The idea of floating therapy may feel unfamiliar or strange for those who have never tried it, but one try is all it takes to discover an interesting and intriguing form of meditative activity.
Solace Float has opened the doors of its wellness centre with its four (and counting) floating tanks to anyone in Bali who is up to feeling weightless – both in body and mind. To give you an idea, a float tank is a light and sound-proof pod that serves as a sanctuary for you and you alone. The tank is filled with 12 inches of warm water with an Epsom Salt solution that allows your body to float effortlessly. The water is kept at about 34.5 degrees Celsius to mimic human skin temperature, thus creating a sensation in which you feel like one with the water.
Between the Epsom Salt effect and the temperature, the point of floating is the zero-gravity, sensory deprivation experience. Each floating session at Solace Float is 90 minutes long, ensuring the amazing effects kick in and stick with you – since many of the benefits don’t really take hold until 45 minutes in.
Preparing yourself for float therapy is easy. It’s better if you have a light meal 60 to 90 minutes before your session, so you won’t get hungry or get disturbed by the sound of your own stomach in the tank. Nothing too heavy though, you don’t want to feel bloated and uncomfortable while floating.
You might want to avoid coffee or other forms of stimulant before the session, they might prevent you from completely relaxing. Another thing to avoid is shaving or waxing at least 24 hours before the float, because the salt water can irritate your shaved skin. Don’t apply oils like moisturiser, hair gel or make up before floating.
In a nutshell, Solace Float prepares everything you need, so all you have to do is come at least 15 minutes before your session and bask in the experience. You can bring your own hair brush and contact lens case (if you wear them, because you will need to take them off), but Solace has prepared a shower, towels, shampoo, conditioner and refreshments. You will also be shown a briefing and information video in Solace’s darling pre-float lounge, so you won’t feel confused.
Even if you’re claustrophobic, you don’t need to worry, as the tank is large and wide, and you can always open the door of the tank. There are lights and air vents in the tank to ensure your comfort. The effect of floating is so relaxing that you might find yourself falling asleep. If that happens, don’t fret, as there’s not enough water to drown and the buoyancy of the water won’t let you sink. There will be music played 10 minutes before the session ends so you know your time is coming to an end, and also to wake you up should you have fallen asleep.
The ritual of floating might sound simple, but it carries many benefits with it. By depriving yourself of light and sound, your sympathetic nervous system, which keeps you alert, takes a break, and the parasympathetic nervous system that helps you relax takes over. Floating helps you to relax and calm, in addition to decreasing stress and anxieties.
The near-weightless sensation during floating also helps relieve joint pressure, and this can be beneficial to help your body recover from athletic activities or chronic pain, like arthritis. Last but not least, floating improves blood circulation and helps reset your circadian rhythm. But don’t just take our word for it, you have to try it yourself!
Solace Float
Jalan Subak Sari 10 No. 11, Canggu
Bali 80361, Indonesia
T: (+62) 81977765223
