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FLOATATION THERAPY
Floatation therapy gives the body a rest, the mind a quiet space, and the spirit a place to be free.
The practice involves entering into a sensory deprivation room where the body floats effortlessly in 10 inches of clean, filtered, therapeutic Epsom salt water.
For first-time floaters, it’s common to have an overload of thoughts and tension in the body for the first few minutes. As you continue to relax and breathe deeply, your mind will begin to quiet and your body will begin to release its tension. This is when the real benefits of floating take place.
Most people report looking younger after an hour of floating and remark feeling happier, healthier, more positive, and more confident. The deep sense of relaxation after a float can carry with you for days afterwards. As you master the process of letting go with regular float sessions, those days can turn into weeks!
THIS IS HOW WE
FLOATATION THERAPY BENEFITS
Since floatation therapy works to calm the mind and body, it is an ideal practice for those that are sleep deprived, work long hours, and need to re-charge. Floating naturally lowers stress hormones and releases endorphins, which can last for days. It also has amazing beauty benefits such as detoxification, muscle tension relief, and gives the skin a nice afterglow.
1 | STRESS REDUCTION
In our body there is a chemical known as cortisol which is directly associated to feelings of “being stressed”. Floatation therapy provides a space where we can truly relax by reducing both cortisol and stress.
2 | PAIN RELIEF
Floating's weightlessness relieves all pressure on your body so it can release endorphins that help with chronic pain, fibromyalgia and other conditions.
3 | MAGNESIUM ABSORPTION
When you float, the extremely high concentration of Epsom salts are absorbed through skin and will supplement your diet with a mineral that has been shown to be deficient in the average populations diet.
4 | REDUCE ANXIETY
Floating reduces bloodstream levels of stress chemicals such as ACTH, epinephrine, and nor-epinephrine for up to five days.
5 | MUSCLE RECOVERY
Magnesium absorbed through your skin helps relax muscle tissue and encourage blood flow, accelerating rehabilitation and recovery.
6 | MEDITATION
Floating often generates a sensation of being intensely awake yet extremely relaxed; presence.
7 | COMBAT DEPRESSION
By removing almost all external stimulus and relieving ourselves of gravity, we can easily center our thoughts and allow our body to produce an abundance of endorphins.
8 | HEIGHTEN VISUALIZATION
From athletes preparing for competition to public speakers rehearsing a presentation, the float room can induce the calm needed to perform at ones best.
9 | OVERCOME ADDICTION
By allowing for a healthier internal dialog while promoting positive thinking, floating has been shown to have a profound effect on an addict’s mental health.
10 | ENHANCE ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
Basketball star, Steph Curry is a devoted Floater and Tom Brady even has a pod in his own home. Athletes that use floatation therapy in combination with visualization techniques, experience a very significant improvement in their performances.
11 | HELPS VETERANS WITH PTSD
One of the postulated explanations for the effectiveness of floatation therapy is the release large amounts of endorphins and dopamine. The environment in the float tank also provides a safe space to process experiences and can aid the integration of difficult experiences.
12 | IMPROVE SLEEP
While floating, the body goes into a state of deep relaxation allowing the brain to reach a Theta State that is only reached during sleep. This deep relaxation, Theta State, and calm mind, will contribute to a good night sleep.
13 | FIGHT FATIGUE + JET LAG
Floating has quickly become a popular technique for minimizing the affects of jet lag and fatigue. One hour in a float tank is roughly equivalent to 6-8 hours sleep.
14 | ACCELERATE LEARNING
With less distractions and greater resources at its disposal, the mind is able to absorb new material very deeply with research showing improved performance in memory and recall activities.
15 | RELAXATION RESPONSE
Floating “resets” the body’s hormonal and metabolic balance. Within as little as 15 minutes, floating can induce a meditative state equal to that of a skilled mediator.
16 | LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE
When you float, the part of your nervous system that needs to be alert goes on pause, while the part responsible for relaxing us takes over.
17 | PREGNANCY SUPPORT
Women who are pregnant have found profound relief from floating to alleviate the weight and pressures on their body, while allowing a deeper connection to their child.
18 | INCREASE CLARITY + CREATIVITY
Your mind becomes endlessly more productive, creative and clear in the calm state it reaches through floating, which can improve focus and help with problem solving.
19 | MIGRAINE + HEADACHE RELIEF|
Endorphins are released while floating, providing the body with a sense of elation, critical for fighting off migraines and headaches.
20 | INCREASED IMMUNE FUNCTION
The low-impact environment gives your body time to rest and recuperate, and gives your immune system the opportunity to shift into a higher gear, strengthening your body’s immune response.
21 | HEIGHTEN SENSES
Research indicates increased visual acuity, improved tactile perception, improved auditory sensitivity, and increased taste sensitivities after floating.
AND MORE...
The number of clinical research projects continues to grow, pointing to evidence of even more benefits of floating.
WHAT TO EXPECT
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FLOAT ROOM TIPS
Expectations are one of the greatest hindrances to having a good float. It’s very important that you allow yourself to let go and know that whatever your experience, your body is receiving the benefits of deep relaxation.
PRE FLOAT ROOM
For men, avoid shaving your face at least 6 hours before you float. For women, avoid shaving your body at least 12 hours before your float. Any lesions will be distracting due to the Epsom salt sting.
Avoid having caffeine before you float. The stimulation you experience from caffeine is the exact opposite way you’ll want to go when you are in the room. By the end of your float you most likely will not feel like you need your fix.
Being dehydrated before the float may not be the best state, particularly for your brain. A healthy daily hydration practice is just good for optimal biology!
A full stomach is not great for floating, nor is and empty stomach. Having a light, easily digestible meal 1.5 to 2 hours pre-float is ideal.
Avoid smoking at least 3 hours prior to Floating. It will stimulate you too much and the scent will also disturb the atmosphere of our Float Rooms.
Be sure to use the washroom prior to showering before you float. Talk about a distraction while in the room!
For guests with recently colored hair or highlights, we recommend not floating until you have shampooed your hair at least twice. Dyes can (in some cases) bleed out or be affected by the heavy concentration of epsom salt. We say to wait at least 7 days before floating.
Please wait at least 2 weeks after a receiving a spray tan before floating.
We have found performing physical activity (yoga, cardio, or resistance training) before you float can greatly enhance the floating experience. Your body has expended pent-up energy, your muscles and tissues are loose and flowing with blood, and your mind is clear and calm.
IN THE FLOAT ROOM
Although first-time floaters might feel shy about entering the float room naked, floating in the nude is the most effective way to enjoy the benefits of floatation therapy. Bathing suits are certainly permitted, but the way they pull on your skin will likely detract from the experience. Floating naked allows you to experience complete sensory deprivation.
Your breath can be an amazing tool for calming the mind and relaxing the body. Try to breathe primarily from your nose. At first, you can consciously take deep breaths, but once you settle into your experience try less to manipulate the breath and more just observing the breath. Your body will always remember to breath, there is no need to control your breath.
There are only two real positions in the room: with your arms at your side, palms down; Arms over-head with your palms up. Play around with the two to see which feels better for your body. Also, try to position your body in the middle of the room to avoid “ping-ponging” from side to side. To do this, brace your arms and legs against the sides of the room to position your torso in the middle, and once you feel the water to be calm, slowly and evenly retract your limbs back to the mid-line of your body. Once you like your position and feel comfortable try to remain still and consciously relax all of your muscles.
Don’t “try” to do anything in the room, don’t force something to happen, don’t expect something to happen; this is the exact opposite direction from where you may want to go while in the room. You will not fall asleep necessarily, just be present. Repetition of a focus word such as “peace”, “relax”, or “let go” spoken in your mind in unison with your exhalation can help at first, but the message here is to just let go of conscious control.
Being physically still by finding a comfortable position and remaining there combined with stilling your mind either through breath awareness or a focus word (mantra) can lead you into a state of holistic stillness. This can generate the perception of timelessness, your state of being will be extremely relaxed and this is when the body is in a state of healing.
With external stimuli at a minimum, your nervous system will turn up the volume to try and sense anything. Since there is still “nothing” coming in there is a great opportunity to simply sense whatever is left to be felt within your internal body. Feel your arms, legs, torso, head, as intensely as possible. Cultivate as much sensitivity to these parts as possible. Feel the energetic uniformed consistency of these parts and observe them without judgment, without limits. Observe your thoughts, emotions and sensations.
FLOATATION THERAPY RESTRICTIONS
If any of the items listed below apply to you, we unfortunately will NOT allow you to float.
*We expect you to inform us of any conditions for your own safety and the safety of other floaters! If you are unsure if floating is for you, check with your doctor. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone at any time.
- Have infectious skin, an acute skin condition or respiratory disorders
- Have any open or bleeding wounds
- Suffer from incontinence, nausea, epilepsy or psychotic attacks
- Have a high-risk pregnancy
- Have colored or permed your hair within 7 days
- Are under the influence of any drug or alcohol
- Are not able to climb in and out of the float room unaided (this is no more difficult than climbing into a bath)
- Under 14 without parental presence
- Have been medically advised not to float
PREGNANCY + FLOATING
Imagine the extra weight expectant mothers carry being taken away in seconds; achy joints & muscles relieved & stress floating away as you enter a Float Room. The several known floatation therapy benefits are amplified for two and play an important role in a healthy pregnancy!
RELIEVING PHYSICAL DISCOMFORT
Perhaps the most obvious perk of floating while pregnant is the physical relief. Resting in a weightless environment, allowing your body to relax, suspended in a serene ambiance, is a moment that all expectant mothers deserve to experience! By removing the physical stress extra weight puts on the body, floating provides immediate relief.
BETTER SLEEP & STRESS RELIEF
Many expectant mothers suffer from disrupted sleep and sometimes, insomnia. Floatation therapy has been shown to help those struggling with these disruptions, get a better night’s sleep.
MAGNESIUM FOR PRENATAL WELLNESS
Women are advised to increase their intake of magnesium during pregnancy as the mineral is crucial for many biological functions. Epsom salt can be absorbed through the skin and may help ensure pregnant women are meeting their recommended intake.
"THE MIRROR EFFECT"
There is a little known experience we talk about in the float community known as the “mirror effect”. Women who are expecting have described the practice of floating while pregnant as an incredible bonding experience. As if the mother and her baby are one, both floating in suspended animation. Weightless, with no one but you and your baby to listen to, while feeling another!
FERTILITY BENEFIT
The journey to getting pregnant can take longer than you might like and the waiting and uncertainty can be extremely stressful. Stress can have a huge adverse effect on a couple’s ability to conceive a child. Studies have shown that floating effortlessly in the calm of a float room, your senses are not overwhelmed. When you float, your mind can relax since it isn’t processing much sensory input. Not only does it provide you with a break from the worries, it also allows the body to reduce the production of stress hormones such as cortisol - increasing fertility. It is recommended for women to try to have a float every two to three days through the fertile period.
"The most interesting part, was the constant movement I was getting from the baby. The baby must have been in complete ecstasy Floating away with me. The other part that was most satisfying was the feeling of exhilaration afterwards."
BEFORE YOUR FIRST FLOAT
While most doctors have no concern with pregnant women floating during the second and third trimester, we always recommend checking with them before your first visit. Also, take the utmost care when getting in and out of the float room, as surfaces can be slippery and your balance may be slightly off. As always, our knowledgeable staff is here to support and guide you along the way.
ATHLETE'S THERAPY
"The greatest efforts in sports came when the mind is as still as a glass lake."
BENEFITS OF USING A FLOAT ROOM IN SPORT
The benefits of floatation therapy for athletes are many and varied, and generally fall into two categories: psychological and physical. As any athlete knows, performance in sports isn’t just about what you can do with your body, but also how intently you can focus and how far you can push yourself past the point of comfort. The health benefits for athletes who participate in Sensory Deprivation Therapy are endless:
- Floating reduces muscle tension.
- Floatation therapy rooms improve athletic performance through visualization.
- Speeds healing and recovery from physical activity and injuries.
- Relaxed muscles are likely to heal faster than tired and knotted ones.
- Lowers blood pressure and cortisol.
- Anti-gravity relieves joint pressure and aides recovery.
- Rapid elimination of fatigue.
- Ideal for managing back pain.
- Epsom salt reduces swelling and detoxifies the system.
- Floatation therapy increases endorphins.
In the float room, gravity isn’t a factor. The complete relaxation that it provides, gives all the muscles the much-needed break they need. Not only can you truly decompress in the float room, you absorb the minerals whilst you float directly into your muscles, allowing you to be noticeably less tense as soon as you get up!
From keeping athletes at the top of their game during the season to helping them recover from injuries, floatation therapy has proven to be a crucial part of many teams’ wellness strategy, not to mention their game-winning one!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS APPROPRIATE TO WEAR?
We prefer that you wear nothing but your birthday suit. Anything you wear will get very heavy with the salt solution and press against your body, becoming a distraction. Your experience is completely private from beginning to end and there are locks on every treatment room door. However, if you prefer to wear a swimsuit you are welcome to.
WHAT IF I'M CLAUSTROPHOBIC?
We have had several guests with varying degrees of claustrophobia and each has successfully floated and enjoyed their experience! Our Float Rooms are custom built like a small room, you’re even able to stand up in them. In addition, you are in control of your environment at all times. You can open the door, leave a light on and/or play music if desired.
CAN I FLOAT IF I'M PREGNANT?
Yes! As their bodies get heavier, floating is a great relief from the pull of gravity. The zero-gravity environment is ideal for managing back pain and discomfort during pregnancy. There have also been reports of women having deep levels of connection with their unborn children while floating. Experiences such as hearing the baby’s heartbeat, or feeling the baby move for the first time in early pregnancy are common.
IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD DO TO PREPARE?
Don’t drink coffee for several hours beforehand (it can make your system jittery). Also, don’t shave or wax since the salt water can irritate your skin. Eating a light meal about an hour to 90 minutes ahead of time stops your stomach from sounding like an angry monster while you float. Other than that, there’s no specific preparation needed.
HOW LONG ARE THE SESSIONS?
Generally a 1 hour float consists of a 5 min intro, 5 min shower, 60 minute float and 10 minutes to shower and dress. Feel free to get here 15 minutes early and hang around for 15 minutes afterwards. Don’t rush here or away afterwards; enjoy the post float glow!
*We expect you will emerge 10 to 15 minutes after your session has ended. We have mirrors and blow dryers located in our prep room so you can finish getting ready. This allows us to reset the rooms for the next float sessions. If you are unable to exit the float room in a timely manner and we cannot reset the room for the next client we will charge you for the next float session.
IS IT PRIVATE?
Only one person per float room and each room is contained within an individual suite. Each Float Suite has its own shower which you’ll use before and after your float. We have three sensory deprivation rooms, so you can throw your own float party and invite up to 2 other people to float simultaneously in our Spa! It is recommended not to wear a swim-suit so that it doesn’t bother you by the feeling of anything touching your skin, which is detrimental to the concept of limiting your sensory distractions. Also, they will turn into cardboard due to the high salinity!
DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING?
If you have longer hair, you may want to bring a comb. Also, something to put your contact lenses into while you’re in the float room. Other than that, we provide everything you need (towels, robes, earplugs, blow dryers, body wash, lemongrass ginger shampoo & conditioner).
WILL I GET WATER IN MY EARS?
You may choose to use wax earplugs, which we supply. If you happen to get the salt water in your ears, we recommend taking a solution of vinegar and water to clean the salt water from the ears after your float if needed. The salt water is not harmful.
DO I HAVE TO WEAR EAR PLUGS DURING A FLOAT?
No, this is a personal preference. We would suggest the first couple of times you float that you wear them, and once you are used to it you can decide for yourself.
CAN I WEAR MY CONTACTS IN THE FLOAT ROOM?
We do not recommend it. Initially they can be a nuisance and therefore a distraction. Also, if you do happen to get salt in your eyes (rare but can happen) you will struggle to clear your eyes with contacts in. If you do happen to forget to take your contacts out, we do have contact solution and contact cases available here.
CAN I FLOAT IF I'M MENSTRUATING?
Yes, the benefits of the magnesium are known to ease the symptoms of PMS. Please use the same sanitary precautions as when swimming in a pool.
CAN I FLOAT IF I JUST DYED MY HAIR?
What happens to your newly dyed hair when you shower at home? Is the water clear? If not, you should probably wait before you float. Even if your shower water is clear of any dye, all that salt in the float room might still have an effect on some hair dyes. If there is still some color coming out you should wait to float after 7 or more days/showers.
DO I HAVE TO STAY IN THE WHOLE TIME?
There aren’t any latches on the room doors, and you can get out anytime. That said, the 60-minutes usually goes by waaaay faster than you’d expect (our average customer usually says it felt like 30-45 minutes long).
IS THERE ENOUGH AIR IN THE FLOAT ROOMS?
Yes. The room is designed not to be airtight, so there is a plentiful air supply. In addition, fresh air is brought in by an air circulation system.
HOW MANY FLOAT TANKS DO YOU HAVE?
We have three state of the art float rooms in separate suites with separate showering facilities.
HOW DO YOU CLEAN THE ROOMS?
Our sensory deprivation rooms get an hour deep cleaning between each use. Our automated filtration system employs UV, ozone and a dual filtration system, to filter the water particles down. This is performed three times between each session, ensuring pristine water.
We adhere to an extremely strict set of testing protocols. The water is tested every day for hygiene, specific gravity, pH balancing, sterilization, temperatures. Our specially designed filters are capable of screening the water down to as little as 1 micron (100th the size of a hair). The entire contents of the room is flushed inside 5 minutes ready for the next floater within 45 minutes.
DO I GET DEHYDRATED FROM SOAKING SO LONG?
No- your skin doesn’t even prune up, but it does become silky soft afterwards.
IS IT SAFE?
Yes. The water in each float room is 10” deep, and it is nearly impossible to accidentally flip over. Because of the way the body lies on top, the water line does not approach the mouth or nose. You may exit the float room at any time, and staff are always present on site to assist you. Epsom salt is a commonly used over-the-counter remedy for multiple ailments, and although we highly discourage it, swallowing the water is not dangerous. If the salt water gets in your eye, it is only irritating and can be easily flushed out with fresh water.
WHAT IF I FALL ASLEEP IN THERE?
Enjoy it! The water has a high content of Epsom salts, which provides natural buoyancy. It is physically impossible to sink or to turn over in your sleep. Lie back and the solution will totally support you. If you do fall asleep whilst floating it will be one of the most rested and deep states of sleep you will ever experience – one hour of delta sleep is equivalent to 6 to 8 hours of very deep sleep. The worst that can happen is getting woken up by a bit of salt water in your eyes
WHAT IF I CAN'T SWIM?
That’s OK. Floating is as easy as taking a bath. You just step in, sit down, and lay back. You can touch the bottom with your hands. There is no skill required, you just let the salty water do the work – you’ll actually float like a cork and it doesn’t matter what shape or size you are.
WILL I GET COLD, LIKE STAYING TOO LONG IN A BATH?
No, the float room is heated all the time. The temperature of the water feels warm when you get in, but in fact it is at normal skin temperature, and this is exactly right for floating for a long time. The correct temperature is important for feeling comfortable and relaxed for an hour or so.
IS IT MEDICALLY PROVEN TO HELP ME?
There are hundreds if not thousands of medical papers and documents supporting the benefits of floatation therapy. Even without the awesome physical benefits, the mental benefits abound. Everyone gets something different out of it, physical spiritual mental.
DOES IT WORK FOR EVERYONE?
No. Floatation therapy is not for everyone. It’s not ‘normal’. But if it connects with you the results are amazing. It is unique experience and the only way to know is to try it. Like anything it is only a tool, a practiced way to achieve a goal. The closest analogy is that of meditation. Floatation doesn’t change you, it helps you understand yourself better.
DO YOU HAVE PARKING FOR MY CAR?
ABSOLUTELY. We have a huge parking lot right outside our doors!
WHAT EFFECTS DOES FLOATATION THERAPY HAVE ON THE BODY?
In the gravity free environment the body balances and heals internally as all the senses are rested. Research shows that floating measurably reduces blood pressure whilst lowering the levels of stress related chemicals in the body. Old injuries and aches, (especially backache) experience relief as floating helps reduce signals from the brain. Floating is used widely in the treatment of stress, anxiety, jet lag and to improve concentration and creativity. Sports performance and ‘wind down’ is also enhanced during floating.
WHAT EFFECTS DOES FLOATATION THERAPY HAVE ON THE MIND?
During a float you produce slower brain-wave patterns, known as alpha and theta waves, (normally experienced only during deep meditation or just before falling asleep). This is usually accompanied by vivid imagery, very clear, creative thoughts, sudden insights and inspirations, or feelings of profound peace and joy, induced by the release of endorphins, the body’s natural opiates. Because of these effects floating is used effectively in the treatment of depression and addictions, including smoking and alcohol. It is also used in schools and universities as a tool for Super Learning.
HOW LONG UNTIL I'M GOOD AT FLOATING?
You may need to float a few times before you are able to relax completely, both physically and mentally. Depending on your own journey through life, a float might provide an hour of total physical relaxation – or a profound healing experience, emotionally and spiritually transforming….. Floating can be a wonderful aid to opening doors into your inner world, gradually allowing access to those deeper levels at which real changes take place.
DO CHILDREN USE THE ROOMS? WHAT IS THEIR RESPONSE?
Yes, although there is little documentation of their responses. Children have found it easier to dismiss their fears of being in a dark, enclosed space after only a few sessions of float therapy. Further research is being conducted on autistic children and the affects of Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST). It seems that sensory deprivation provokes positive changes in learning, social behavior, and cognitive function in autistic children.
HOW MANY TIMES DO I NEED TO FLOAT TO FEEL RESULTS?
The benefits of floatation therapy happen even with only one float, however, like any therapy consistent and repeated usage amplifies the results. Expect to go 3 times before you can really notice the feeling and difference that floating can make.
DO I NEED TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT AHEAD OF TIME?
We require booking appointments in advance. Our online booking tool is easily accessible, but should not be used for booking within a 2 hour period of the desired appointment time. Contact the Spa directly by phone.
spa etiquette
Going to the spa shouldn’t be stressful. So why worry? Here are some basic rules of spa etiquette. Reading these basics will help you know what to expect and help you feel more at ease so that you can comfortably enter our serene atmosphere.
CONTACT US
- 2624087597
- info@abettermespa.com
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N72W13400 Lund Lane
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
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