Floatation Therapy

We are proud to say at Blue Lagoon Float and Spa  that our Pods,'The Dream Pods', so aptly names offer clients the most enhanced and spacious float experience.

The design and aesthetic of these pods mean that people hesitant toward trying this unique experience will be comforted by the space and appearance of these pods.

So what is floatation?

Floatation therapy involves lying in a harmoniously designed tank in which you are suspended in 500kg of magnesium sulphate (pharmaceutical-grade Epsom salts) the density of the water  means it so buoyant that you float effortlessly and experience an incredible feeling of weightlessness.

Floatation therapy is backed by over 200 studies showing it to be of benefit for a vast range of mental and physical conditions and ailments, assisting anxiety conditions for many people. Research on floatation therapy constantly shows that with repeated use the benefits are greatly enhanced.

What is Sensory deprivation?

Sensory deprivation is acheived when you turn the lights off and float silently in your pod in the dark -  you block out all external distractions such as sight, sound, touch, temperature and gravity. Together these account for approximately 90% of your normal neuro-muscular activity. Once these senses are blocked, this allows your mind to truly experience one of the deepest forms of relaxation for your mind and body. 

The Epsom salt water inside the tank is heated to skin temperature (35.5 degrees celcius).

This allows you to lie comfortably in the warm saltwater solution and eventually lose sense of where your body ends and the water begins- giving a feeling of zero gravity as though you are floating in space.

Once inside the float tank, soft relaxation music starts to play signify the beginning of the session. Chakra colours will then illuminate the inside of the float tank providing your mind with colour therapy (if you choose). With earplugs in (if you choose) and lights on or off you will drift away into a deep relaxation. Soft relaxation music will play again to signify the end of your session.

Floatation Benefits

Numerous studies around the world have documented mental and physical benefits of using floatation therapy. These have shown to help a broad range of ailments and medical conditions, as well as having the most profound relaxing experience like no other.

These are just a few of the benefits:

Mental Benefits

• Helps reach a state of total calm and deep relaxation
• Improves sleep, jet lag & insomnia
• Gives you more energy and feel rejuvenated
• Alleviates stress, anxiety, fear, depression
• Promotes clearer thinking, visualisation & enhanced memory
• Stimulates creativity, enhances learning and problem solving
• Endorphins are released which are natural mood enhancers and pain reliever
• Facilitates freedom from habits, phobias and addictions
• Enhances hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis
• Stimulates left/right brain synchronisation
• Brainwaves can shift from its usual “alpha “state into a “theta” state, which is normally achieved by people who train extensively in meditation. Floating is a much easier way to achieve this deep state of relaxation

Physical Benefits

• Relieve pain from injuries, arthritis, tension, fibromyalgia, migraines, pms, multiple sclerosis, pregnancy tension, bursitis
• Improves skin conditions such as eczema & psoriasis
• Improves blood circulation and the distribution of oxygen and nutrients
• Reduces blood pressure, pulse and heart rate
• Balances your metabolism and hormones
• Accelerates recovery from strenuous exercise and sports
• Decreases production of cortisol, ACTH, lactic acid and adrenaline
• Detoxifies the body
• Epsom salts have a natural anti-inflammatory effect on the body
• Boosts immune function

Overall float therapy is a gentle and effective form of healing for your body and mind. Float therapy can also be used in conjunction with other therapies.

Please consult your medical practitioner if you have specific medical conditions

Pain Relief

Floatation therapy has been proven to be a highly effective method of reducing chronic pain. Not only has pain shown to reduce during the session but has also lasting benefits. This is due to three factors that contribute to the success of the therapy which include: The extremely buoyant environment of the water eliminates the effects of gravity on the body by relieving pressure, relaxing muscles and providing relief from chronic conditions.

Second is that floating has been found to stimulate the brain to naturally release large amounts of endorphins which are your body’s natural form of pain relief. They work by blocking pain signals from reaching your brain and improving your mood. Endorphins also alleviate the anxiety and depressive moods often associated with chronic pain.

The third factor is the natural anti-inflammatory effect the Epsom salt water has on the body. The large amounts of magnesium sulphate in the water is one of the best ways to absorb this essential mineral and offer tremendous relief to those suffering from chronic muscular, skeletal and joint pain.

Stress Relief

Stress is linked to many physical and mental health issues such as depression, weight problems, autoimmune diseases, heart disease, pain, digestive issues, sleep problems and skin conditions. These can all take a toll on your relationships, work and general functioning of day to day activities.

Floatation therapy is considered to be one of a few non-invasive techniques to manage stress which works quickly. Studies have shown it is a very effective way of lowering the stress hormone cortisol. Float therapy allows floaters to block out all external distractions which calm and soothe the mind and give an incredible feeling of relaxation. This in turn causes your brain to release endorphins, which enhances your mood and replaces the feeling of stress.

Many people find floating such a relaxing experience and often fall asleep in the tank. This is perfectly safe and natural. It has been reported that 1 hour of sleep in the tank is equivalent to 3 hours of sleep in bed. You will come out feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. This is particularly helpful for sleep problems.

Increase Creativity and Learning

During a floatation session, a person’s brainwaves change from beta (wide awake) to alpha to theta which is associated with vivid imagery. Everyone experiences a theta state brainwave by having vivid mental imagery when we are about to drift off to sleep, which only last for … Theta state has been found to be a rich source of access to the subconscious and increase levels of creativity, imagination, visualization and problem solving.

Floatation therapy allows you to reach theta state and sustain it for much longer than you normally would. Usually advanced meditators with years of training are able to sustain theta state, however the float tank provides a much easier method of attaining this. The more often you use the float tank, the quicker your brainwaves can change to theta state and sustain it for longer periods.

Some floaters like to intensify their experience by adding learning tools such as audio to increase their learning and creativity. For example, if you would like to learn a new language, or use powerful visualisation techniques with audio in the background for sport performance.

Sports Recovery and Performance

Many athletes, sportspeople, bodybuilders, gym workout enthusiasts around the world use floatation therapy to quickly recover from sore muscles/joints/bones and injuries. In some cases, people with aches and pains can sometimes speed up recovery in a matter of hours as opposed to days.

The floatation tank takes away the effects of gravity on the body which causes large amounts of stress and increases blood circulation. The high concentration of Epsom salts has a strong anti-inflammatory effect on the body and helps muscles repair.

Athletes who also use the tank along with visualisation techniques have experienced a strong improvement in their performance. While you are in the tank you access your theta brainwave state making you more open to learning. Even the Australian Institute of Sports endorses the use of floatation tanks for its many benefits to its athletes.

Overall, float therapy can help with:

• Total body relaxation before or after sport
• Speed up muscle recovery from training and injuries
• Cleanse your body of lactic acid build up
• Reduces muscle inflammation
• Improves your mental and physical performance 

Our Float Tanks

We bring you the state of the art floatation tank like no other in South Australia. Its design is spacious unlike other float tanks which can make you feel claustrophobic.

The oval exterior is crafted using high performance fibreglass and high technology plastics. Extra insulation ensures optimal sound proofing and a maximum of heat retention, translating to longer, more silent floats.

On the inside you will find the same smooth and clean coating as on the outside. Carefully placed air vents provide a superb floating experience without compromising on temperature retention or sound proofing. Hooks to either side allow water bottle and face towel to be close by while enjoying a float. For added safety the floor has added anti-slip surface

To keep the water clean the main filter device is a custom built stainless steel enclosure holding a 0.5 micron exchangeable filter bag. All water is routed by a high power UV light, taking care of anything that made it past the extreme salt content of the water, the micro filter and the 2 separately controllable chemical peristaltic dispenser pumps (Meant for dosing chlorine and/or hydrogen peroxide).

On the inside, a high power lighting system provides soothing and beautiful light animations during idle times or during a float (Chakra colors). The light can be controlled via a button on the inside of the pod.

On the Day of your float:

• We provide towels, disposable ear plugs, and a hair dryer for your convenience.
• Bathers are optional in the tanks. It is recommended to go without as they can distract you from the experience.
• Do not shave at least 5 hours before floating as the salt water can sting your skin
• Avoid over eating or having an empty stomach before your float
• Avoid alcohol and other stimulants like caffeine at least 2 hours before entering the tank.
• If you have any ear conditions that may be irritated by water, please bring your own specific ear plugs. We only provide standard disposable ear plugs.
• Under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver
  

Precautions:

• Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited
• Do not use the tanks if you are menstruating, so that we can maintain a high level of hygiene
• Do not use the tanks if you have coloured your hair or have used artificial tanning products within 5 days
• Do not use the tanks if you suffer or have suffered from epilepsy, fainting spells or kidney disorders
• Please wait to use until after the first trimester of pregnancy.
• Doctors permission is required if you have had cancer in the past four years or currently have cancer
• Please be aware that floatation therapy lowers blood pressure