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What is Floating?

Introducing Floating at Amber + Arlo

Floatation therapy was created over 60 years ago by Neurophysicist Dr. John C. Lilly while researching brain waves and altered states of consciousness. Float therapy was created for the many health benefits derived from sensory deprivation and magnesium absorption, and involves laying in a specifically designed float tank or 'pod' that is filled with 1000 litres of water at a depth of approx. 30cms, with 500kgs of pharmaceutical-grade Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) dissolved within.

 

The water is heated to room temperature so that once you are settled in the pod, the sensation of water on your skin will slowly fade away, and it becomes virtually impossible to distinguish between parts of the body that are in the water, and those that aren’t, in effect “tricking” the brain into believing that you are floating freely in mid-air. It's as though the outside world has faded away, leaving you in your own space for the ultimate relaxation experience. 

The buoyancy created by the dense salt solution effectively removes the feeling of gravity on the body, bringing you close to an experience of total weightlessness. Like the Dead Sea, this environment enables people of all body types to float effortlessly and escape the pull of gravity. This gives you the perfect environment to allow you to release the daily strain on your body. With earplugs in, and the tank's interior lights off, the quietness and darkness allow the mind to drift into the deepest state of relaxation possible. If it makes you more comfortable, you may leave the door to the pod open, and can also leave the internal lights on if you wish to do so.

 

The pod will eliminate all distractions such as sight, sound, tactile sensations, and, thanks to the extreme buoyancy of the water - gravity, so you feel like your floating in space.

 

Floating releases endorphins:

Reaching a restful state in the zero-gravity environment of a floatation tank, the brain will begin a fascinating process. Endorphins are released by the brain as you float in the tank. These are powerful natural pain relievers and mood enhancers that promote a sense of well-being. It will also further enhance the healing benefits and sensation of relaxation created by the zero gravity environment. 

Meditative state of relaxation:

Aside from endorphins released by the brain, your brainwaves will also shift into a theta state. These brainwaves are a rare brain state, normally achievable by people trained extensively in meditation. Floating can be considered as a short cut to achieving the deepest state of mind and wellbeing. 

Floating is renowned worldwide for its many health and wellbeing benefits. Backed by numerous medical studies on these benefits, floating has been shown to offer relief from a wide range of ailments and conditions on top of being an incredibly unique and relaxing experience for the mind and body.

 

Many reasons to float include:

Pain Management - Research shows that floating has been linked to relief of arthritis, back pain, neck pain, tendinitis, bursitis, inflammation, blood pressure and fibromyalgia symptoms.

Healing - Floating increases circulation throughout the whole body as well as the distribution of oxygen and nutrients. Enhanced muscle relaxation and an overall reduction in physical stress are also achieved through floatation. Visual acuity, perception and other senses have notable increases after floating as well as a boost in immune function.

Magnesium - The high concentration of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) in the water leads to an abundance of this mineral being absorbed through our skin. Magnesium can regulate blood pressure, assist in detox and assist in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. It also serves as a powerful recovery tool for athletes with muscle soreness or sport injuries.

Dopamine & Endorphins - Due to the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system through floatation therapy, the body is flooded with endorphins and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are responsible for pain relief, mood enhancement and a decrease in anxiety response. Perfect for stress management, depression and anxiety.

 

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Float facts:

No matter how long you float, your skin won't form any wrinkles that are normally associated with prolonged water soaking. The salt is continually absorbed by the skin, allowing the skin to remain smooth and supple.

Your body absorbs an abundance of healthy minerals such as magnesium and sulphates through the skin. Both minerals are available in Epsom salt. One hour in the Dreampod will allow you to supplement your bodies requirement of magnesium. 

 

Floating reduces stress on the back, hips and joints and can aid in the realignment of your natural body alignment. This is also beneficial to people with very sore muscles.

 

Magnesium is a natural sedative, it will help relieve muscle aches, back pain, migraines, insomnia and much more. 

 

Floating promotes total mental and physical calmness.

 

Floating improves blood circulation and the distribution of oxygen and nutrients and reduces blood pressure and heart rate, giving the body a natural way to release stress.

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