There are numerous stressors every day; peak-hour traffic, high living expenses, work, loadshedding, and all other personal trials and tribulations add to our daily stress. Float therapy is an innovative way to deal with and recover from stress and there are actually a few places in Cape Town that offer anxious clients this service.
What exactly is float therapy?
Float therapy, also know as floatation hydrotherapy, is an innovative form of sensory isolation or restricted environmental stimulation technique (REST). It was introduced and studied by Dr John C Lilly in the mid-1950s as he explored the mental effects if someone’s external stimulation is removed.
Customers float in a larger tank or pod filled with water and high concentrations of Epsom salts, or magnesium sulphate, at body temperature. About 200kg salt or more can be added to a single tank which allows the client to float with ease. The floating tank or pod creates a zero-gravity environment that allows the mind and body to completely let go, relax, and reset. This separation relaxes your nervous system, bringing the mind-body connection back in balance.
What are the benefits?
Float therapy seems to have numerous health benefits, both for the mind and body. The water’s lukewarm temperature, carefully controlled to match people’s body temperature, promotes blood circulation, reduces swelling and inflammation in problem areas, and fights joint or muscle pain. The hydrotherapy is further believed to increase connectivity between the left and right brain hemispheres, can reduce tension headaches and lower blood pressure. Ultimately, float therapy allows the nervous system to relax, which in turn promotes nervous system recovery to restore healthy communication between the neurons throughout the body.
Happy body; happy mind. Float therapy is a physical therapy, but it also releases psychological tension, which means it has multiple benefits for the psyche. The most commonly reported advantage is that it decreases stress, anxiety and can help with depression. The decreased anxiety and improved relaxation that people experience during a float session can also stimulate creative thinking and encourages flow of thought and concentration, which could aid productivity in the workplace. The high salt content in the water is believed to increase the body’s absorption and storage of magnesium, which reduces the effects of adrenaline, resulting in improved sleep quality and dream states. So regular hydrotherapy sessions could help with insomnia, too.
Where can you enjoy the benenfits of float therapy?
Float therapy is a rising enterprise in the Mother City, with more and more spas or health centres offering this service. Here are three spots where you can give this therapy a go:
1. Float at Ubuntu Wellness
Ubuntu Wellness is conveniently located in the heart of the City, just behind the Mount Nelson Hotel. They offer a once-off 60-minute session, or you can choose between a three or ten-session package if you’re keen to make regular visits.
Details:
- Location: 99 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
- Website: ubuntuwellness.com/float-2
2. Neurofloat
Neurofloat is a bit further out the city, situated closer to Milnerton. They offer different sessions, depending on the need of the customer. Choose between a “first floater” session of 45 minutes, a standard session of 45 minutes, or a standard session of 60 minutes. They also offer sessions for members, partners or professional athletes.
Details:
- Location: SureStore Business Park, Block D, Unit DF5, 70 Carmine Dr, Burgundy Estate, Cape Town, 7441
- Website: neurofloat.co.za
3. Float Studio
You can find Float Studio in Gardens, Cape Town. They also offer different packages of one-hour sessions: you can choose between one session, three sessions, five sessions and ten sessions, with costs decreasing per session the more sessions you book. You can even book float-and-massage combos for individuals and for couples.
Details:
- Location: 117 Hatfield St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
- Website: sevencircles.co.za/float-studio
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Picture: Unsplash
