This experience was not gifted although have been gifted floats in the past. All opinions are my own.

 

Woman Standing in Luna Float Tank

Standing in Luna Float Tank

Although floatation tanks have been around since the 50’s they are not always easily found in most cities. Floating is based off a scientific approach to deep relaxation called Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique. I have only ever been to Luna Float in Chilliwack, BC. I love that it is an indigenous female owned small business. She sells a variety of products (candles, salt lamps, jewelry and more) from local makers in the store portion of the spa.

Once you are in your room, you disrobe and shower. All the products you need are available in the room so there is no need to bring your own. You want to ensure that the shower you take isn’t too hot and doesn’t raise your external body temperature. The water in the tank is heated and maintained at room temperature. They provide re-useable earplugs and an ointment to put on if you have a papercut or similar wound to prevent stinging. Once inside the tanks are very large so you don’t feel like you are trapped in a small space, similar to a tanning bed. The tank has approximately 10″ of water and 1100lbs of unscented Epsom salts. I am 5’2″ and can stand up without touching both sides of the tank at once. You have the option of having music or silence. You also have the option of floating in the dark, with a light orb that floats in the water or light on. The switch is available to you inside the tank so you do not have to get out if you decide you want it changed. You can also float with the tank door open or completely shut. The only disadvantage to opening the door it can feel cooler during your time in the tank.  The water is room temperature, has a low to no odor. The whole experience aims to remove all your senses and let you just be for 90 minutes. You shower again when your session is over to remove the salt from your skin. I found that my skin felt amazing afterwards.

Luna Float Post-Flow Glow Station

Luna Float Post-Float Glow Station

I am completely addicted to my phone and usually have a TV on in the background so the idea of being in a tank alone for 90 minutes felt like a lot. The very first time I did it I lasted 60 minutes but was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the disconnect. I did get a bit in my head that I wouldn’t hear the music come on to alert me the time was up so that was part of ending early. The staff will turn up the volume or knock on the door if you were to actually miss the alert that the time was up. Every single time I have gone I have had completely different experiences. Sometimes I am able to meditate and listen to my inner voice, sometimes I have such a deep sleep that I leave feeling like I woke up from a full nights sleep, and sometimes I am so energized that I move the entire time I am in the tank.

The benefits of floating:

  • Relieves Stress & Anxiety
  • Improves Sleep
  • Reduces Blood Pressure, Pulse and Heart Rate
  • Deepens Meditation
  • Reduces Muscle Soreness from Workouts

With everything that has been going on in our world for the last 18 months I actually invested in a monthly membership that gets me one float and discounted additional floats. This gives me a change to unplug and have me-time. It gets me out of my house without actually having to interact with others and is a minimal energy activity so makes it easy to keep the appointment. After your float they offer a Post-Float Glow station that has a hair dryer, Q-tips, lotion, etc. You can help yourself to water or tea in their Relaxation Station Lounge where you can also journal, read or relax in until ready to leave.

You can book your float here or follow Luna Float on Instagram.

Let me know in the comments if you have ever tried floating in a sensory deprivation tank before?