Have you heard of Float Therapy, also known as, Sensory Deprivation?
It's where you get into a Float Tank filled with a warm, dense solution of epsom salt water. You lie naked there, floating on this water in this room that is completely dark, without sounds. I've done 60 minute and 90 minute sessions in the past but there are other time duration options too.
What does it help with? According to HolosNYC's pamphlet the benefits include
intense relaxation, relieves stress & anxiety, aid for phobias & depression, boosts creativity, improves concentration, releases endorphins, lowers blood pressure, relieves joint pain & inflammation, and more. Now while I can't vouch for the benefits, I will describe my experience and how I benefit from it. But first, let's talk about where I went.
Here's my recent Float experience at a location in New York city.
On Wednesday, January 25th, I went to Holosnyc (formerly Infinity Float, https://holosnyc.com , located on 27 East 21st street) for my Float Tank aka Sensory Deprivation session. I've been here before but I took pictures this time so I could share them here with you.
Holos is on the second floor and this is the sign you see when the elevator door opens.
This is what the front desk looks like. The receptionist didn't want to be in the picture though.
And around the corner is this chill and rest spot.
Since I've floated multiples times before and I've been at this location before I was brought to my tank immediately. If it's your first time you get the whole tour and tutorial.
This is what the entrance to the room looks like. It has an area to take off and rest your clothes as well as a shower location.
And here is a picture of the entrance to the tank.
And here's a video as well (sorry for the video quality, I know it's not that great.)
So you do have the option to have a little light and some music but personally I do it completely in the dark with no music and with earplugs (which they provide) in my ears.
I usually do some breathwork-meditation-cultivation practices while Floating and that is what I did this time. I definitely got really relaxed about 20 minutes into the session and dozed off a few times. I overall had a great float session.
I do have to share a friend's experience. We went to a float place but started our float sessions (you float by yourself in your own tank), but she left the tank early because she did not feel comfortable. This type of experience can definitely feel uncomfortable because it can really bring you more intimately to your body, heart, and mind which is not something most people are used to in the hyper-busy mode and life we have in the city. If you're concerned about how you will do but want to try it, I recommend starting with the 60 minute version; or you could ask if they can do a shorter one. However, if you are somewhat experienced with meditation or other relaxation modalities or simply really want to try it, I definitely encourage you to do the 90 minute or 120 minute version.
Here is their services price list as of the day I went there. Please note while I have done some of their services I don't know enough to tell you about them much... for now.
The place is owned by Noran Malouf, who has a doctoral degree in classical and traditional acupuncture as well as a slew of other healing modalities (maybe that's why I get along with him.) He is a nice fellow and I took a picture with him.
So let's talk about Float Therapy aka Sensory Deprivation some more. Most of this will be from my experience and perspective. It is a therapeutic modality where you lie in a tank of epsom salt water while you are Deprived of visual, hearing, and some tactile sensations. It allows you to "be alone with" your body, heart, and mind; it is an opportunity to discourse with your inner sensations, feelings, and thoughts. You also absorb the salts through your skin which adds to the whole experience and your health. For me, it is an excellent way to decompress and un-distract myself from worries. I plan on making it a routine part of my health journey.
Doing these float sessions also help me give better treatments as an Osteopathic Physician focusing on Osteopathy in my practice. It would be very beneficial for you to do the Float sessions and come to me to get your Osteopathic Treatment. Actually, I think it would be really great to do them in the same day.
In my experience, both Osteopathy and Floating work with your innate Health and support it so that it can aid your recovery from different ailments. Getting in tune with your body, heart, mind and more as well as getting those different aspects of yourself to be more in tune with each other is crucial to health. My job is to help clear the obstacles and excess traffic that impedes this process for you so that you can have
- less neck and back pain and more freedom of movement
- less headache and brain-fog and more clarity
- less anxiety and restlessness and more relaxation and restfulness
If you'd like to learn more or work with me, go to https://drfrancisyoodo.as.me/schedule.php to get started.