As it is with everything else the quality of an experience is often dependent on the quality of the environment that one finds themselves in. This concept also applies to floatation therapy as the quality of the floatation tanks play an integral role in not just the quality of the experience, but also the effectiveness of the therapy. Hence it is critical to assess all the factors that come into play when one engages in floatation tank therapy which range from the size of the float pods, the quantity and quality of the Epsom salt, the stability of the temperature in the pod, the depth and also the level of service provided by the spa.
Float Tank Types
There are multitudes of floatation tanks that are produced by a number of manufacturers from various countries, and among the top contenders that offer a good trade-off between money and value are float tanks that are made in China. The reason for lower prices from China has nothing to do with poorer quality and has everything to do with cheaper labour and cheaper cost for raw materials. Hence floatation tanks from China are as good and in some cases even better than the tanks produced by western nations in terms of both quality and technology.
In order to effectively to reap the benefits of floatation therapy the tanks should have at least 3 to 6 inches of space from the tip of your feet to the edge of the tank and the same for your head meaning if you were six feet tall, the tank should be at least 6 feet, 6 inches in length or 7 feet in length. As for the width, tanks should at least be 3.5 to 4 feet wide to allow comfortable floating ‘space’. The temperature control of the tank (of the Epsom salt solution) should be maintained at a stable approximate 37 degrees Celsius (fluctuation of less than a degree above or below 37 degrees). Float Pods are usually not ‘entirely’ sound proofed which mean that earplugs is a necessity in most cases.
However float pods are usually dark and some come with LED lights inside the chamber which serves its purposes in some instances. As for the salt water solution (magnesium sulphate or Epsom Salt) slightly over six pounds of salt for every gallon is required in order for individuals to float on the surface of the water (partially submerged) freely. The concentration should be done accurately in order to avoid submersion of more than half of the body of the floater (horizontally). Last, but not least, how the tanks fill up and drain and the filtration system that comes with some models should be taken into consideration to ensure hygiene.
Effectiveness
Floatation therapy involves limiting or eliminating the use of our sense in a comfortable environment and due to this it is critical that floatation pod meet these criterions from every aspect. The idea is to ‘rest the mind’ and send our minds into a state of peacefulness in order for the therapy to be effective, however if the level of comfort is jeopardised during the time that the floater is in the tank, the effectiveness of the therapy will not be optimal.
Kamalpreet Singh
Working as a freelance contributor for several news platforms over the years, Kamalpreet has a well-thriving interest in the education sector. Kamalpreet heads at the post of editor at BO Herald and he contributes his knowledge and expertise in reporting Education News.
