Tried and tested : Floating therapy
“If the ocean can calm itself, so can you. We are both saltwater mixed with air.”
A few months ago, a new kind of therapy called Floating landed in town and I was excited to book my first appointment. I loved the idea of relaxing in a giant bathtub for an hour and was very curious about the fact that it could relieve muscles aches.
My first time was not a great success, I was agitated and the hour went by so fast that I did not feel like I received much benefit out of it so I decided to give it a second chance and went back last weekend. So here is how it went:
For the newbies to Floating, it consists of getting in a giant light and soundproof tank full of Epsom salts. The high density of the salt in the water allows the body to float effortlessly and all your sensations are altered as you will feel weightless. The magnesium contained in Epsom salt is also awesome to relieve muscles aches. Earplugs and neck pillow are provided to ensure a peaceful and comfortable experience. You can either close the tank to be in complete darkness or leave it open if you are claustrophobic. The lack of external stimuli enhances relaxation and takes meditation to the next level. I am not very experienced in meditation so I just tried to enjoy the peace and quiet as much as the fact that for once my body feels wonderfully light!
I don't know if it is my chronic illness or not but I am very sensitive to light and noise, it is very difficult for me to fall asleep without complete darkness and silence. So nothing seems more perfect for me to find myself in a dark tank away from the hustle and bustle of the world. Except there is one thing that could not remain silent: my brain. When all kinds of distractions are removed, you are left with your thoughts. It is not always pleasant but often needed. I tried to focus on my breath and fully relax but my mind kept wandering in places I did not really want to go. My thoughts were ranging from the email I forgot to send to my boss to the traumatic events I would prefer to forget. Still, I just accepted those thoughts and concentrated on relaxing my body, I left feeling refreshed and lighter. I would not say it relieved any kind of pain in my body as such (I was not expecting a miracle either) but it does give your brain a break from the constant pain signals it usually receives!
When I was about to pay, I asked the guy at the reception if he ever had negative feedback from customers and his answer made sense: "Yes, the ones that cannot stand being an hour alone with themselves".
It got me thinking about how much distraction we fill our life up with in order to avoid facing our thoughts. We are always too busy for almost everything. I am the first one to be guilty of that kind of behavior. Relaxing does not come naturally to me. I constantly have to remind myself that I do not HAVE to do this or that, it is my choice only! Floating is a wonderful experience as you have no other choice than being with yourself and everybody needs a lot more of that!
Here a list of things you can try while floating if you are not an expert in meditation:
- Positive affirmation: it a great time to remind yourself how much you appreciate yourself.
- Stretching: It is pretty slippery but fun to try.
- Acknowledge your thoughts.
- Concentrate on the different feelings in your body, like the water against your skin.
- Take a nap: you can't sink so why not?
5 things to Not do before you float:
- Have a triple shot Long mac: it is best to avoid coffee before any kind of relaxing therapies
- Wax/shave: the salt in the water will make any kind of cut or irritation very stingy. Same goes if your splash some water in your eyes! (like I did :))
- Drinking margaritas: alcohol and baths have never been a good mix.
- Bumping into your ex: avoid any kind of stressful situation beforehand if you want to make the best of it!
- Dying your hair: the staff might not like you very much if you stain the tank purple.
Have you ever tried floating? I would love to hear about your experience!
xxx
The Wellness Lover
