Flotation Therapy: A Guide to Prices and Health Benefits

Understanding Flotation Therapy

Flotation therapy, also known as Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST), is a unique form of therapy that involves floating effortlessly in a pool of skin-temperature salt water, inside a specially designed pod or tank. The water is saturated with Epsom salt, allowing one to float weightlessly on the surface. The experience cuts off external sensory inputs by eliminating light, sound, and gravity inside the pod.

This environment helps relieve pent up stress, ease bodily pains, and promote total calmness and relaxation. It's an effective therapy to recover from mental or physical exertion, heal injuries, and boost creativity.

The History of Flotation Therapy

While flotation therapy has become popular in recent years as a holistic wellness treatment, the concept originated in 1954 when neuropsychiatrist John C. Lilly developed the first flotation tank. The initial goal was to test the effects of sensory deprivation on the human brain.

In the 1970s, various research studies demonstrated multiple wellness benefits of floating. The practice then started gaining traction for recreational and therapeutic purposes. Today it's a trending self-care regimen at many health spas and wellness centers.

The Science Behind Flotation Therapy

Floating in a sensory deprivation chamber triggers reduced gravity and zero external stimuli, allowing the central nervous system to enter a deeply relaxed state. As one floats effortlessly in the dense Epsom salt solution, the brain naturally shifts into the theta brain wave frequency.

This is the state right before falling asleep and just after waking up, characterized by vivid mental imagery, creativity, increased learning capacity, stress relief, and feelings of euphoria.

Benefits of Flotation Therapy

Clinical studies and first-hand experiences show significant holistic improvements from regular sessions of flotation therapy. The multitude of health and wellness benefits include:

Deep Relaxation

The lack of external sensory inputs while floating allows the body to enter the deepest state of rest and relaxation. This helps lower blood pressure and heart rate and activates the parasympathetic nervous system.

Pain Relief

The anti-gravity environment while floating eases pressure on muscles, joints, and spine providing natural pain relief. Flotation therapy helps greatly reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic pain.

Improved Sleep

Flotation therapy helps reset sleeping patterns resulting in deeper, more restorative sleep cycles. Regular floating can help insomniacs fall asleep faster and sleep through the night.

Heightened Creativity

The deeply relaxed theta brain wave state during floating boosts creativity, originality, problem-solving abilities, and lateral thinking. Many artists, researchers, and Silicon Valley executives practice flotation therapy to ignite creative inspiration.

Elevated Mood

Floating promotes the release of endorphins - the "feel good" hormones resulting in reduced stress, increased serenity, positive thinking, and an elevated mood. This makes flotation therapy helpful in alleviating depression and anxiety.

Pricing of Flotation Therapy Sessions

The price per flotation therapy session depends upon the type of float center, membership options, package deals, and location. On average the costs range from:

$50 - $95 per Single Session

An individual 60 to 90 minute session can cost between $50 to $95 depending on the city and center. First time special offers and new member discounts may reduce per session rates.

$275 - $600 Monthly Packages

Most centers offer monthly memberships with prepaid float packages bringing down per session costs. Four floats per month generally ranges from $275 to $350. Unlimited monthly floats cost between $450 to $600 on average.

$99 - $200 Float Packages

Many places provide discounted bundles like 3 floats for $99 or 5 floats for $200. This equals around $30 to $60 per individual session when purchased in packs.

Overall, prices vary greatly based on factors like float pod type, additional amenities, membership terms, first-timer specials, and city/ location. While a single session may be expensive at high-end spas, regular floating at a dedicated center can fit most budgets.

Finding Flotation Therapy Near You

Floating has expanded across major cities over the past decade. To find a flotation therapy center near you:

Search Online Directories

Websites like Float Finder and Floatation Locations compile dedicated floating centers across the USA and worldwide. Search by city or zipcode to find places to float near your location.

Spas & Wellness Centers

An increasing number of health spas, athletic clubs, and holistic wellness centers offer flotation therapy. Yelp and Google Maps help discover ones in your area offering floating.

Flotation Franchises

National float center franchises like True REST and Floataway have multiple locations across many major cities. They provide consistent quality float pods and therapy programs.

So look up flotation therapy venues around your hometown today. With proven techniques tailored for rookies to experienced floaters, a knowledgeable staff always helps guide your journey seeking ultimate relaxation in a float tank.

FAQs

What are the health benefits of flotation therapy?

Flotation therapy provides numerous health benefits including: deep relaxation, natural pain relief, improved sleep quality, heightened creativity and problem-solving abilities, elevated mood, and reduced stress and anxiety. The anti-gravity environment eases pressure on the body allowing the mind to enter a deeply restful state.

How much does floating in a sensory deprivation tank cost?

A single 60-90 minute flotation session can range from $50 to $95. Monthly membership packages allowing multiple floats bring the per session cost down significantly, usually between $50 to $75. Many centers also offer discounted multi-float bundles, with rates as low as $30 to $60 per float.

Where can I find a place to try float therapy near me?

Flotation therapy centers can be found in most major metropolitan areas. Online directories like FloatFinder.com help you find dedicated float centers near your location. An increasing number of health spas and wellness companies also offer float therapy. Check spas on Yelp or Google Maps to find ones with float pods in your city.

Is floating in Epsom salt water safe for my health?

Yes, floating therapy is safe for most people and carries very few health risks in a professional center with trained staff. The high salt solution keeps contaminants away and many places use advanced filtration systems. However, those with severe claustrophobia, skin conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, history of seizures, or pregnancy should check with a health provider first.