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Floatation

What it is

Floatation is a total relaxation technique that involves lying suspended in warm water containing a high concentration of Epsom salts in a specially-designed space called a floatation tank. Rather alien-looking, floatation tanks are an enclosed chamber, the insides of which are dark and silent (although some centres play gentle music) to block out external stimuli, letting you drift into a state of profound physical and mental relaxation. It’s especially good for mums-to-be, who can float free of the weight of their unborn child.

What it does

Floating in the warm salt solution, you are effectively weightless - a state that automatically frees your muscles and skeletal system from the grind of gravity. Your blood pressure and heart rate drop. Enveloped in the womb-like cradle, your nervous system and sensory organs take a well-earned break, allowing you to let go physically, emotionally and mentally. The experience promotes slower brain wave patterns known as theta waves, usually produced in a deep meditation and said to promote inspiration, creativity, focus and endorphins, nature’s natural opiates.

How you feel

Deeply relaxed. Each float session lasts an hour to an hour and a half, and will leave you calm, peaceful and energised - one hour of floating is said to equal the benefits of four hours of sleep. Floating has proved effective in helping stress-related disorders, concentration problems, jet lag, insomnia and migraine, as well as depression and addictions such as smoking and alcoholism. The weightless aspect can help heal muscle injuries, back pain, arthritis and rheumatism, as well as improve circulation and accelerate muscle regeneration.

What you should know

Don’t worry if you can’t swim - the water is only around 10 inches deep, and the high salt levels mean natural buoyancy and zero effort for your grateful body. Just lie back and relax. You won’t even need your swimming costume –-every tank is private, so go au naturel if you feel it will enhance the experience.

Claustrophobics may initially have concerns about being in a small, dark environment but most people find that once inside they don’t feel constricted. The floatation tank door isn’t locked, so you can leave it open while you get used to the sensation. Plus there’s a call button inside should you need it. Some centres also have floatrooms - larger tanks with a door rather than a hatch. They’re an airier experience, and a good option for people with mobility issues. And there is no need to worry about pruning up with a long soak; the high salt concentration in the water means that it does not leech out the natural salts in your skin - the reaction that causes the skin to wrinkle.

The cost

A typical floatation session costs between £25 and £50. A pre-booked block of sessions almost always works out cheaper per session.

The availability

Floatation can be experienced at special floatation centres and some health spas.

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