At Perpetuity Skin + Spa, we get this question a lot. The confusion around floatation and flotation tanks are at least in part due to the evolving naming conventions of the tanks. Tanks can be known as an isolation tank, sensory deprivation tank, float tank, flotation tank, float pod and even a sensory attenuation tank.
Floating is achieved by adding a high concentration of Epsom salts to the water. Much like in the Dead Sea this raises the density and buoyancy of the water. Float tanks will use around 1000 litres of water and 550 kg of magnesium and sulphate-rich Epsom salts thereby increasing the specific gravity for the solution to around 1.27. It is this change to the density that adds buoyancy to the water and allows a flotation tank user to float.
Epsom salts allow the float tank user to float but also do so much more. Ancient wisdom tells us that Epsom salts are an effective cure-all with benefits including stress relief along with easing aches and pains. Epsom salts are rich in magnesium, which is the second most abundant element in the human body and one that is vital to good health and well being. When floating, the Epsom salt solution helps with lymph drainage and promotes the absorption of magnesium. Sadly, over half of the US population does not meet the US recommended allowance for dietary magnesium. Modern agriculture and diet have radically reduced the magnesium in the body whilst modern consumption levels of fat, sugar and salt all work to more rapidly deplete magnesium. And then there’s the benefits!
Relieve stress – Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium helps bind serotonin, the happy hormone!
Relaxation – Elevates chemicals in the brain that works to create a feeling of well-being and relaxation.
Migraines – Eases and prevents migraine headaches.
Detoxification – Flushes toxins and heavy metals from the cells in the body. This in turn helps ease muscle pain and clear out harmful substances picked up from our modern environment.
Diabetes – Improved insulin sensitivity aids blood glucose control which can aid in prevention or severity of diabetes.
Heart Health – Improves heart and circulatory health. Preventing hardening of the arteries, blood clots and lowering overall blood pressure.
Bone health – Magnesium helps assimilate calcium into the bones.
Better still, when using a float tank the magnesium is absorbed through the skin and the body optimises the levels of magnesium so there is no chance of magnesium levels becoming too high which can be dangerous.
Flotation can benefit everyone, from athletes and creatives to business people, the elderly, and those with medical issues . Come see why float therapy and Epsom salts are your new besties, at Perpetuity Skin + Spa in Boise on Vista Avenue.