7 Hz, represent the brain in a state of REM sleep (dreams), hypnosis, or lucid dreaming. Theta is the twilight state just before sleeping and just after waking, the border between the conscious and the subconscious world. By learning to consciously use a conscious, waking Theta brain wave we can access and influence the powerful subconscious part of ourselves that is normally inaccessible to our waking minds. While in the Theta state, the mind is capable of deep and profound learning, healing, and personal growth.
Pioneers in the development and study of floatation tank therapy
John Lilly
In 1954 neuro-scientist John Lilly, MD invented the first Sensory Deprivation tank, to access a range of higher brain functions, meditation & healing. Find out more about Dr. Lilly at http://www.johnclilly.com/
Michael Hutchison
Michael Hutchison wrote the very informative The Book of Floating.
FLOATING: WHAT TO EXPECT
WELCOME
ABOUT OUR FLOAT CABINS
ABOUT OUR FLOAT CABINS
WELCOME to ZEN Natural Wellness
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your first float. Our knowledgeable staff will introduce you to our facility and give you a brief orientation to prepare you for your float. Before you float, we have a few guidelines that will make your experience more comfortable:
- Ensure you are well hydrated the day of your float therapy session.
- Use the washroom before entering your Float Room. Trust us, you don’t want to have to get up to go repeatedly during your float.
- Eat a light meal or snack a few hours before floating. There is nothing more startling hearing your stomach growl while you were floating in peace.
- It is ok to exercise before your float. Some clients find their recovery is better when floating after exercise.
- Avoid caffeine before your float.
- Do not shave the day of your appointment. Although you can cover up minor cuts and scratches before your float, shaving before entering the high concentration of Epsom Salts will sting.
- For your safety, and to ensure your float experience is a memorable and comfortable experience, we ask that you reschedule your appointment if the following apply:
- Tatoo in the last 4 -6 weeks
- Abrasions or open wounds
- Recent surgery
- Spray tan int he last 48 hours
- Very recent hair dye (Colour wiping off on a towel)
ABOUT OUR FLOAT CABINS
ABOUT OUR FLOAT CABINS
ABOUT OUR FLOAT CABINS
PRO FLOAT CABINS
Our Float Cabins are perfect for those who want a bit of extra space. The spacious Float Cabins can accommodate an Individual Float or a Tandem (Couples) Float session. (Please call us to book a Tandem Float.) With high ceilings and easy access, beginner floaters who might be a bit claustrophobic have nothing to worry about.
The Float Cabin features a spacious entry door, a beautiful white interior with a high ceiling, client-controlled LED, underwater color light therapy, and sparkling-clean water.
Our float cabins are also known as a traditional model of an isolation tank. Without the light, it is a lightless, soundproof tank, allowing you to experience true R.E.S.T (Restricted External Stimulus Therapy) Float Therapy and truly enjoy being unplugged.
The cabin door is set about 22” from the ground at an angle, making it easy to step in and out of. The door handles are located both inside and outside for your convenience.
GETTING READY TO FLOAT
ABOUT OUR FLOAT CABINS
GETTING READY TO FLOAT
After the pre-float orientation, the ZEN Natural Wellness staff will take you to your own private Float Room. (Please remember to lock the door from the inside.) The room has a high quality shower. It is important to shower pre and post float. The pre-float shower ensures the quality of the Float Tank water stays pristine. Showering and rinsing your hair removes oils and contaminants from your body. Showering post float helps remove the Epsom Salt from your hair and body.
We provide the following:
- Towels: One bath towel and one small hand towel. We recommend taking the smaller towel into the tank with you. Hang it on the inside rail. This will come in handy if you happened to get water on your face.
- Clothing Hooks and a bath robe
- Vaseline and Q-Tips
- Ear Plugs: you will be provided a pair of reusable earplugs at your first float session. (Ear plugs thereafter are $3.00/ pair.)
- A Styling station complete with Hair Gel, Contact Lens Solution, Hairdryers and a large Mirror for after your float.
- Additional support: We offer additional floatation devices for additional support. These may include the Float Halo or Nekdoodle (Float Neck support) and/ or a pool noodle (perfect for a pregnant belly).
TIME TO FLOAT
GETTING READY TO FLOAT
You can expect to be in the float room for about an hour and a half*, typically, during which you may choose to relax and clear your mind, or actively float with meditation or other mental techniques. Either way, flotation therapy will offer you various benefits.
*90 minutes includes float and shower time. The FLOAT time is 75 minutes plus and additional 15 minutes for pre-float and post float shower.
The water will be a comfortable temperature, heated to match the temperature of your skin. This helps the feeling of being in water fade away as you become still. Salt makes the water incredibly buoyant so there will be no pressure on your body at all. This frees your body and mind from sensory input so you are truly able to relax. Breathe and relax. Let go of any racing thoughts. This may take a while. Muscles may ache as they relax, this is normal. It becomes easier with each additional float.
You can position your arms either above or below your head. Find the position that feels more comfortable to you. Avoid touching your face and eyes. Epsom salt will sting. Use the small hand towel provided to wipe the water from your face.
RELAX
Relax Post float. Give yourself time to enjoy your post-float experience. Sit and relax with a Water in our Lobby area. Our staff are there to talk about your experience if you want to share or write it in our Salty ZEN Journal.
Whether you are interested in float therapy for the mental benefits, or to help treat bodily issues like migraines, arthritis, or other pain, it is certainly worth trying! Once you have stepped into the world of float therapy you will understand why so many others are visiting float tanks in Vancouver, and it might just become a part of your regular routine
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