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 Massage
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage technique which uses deep pressure. Using the elbow and forearm as well as the hands to release the tension and tightness held deeply in your muscles and your connective tissues.
Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage:
Sports Massage
Sports massage is a deep form of soft tissue mobilisation. A sports massage can be applied in a sporting and non-sporting context.
Benefits of Sports Massage:
Relaxing Swedish Massage
This type of massage uses long, relaxing strokes to target the uppermost layer of muscles and aims to relieve muscle tension.
Benefits of Relaxing Swedish Massage:
Pregnancy Massage
A pregnancy massage is a specially adapted gentle and soothing massage tailored specifically for the mother-to-be. As a term, ‘pregnancy massage’ applies to any hands-on massage treatment for a woman during her pregnancy, after the first trimester.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage:
Hot Stones Therapy
A hot stone massage may begin with a traditional Swedish massage technique to prepare your muscles. Your therapist will then use the warm stones as tools to relax your muscles, allowing deeper pressure to be applied during your massage.
Benefits of Hot Stones Massage:
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy combines the power of essential oils with massage therapy which benefits both the mind and the body. During an aromatherapy massage, fragrant essential oils are applied to the skin with a carrier oil such as sweet almond or grapeseed.
Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage:
Reiki
Reiki is an energy healing technique that promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety through gentle touch. Reiki practitioners use their hands to deliver energy to your body, improving the flow and balance of your energy to support healing.
Benefits of a Reiki treatment:
Crystal Healing Therapy
Crystal therapy uses individual stones such as amethyst, rose quartz and jade have the ability to communicate with the energy flow of the human body and help to realign the energy channels that are interrupting the natural flow of the body and help it heal itself.
Benefits of a Crystal Healing treatment:
Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic draining techniques provide regular stimulation of the lymph vessels under the skin. It encourages them to work harder and find new pathways to drain away the lymph using a milking or syphoning effect to move lymph away from the swollen area.
Benefits of a Lymphatic Drainage treatment:
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release therapy is a type of gentle, constant massage that releases tightness and pain throughout your myofascial tissues. Your therapist will locate trigger points, or knots, in your fascial tissues. Then, they’ll gently apply pressure until they feel the tension release.
Benefits of a Myofascial Release treatment:
Gua Sha Facials
A treatment that involves scraping a flat jade or rose quartz stone over the skin in upward strokes to relax stiff muscles and promote tissue drainage.
Benefits of a Gua Sha facial treatment:
Traditional Gua Sha
A traditional Chinese healing method where a smooth-edged tool is used to stroke your skin whilst applying pressure on it. This motion raises small, red, rash-like dots that show under your skin called petechiae. Gua Sha can be used to treat chronic pain all over their body.
Benefits of Traditional Gua Sha treatment:
Myofascial Dry Cupping
During Dry Cupping, the cups are placed over several areas to create a vacuum which lifts the soft tissue and creates an upward stretch within the muscle and associated fascia.
Benefits of Myofascial Dry Cupping treatment:
Traditional Thai Foot Massage
It’s a combination of reflexology, acupressure, and massage whose primary purpose is to open the Thai Sip Sen Energy Channels and enable the correct flow of energy through all its points.
Benefits of Traditional Thai Foot Massage treatment:
Some of the treatments we can combine together at Zero Gravity Float Spa. See which treatments we can combine and all treatments can be used after a float session too of course, simply use code SPACOMBO when you book a float and treatment together.
Questions we get a lot, that this blog post is trying to address.
-what is the point of lying in the dark for an hour?
-Oh, so I can just do this in the bath a home?
-Won’t I get bored?
Why sensory deprivation is so beneficial
(AKA why should you lie in the dark doing nothing for an hour)
Quite a lot of people who come in to float for the first time have the same question – what is the point of coming in to lie in the dark for an hour doing nothing? Surely I could do the same thing at home by lying in the bath and turning the lights out?!
The Idea behind Floatation tanks is that by placing someone in a sensory deprived environment the brain doesn’t have to do any work processing sensory input, and is therefore much more likely to slip off into a deep meditative state, or even fall asleep completely.
Whilst in that deeply relaxed state you get from floating, the brain generates Theta waves, which are usually associated with lucid dreaming, creativity and meditation. At the same time as this, levels of stress hormones (such as Adrenaline and Cortisol) are lowered, whilst the pituitary gland produces Endorphins (which have been known to provide a feeling of euphoria).
This is what makes float tanks so special – everything about them is designed to reduce sensory input, whether it be the feeling of weightlessness that comes from having so much Epsom salt (over 500kg) that you float naturally in the tank, much like in the Dead Sea, or the silence and pitch black that comes from having the lid closed and the lights off. It even comes down to the temperature of the water (35 degrees Celsius), which is as close as possible to skin temperature so that you can forget there is even water there! It is therefore extremely unlikely that people attempting to recreate the floatation experience at home will succeed.
Some clients on their first float have occasionally said they had a sense of boredom before they fully settled into their float. This is usually an unfortunate side effect of how we are so conditioned by the modern world to always be productive or on the go, meaning it can be hard to completely switch off and fully settle into your float, due to that feeling that you should be doing something.
The important thing to remember is that by the very act of doing nothing you are looking after yourself in an important way –removing all of that built up stress and exhaustion that comes from our hectic modern lifestyles.
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 Altrincham, there are two extraordinary experiences that, when combined, create the ultimate relaxation and massage journey. Float tank sessions and massage treatments complement each other seamlessly, providing a harmonious blend of physical and mental rejuvenation. We will explore the remarkable synergy between these two therapies, uncovering why they are the perfect pair for achieving deep relaxation and maximizing the benefits of a massage in Altrincham.
Float Tank Sessions: Laying the Foundation for Relaxation
Float tank sessions, also known as sensory deprivation or isolation tanks, provide a unique opportunity to disconnect from the outside world and embark on a profound relaxation journey. Let’s explore how float tank sessions lay the foundation for ultimate relaxation:
Sensory Calmness
By effortlessly floating in a buoyant saltwater solution, your body experiences weightlessness, relieving pressure on joints and muscles. This weightless state promotes a deep sense of physical relaxation.
Mental Tranquility
The enclosed environment of a float tank minimizes external distractions, allowing your mind to enter a serene state of calmness. It helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue, fostering a profound sense of relaxation.
Enhanced Mind-Body Connection
Float tank sessions provide an opportunity for introspection, self-reflection, and mindfulness. The sensory deprivation environment amplifies your awareness of bodily sensations, helping you establish a deeper mind-body connection.
Benefits of Epsom Salt
Epsom salt’s magnesium content works to soothe overactive muscle contractions, easing discomfort and promoting muscle relaxation.
Massage Treatments: Amplifying the Benefits of Relaxation
After experiencing the tranquility of a float tank session, indulging in a massage treatment takes relaxation to new heights. Altrincham is home to skilled therapists who offer various massage techniques to amplify the benefits of relaxation:
Muscle Rejuvenation
Float tank sessions alleviate physical tension, and a massage further enhances the process by targeting specific areas of muscle tightness. Skilled therapists employ techniques like Swedish, deep tissue, or hot stone massages to alleviate muscle soreness, release knots, and promote overall rejuvenation.
Stress Relief
Combining float tank sessions with a massage is a potent stress-relieving combination. The therapeutic touch of a massage stimulates the release of endorphins, fostering a deep sense of relaxation and reducing stress levels.
Improved Circulation
Float tank sessions and massage treatments both enhance blood circulation, which promotes the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and organs. Improved circulation aids in the removal of toxins, speeds up muscle recovery, and boosts overall well-being.
Calming The Nervous System
As the Epsom Salts help to relax the muscles, and switch the bodily systems from fight and flight to rest and digest, the muscular tension is easier to relieve after calming the nervous system.
Located in Altrincham, these two complementary therapies thrive. We have experienced therapists who specialize in a variety of massage treatments. Our commitment to relaxation and rejuvenation makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a harmonious blend of tranquility and therapeutic experiences.
Conclusion:
Zero Gravity Float Spa, the haven of relaxation and massage, offers an irresistible combination of float tank sessions and massage treatments. The serene escape of float tank sessions lays the foundation for deep relaxation, while the therapeutic touch of a massage amplifies the rejuvenating benefits.
Together, they create an immersive experience that targets both the body and mind, allowing you to achieve a state of profound tranquility. When in Altrincham, embrace the synergy between these transformative therapies and unlock the gateway to ultimate relaxation and enhanced massage benefits.
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!