ADRIENNE WIX PHOTO
A new sensory deprivation tank at The Mend Day Spa will officially open for booking June 1.
MEEKER | Sensory deprivation float tanks, or isolation tanks, or flotation tanks, to name a few of the terms used to refer to them, are typically filled with highly salinated water that allows a person to float effortlessly. These tanks are designed to block out external sensory input: light, sound and touch. This makes a unique environment for relaxation and introspection.
The potential benefits of using sensory deprivation float tanks are numerous, including:
– Reducing stress and anxiety. The tank’s environment is designed to provide a relaxing experience, which can help alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety.
– Improving sleep quality: Research has suggested that float therapy may help improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Float therapy has also been shown to increase levels of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.
– Reducing chronic pain: Studies have found that float therapy can help reduce chronic pain, such as back pain and fibromyalgia. The buoyancy of the water can help take pressure off of joints and muscles, while the absence of external stimuli can help the body relax and reduce pain.
– Increasing creativity: Sensory deprivation tanks have been reported to increase creativity, as the lack of external stimulation can help the mind wander and generate new ideas.
– Enhancing meditation: The sensory deprivation environment can facilitate a deeper meditative state, as it allows the individual to focus on their internal experience without external distractions.
Now, again float tanks are designed to be encapsulating and dark. So if you’re claustrophobic this is probably not a wellness practice you may want to consider for reducing your anxiety.
I myself am not claustrophobic. Point me in the direction of a cave, any cave, and I will squeeze in there with vigor. The owner of The Mend, Emily Gerloff, allowed me a float session. It was my first ever, anywhere. The float duration can be between 60 to 90 minutes. I went for around 7 minutes.
I have chronic pain throughout my spine, shoulders, hips, feet…sort of everywhere, actually. I am also a yogi who loves to zone out, and a swimmer who loves to float around. So to say this whole sensory deprivation tank thing is right up my alley is an understatement. I was pleasantly surprised when I first entered the tank, and found myself floating so effortlessly. I mean I knew that was the whole concept going in, and yet still it was a “wow” factor to actually feel that buoyant.
The tank was dark, quiet and the water was warm. I am 5’4” and for me it was quite roomy inside. I was able to stretch out, and relax. Floating always brings me some pain relief, but this gave me the ability to completely relax. The only tension my body had difficulty letting go of was in my neck, and during my session I even found relief there. I was also able to “sleep.” Now this wasn’t a full snooze, more of a savasana. Savasana is a term used in yoga to describe the resting pose at the end of an asana practice where you hopefully enter a meditation-like trance that is incredibly soothing to the mind and body. So yes my float was everything it is cracked up to be. I hope to do it again, and again.
The experience surrounding the float at The Mend Day Spa is beautiful and clean. You will be taken back into the float room and instructed through the process of getting into and out of the tank, as well as what to expect within the tank and the options you have to optimize your float experience. Gerloff showed me around the float room. I was given two towels, earplugs and a robe. She then instructed me through the process: I was first to undress and shower (there is a shower in the float room) using shampoo and soap. Then I could make my way into the float tank through the hatch door, closing it behind me. It should be noted that closing the door is optional. I was to float until I heard/felt the filter turn on at which point I should begin my exit from the tank. I could then shower again with the provided shampoo, soap and conditioner, redress, and go about my day feeling a little lighter.
The Mend will officially open their books for floating June 1. But stop by 349 7th St. #108 on Saturday, May 20 for a street party to celebrate this exciting new feature. This party will be from 3-6 p.m. with pizza, snacks, drinks and giveaways. If you can’t make it on May 20, but would like more information, visit clinicalfloat.org if you are interested in more information on sensory deprivation.
BY ADRIENNE WIX | Special to the Herald Times