What is floating?

Float therapy

Float tanks come in different shapes and sizes, but the idea is all the same: the float tank is filled with 1 foot of water and 1,000 lbs of Epsom salt. There is so much salt that your body floats effortlessly. Float therapy's main benefit is to relax your mind and body.

Float tanks are also called isolations tank and sensory deprivation tanks. The first float

tank was developed in 1954 by Dr. John C. Lilly, a neuropsychiatrist interested in the effects of sensory deprivation on the brain. With all our rooms, you can experience that sensory

deprivation environment. You can also keep the music and lights on if you prefer.

We offer a 60-minute float session in which the room is privately yours. We have 3 float rooms, each with a different type of float tank and a different theme to enhance your

experience. You can either float alone or bring a guest with you. Two people can float together in the Constellation Room.

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main benefits of floating

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It's very enjoyable

Studies suggest that because our body is made up of 70% water, our brains immediately feel at peace and have a positive response when we are in water. This means that floating can help increase the neurochemicals in our brain to make us happier, healthier and lowering our stress and anxiety.

Reduce stress

The restricted environmental stimulation technique or REST is a method of relaxation where the level of environmental sensory inputs is kept very low.

Reducing how much sensory input the brain and nervous system receive can help to lower stress, anxiety and even depression.

In the Float Clinic and Research Center at LIBR, researchers had a first-hand look at the neurological effects of floating, thanks to the presence of floatation tanks and a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) facility. As a result of the institute’s initial research, clinically anxious people who used float therapy reported lower levels of anxiety, less muscle tension, and less pain associated with stress.

Research continues to show that float tanks’ lack of sensory stimulation can “shut down” sensory cortices, resulting in reduced anxiety and increased interception. The results are impressive.

Joint and muscle recovery

Float therapy can be likened to the concept of soaking a sore or injured body part in Epsom salt for relief but on a full-body scale. It's particularly effective at preventing sports-related injuries caused by muscle tension and strain.

Float therapy, with its gravity-free environment, offers muscles a genuine chance to rest and rejuvenate. As blood flow surges, the spine and neck naturally elongate, while tension effortlessly dissipates. The high levels of magnesium sulfate present in float tanks work to relax sore muscles and expedite protein production, effectively priming athletes for future physical challenges.

Pain management for artritis, fibromyalgia, sciatique nerf, etc.

Since arthritis, fibromyalgia and sciatique nerf currently lacks a known cure, numerous remedies have emerged to alleviate pain and manage symptoms. Alongside approaches like knee gel injections and stem cell therapy, float therapy has gained recognition as one of the most promising treatments without any reported side effects.

The high salt content makes the body buoyant, allowing individuals to float on the water’s surface effortlessly. The buoyancy of the saltwater, as one floats effortlessly, alleviates the pressure and strain on arthritic joints, granting respite from pain and stiffness.

Furthermore, the warm water helps to relax muscles and alleviate tension. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with arthritis, as muscle stiffness and tightness often accompany the condition. The warmth of the water promotes increased blood circulation, which aids reducing inflammation and may contribute to a reduction in pain.

relax your mind and your body

RELAX YOUR MIND

The water is maintained at the same temperature as your body; around 35.5 °C. The water temperature from the float tanks matches your body, thus the body won’t get cold and won’t get warm. As you float, pressure is removed from your body and eventually it will feel like your body is not touching anything; resulting in your touch sense to be shut.

We keep the room odor neutral to shut your sense of smell.

When you enter the room, relaxing music and relaxing lights will be on. As you settle in the float tank, you can easily access buttons to turn on/off the music and/or lights. When you turn off the lights, the room will be pitch black. When the music is off, it will be extremely quiet.

When your, sight (vision), sound (hearing), smell (olfaction), taste (gustation), and touch (tactile perception) senses are “turned-off” it can affect your neurological system. Benefits from sensory deprivation include; easing anxiety, feeling rejuvenated, better sleeps, enhancing creativity and seeing clarity.

Floating itself is a very enjoyable sensation that usually feels relaxing both for the mind and the body. This is your experience, and you are always in control on the light and music. At any time, you can exit the float tanks and the room. Some people prefer to keep the light and/or music on and that is totally fine.

Relax Your Body

As you float, the pressure on your joint is removed, which can help reduce chronic pain and stiffness.

Removing the pressures of gravity off your muscles can also help lactic acid to leave your muscles quicker. Lactic acid is often associated with being responsible for muscle fatigue and tissue damage caused by lactic acid after an intense workout. Thus, floating can help with muscle recovery.

As the pressure is removed from your body, the blood vessels can dilate fully, decreasing blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure helps to increase the amount of oxygen, red blood cells, and blood your body can receive.

During and after floating, your skin may feel softer. The antibacterial aspects of magnesium can help with skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea.

Epsom salt can also remove all excess product from your hair and restore it to its natural state.

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Guide to floating

Go in without expectation

The first float is float is different for everyone. Go with no expectations and an open mind.

It’s a new sensation for your body; you will be floating effortlessly in a water that is the same temperature as your body, making you forget that you are even touching water.

Something new for your mind; you will potentially enter a deep relaxation state that your mind might not be used to yet.

We are not all meditation expert and you shouldn’t feel like you need to be one to enjoy your first float. Do your best to relax and enjoy the experience.

The second float tends to be more relaxing as you will already be familiar with the concept of floating and familiar with the space.

The more you float, the better you will get at it. During the third float, you will be more confident and that will help to let go both your mind and your body.

As you let go both your mind and your body, you will allow your mind to release stress and allow your body to release built up tension. Each float is a unique experience.

First Float

Watch our orientation video to familiar yourself with Mellow Float and the process. We recommend arriving 15 minutes before your first appointment to get an in-person orientation and a tour of our facility.

Settling in the float tank

A lot of first time floaters will find themselves bobbing around in the tank. This is easily remedied by following these steps:

1) After you shower, dry your face/ears and put in your earplugs.

2) Step into the tank and lie on your back.

3) Put your arms out to the sides of the tank and hold yourself still for 20-30 seconds or until you feel stabilized.

4) Release your arms to your sides and you'll find yourself floating in one spot without bobbing around.

Before your float

Avoid caffeine, sugar and eating heavy meal before. We recommend arriving at least 10 minutes before your appointment to relax in our lounge and to not feel rushed on your way.

After your float

Schedule some relaxing time for after your float to integrate the experience.

When you float, this is a special time where no one can demand your attention or get a hold of you. Going from the most relaxing state straight back to the chao of the everyday life can be disturbing to your mind.

Mellow Float as a cozy lounge where you can enjoy free warm tea and free Kombucha. We are also located few steps away from the Ontario Lake.

Let's chat!

We love talking about floating! Please reach out with any questions you might have. We can also help you decide which of our 3 float rooms would be the best fit for your first visit.