We offer a variety of relaxing Spa treatments at Zero Gravity Float Spa from Gua Sha Facials to Lymphatic Drainage and much much more. Here’s a brief overview of the benefits of each treatment at Zero Gravity Float Spa.Deep Tissue MassageDeep tissue massage is a type of massage technique which uses deep pressure. Using the elbow […]
Switch Off
The first thing to remember when switching off is get comfortable. You will find it easier to switch off if you’re in a comfortable position (arms behind head, or star-fished out), and protect any open cuts if needed, so your skin doesn’t sting.
The second thing to remember is that it’s normal for us humans to have around 60,000 thoughts in a day, so our brains won’t actually switch off like we’re robots. The key is to allow thoughts to float by (pun intended). Which leads me to meditation.
Meditation
There are many types of meditation, the one I would highly recommend practising during floating would be Mindfulness Meditation.
Mindfulness Meditation involves bringing full attention to the present moment without judgment. Practitioners observe their thoughts, emotions, and sensations as they arise, learn to let them go and stay in the moment.
Body Scanning
Body Scanning is also a form of meditation where we systematically bring attention to each part of the body, promoting relaxation and awareness of bodily sensations.
Body scanning will help you identify areas where you are not fully relaxing your muscles and are holding your body in a certain way. A common example of this is holding your head up slightly in the water, due to tension in the neck and shoulders. When you notice this, place your awareness on the area of tension, and as you exhale, focus on letting go and releasing the tension into the water trusting that you will float effortlessly.
Breathwork
Concentration Meditation can also be done as it involves focusing attention on a single object, such as the breath, or a mantra, to develop mental clarity and focus.
Another form of breathwork is Box Breathing. Also known as square breathing. This technique involves inhaling for a specific count, holding the breath for the same count, exhaling for the same count, and then holding the breath again for the same count. The pattern creates a square-like shape and is often used to reduce stress and anxiety as it helps to calm the nervous system.
Yoga
Practicing yoga inside a float tank can be a unique and also a meditative experience. The buoyancy of the water inside the tank creates an environment where you can achieve deep relaxation and enhance your yoga practice. However, it’s essential to approach yoga in a float tank with caution and adaptability, as the confined space may limit traditional poses.
Remember, when practicing yoga in a float tank, be aware of the space and water around you to ensure your safety. The weightlessness of the water might affect your balance and stability, so it’s crucial to approach these poses mindfully and cautiously.
Deep Relaxation
Deep relaxation can be achieved by doing the tasks mentioned above such as Breathwork and Meditation. A float tank, also known as a sensory deprivation tank is great way to completely relax as it’s one of the very few activities we can do in life that allow no external stimuli which we are constantly exposed to in today’s digital world.
Day Dream
When’s the last time you had a chance to day dream and let your mind wander? Using a float tank is the perfect opportunity to do so to increase your creativity, mind-body connection, self-awareness and even emotional healing.
Daydreaming in this setting may allow you to explore your emotions and thoughts more deeply, leading to increased emotional growth.
Visualization
Visualisation exercises in a float tank can promote mental clarity and focus. By concentrating on specific images or scenarios, you can improve your ability to concentrate and direct your thoughts effectively.
Self-reflection
Isolation in the float tank encourages introspection and self-awareness. With fewer distractions, you may gain insights into your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, helping you understand your mind and body better.
Problem-solving and creativity
The sensory deprivation experience can help in problem-solving and overcoming creative blocks. By eliminating external distractions, individuals can focus solely on the challenges at hand, potentially leading to novel solutions.
During floatation, you may enter a meditative state that is associated with increased theta brain wave activity. Theta waves are linked to creativity and insights, and spending time in this state may enhance creative thinking.
If you don’t completely switch off, try not to worry, especially at the start as you will need a little bit of time getting used to the unique sensation of being in a float tank. People sometimes have a misconception that you need to completely switch off to ‘float correctly’ or achieve the benefits, but this is not the case. If your mind just keeps racing, then the best thing to do is simply allow it to race and treat it as more of a ‘thinking’ or ‘creative’ float. Simply reframing it in this way will mean that the float will be just as beneficial for you and you might even leave your session with new ideas, new perspectives on problems or a fresh spark of creativity, as well as being very relaxed!
Preparing to embark on a journey of relaxation and floaty goodness in a mysterious tank filled with salty dreams? Well, get ready to dive into the wonderful world of float tanks! But before you hop in, let us give you some quick tips on how to prepare for this mind-bending experience. Get your float on, people!
Shower Power!
Yes, before you dive into the float tank, you must take a pre-float shower. This is one reason we say to allow 90 minutes for your session, to shower before and after.
It’s not just about being clean and washing off any oils from your hair and body; it’s about respecting the sacred tank space and avoiding any unintentional chemistry experiments.
Wearing Nothing is a Thing!
The float tank and room is your own private space. Most of our customers choose to float naked but if it helps you relax to wear swimwear this is also fine (although you may want to bring a plastic bag to put your salty/wet swimwear afterwards!). Floating naked can also enhance the experience as it’s one less sense to feel against your skin and therefore can add to the sensory deprivation side of things.
No Pre – Coffee
As much as we all adore that caffeinated goodness, it’s best to lay off the coffee before a float session. We’re trying to reach a state of serenity, not trying to breakdance on the ceiling! Caffeine and float tanks are like oil and water—total opposites. You want to relax, not be energised. So, skip the coffee and embrace the zen. Your brain will thank you later!
Embrace your “Inner Yoda”
We have 60,000 thoughts in a day so expect thoughts to pop up during your float. Just like with meditation, address and acknowledge those thoughts and let them flow away like a river as you tap into your “Inner Yoda” wisdom. Float sessions can lead to some profound realizations, so be open to the unexpected. The best approach is to go with the flow and not to worry if you keep having thoughts. The only thing you can do wrong in a float tank is think that you are doing it wrong!
Float with a Friend (or Two!)
Floating solo is awesome, but why not bring along a friend or two? You won’t be sharing a float tank but you can share a laugh before you float, and afterward. The tanks are spacious enough for 2 (or more!) people floating in 1 but we highly recommend floating in your own individual tank to make the most of your sensory deprivation experience. We do have 4 tanks so you can float with 3 of your friends at the same time.
Plus you save money when you buy 2 or more float sessions and get your float for £37.50 per person instead of £45.
Float Like Nobody’s Watching
You’re in the privacy of your own float tank kingdom, so don’t worry about looking graceful or profound. Find whatever position is most comfortable for you and feel free to experiment. We highly recommend to have your arms folded behind your head to prevent shoulder pain as the salt water can push your shoulders up. Or star fish out and visualise your in the sea as you do. Some people even like to practise their Yoga postures in their float tanks.
Be A Hairy Mary
Avoid shaving or any hair removal within 24 hours of your float tank session. Your skin will be sensitive if you do and most likely sting due to the high salt content in the tank. Embrace your hair for one day to allow yourself to fully relax during your float tank session.
Eat Light
Try not to have a heavy meal before your float session to avoid feeling bloated and nauseous. Equally, a light meal is ideal around 90 minutes before your session so you’re not thinking about food when you are floating and relaxing.
Bring Nothing But You, Yourself and You
You don’t have to bring anything but yourself for your session as we provide towels, shampoo, body wash, conditioner, a shower in your private float tank room and hair dryers/straighteners in our beauty room. We even provide robes if you want to make it a longer Spa day and enjoy a massage treatment after your session.
Plus you save money and get your massage for £42.50 instead of £55 when you get a Float & Massage. Use code SpaCombo to save money when you buy a float and massage together.
So there you have it float-fanatics! Now you know how to make the most out of your float tank session. Get ready to drift away, leave your worries at the door, and float like a majestic sea turtle in a saltwater paradise.
Happy floating!
In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of tranquility and relaxation is essential for our overall well-being. One method gaining popularity for relaxation is regular float tank sessions, also known as sensory deprivation tanks. These unique experiences offered in Altrincham are more than just temporary relief—they have scientifically proven benefits that can have a lasting impact on our mental and physical health. Let’s dive into the scientific studies that highlight the remarkable advantages of incorporating regular float tank sessions into your wellness routines.
Stress Reduction and Relaxation
In a study published in the journal PLOS ONE, researchers examined the effects of flotation tank sessions on stress and anxiety. The findings revealed a significant reduction in both perceived stress levels and symptoms of anxiety after regular float sessions. The absence of external stimuli and the weightlessness experienced in the float tank create an environment conducive to relaxation, allowing participants to let go of stress and find inner calmness.
Improved Sleep Quality
Are you tired of tossing and turning at night? Regular float tank sessions may be the solution you’ve been looking for. A study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine explored the effects of floatation-REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique) on sleep quality. The results showed a significant improvement in subjective sleep quality, with participants reporting enhanced feelings of restfulness and reduced sleep disturbances.
Enhanced Cognitive Function
Our brains are constantly bombarded with stimuli, which can lead to mental fatigue and decreased cognitive function. However, studies have shown that regular float tank sessions can counteract these effects. Research published in the journal Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback demonstrated that floatation-REST sessions improved creative problem-solving abilities, increased mental clarity, and enhanced overall cognitive function.
Improved Athletic Performance
Whether you’re an athlete or someone dealing with chronic pain, float tank sessions can offer much-needed relief. A study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine explored the effects of flotation-REST on patients with chronic pain conditions. The results showed a significant reduction in pain intensity, as well as improvements in physical function and quality of life. Additionally, floatation-REST has been found to facilitate muscle recovery and alleviate muscle soreness after intense physical activity.
Mental Health and Well-being
Float tank sessions have gained recognition as a complementary therapy for mental health conditions. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology highlighted the benefits of flotation-REST for individuals with anxiety and depression. The findings revealed a reduction in depressive symptoms and anxiety levels, leading to an improved sense of well-being and increased feelings of relaxation and happiness.
Increased Mind-Body Connection
Regular float tank sessions can help foster a deeper connection between the mind and body. As you float weightlessly in the tank, you become more attuned to the sensations and signals from your body. This heightened awareness can lead to a greater understanding of your body’s needs, facilitating better self-care and improved overall health.
Stress Hormone Regulation
Stress can take a toll on our bodies, both physically and mentally. However, research published in the journal Biological Psychology suggests that float tank sessions can help regulate stress hormones. The study found that participants who engaged in regular floatation-REST sessions exhibited reduced levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. By promoting hormonal balance, float tank sessions provide a natural antidote to the negative effects of chronic stress.
Mindful Meditation and Mental Clarity
Float tank sessions offer an ideal environment for practicing mindfulness and deepening meditation practices. The sensory deprivation aspect allows for a focused and uninterrupted state of meditation, enabling individuals to cultivate clarity, awareness, and a heightened sense of presence. Regular float tank sessions can support the development of a sustainable meditation practice and foster a more profound connection with oneself.
Conclusion
The scientific evidence surrounding regular float tank sessions provide compelling evidence of the numerous benefits they offer. From stress reduction and improved sleep quality to enhanced cognitive function, pain relief, and mental health support, float tank sessions are an invaluable tool for achieving holistic well-being. So, take the plunge into tranquility and unlock your potential by incorporating regular float tank sessions into your wellness routine. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.
Available now in Altrincham!