Floating, also known as floatation therapy or sensory deprivation, has become increasingly popular in recent years as a unique way to relax and unwind. Perhaps you’ve already tried it yourself, or maybe you’re curious about the experience. But what exactly is floating, and where did it come from?
Floating, also known as floatation therapy or sensory deprivation, is a wellness practice that allows you to drift effortlessly in warm salt water while external stimuli are minimized.
The goal is to encourage deep relaxation for both body and mind.
The origins of floating can be traced back to the 1950s, when scientists began researching the effects of sensory isolation on the human mind and body. Their studies focused on understanding how prolonged isolation influenced psychological and physiological processes. During this period, American neuroscientist Dr. John C. Lilly began developing what would later become the first floatation tank.
Known as the “Lilly Tank,” the original floatation tank was designed to place a person in a state of profound relaxation by eliminating external sensory input. The tank was filled with salt water heated to skin temperature and contained enough salt to keep the body effortlessly afloat.
Although the concept was developed decades ago, floating only gained widespread popularity more recently. Today, it is embraced by many people as a powerful tool for relaxation, stress management, and overall wellbeing.
When you float, your body is supported by highly concentrated salt water, creating a sensation of complete weightlessness. The float cabin is specifically designed to minimize external stimuli, allowing you to disconnect from everyday distractions and fully relax. The water is heated to approximately skin temperature, meaning there is almost no noticeable difference between your body and the surrounding water. This reduces the need for the body to regulate temperature and can help promote a deeper state of relaxation.
Floating is often referred to as sensory deprivation because it reduces exposure to external stimuli such as light, sound, and physical distractions. Without these inputs, the body and mind can enter a deeply restorative state. For this reason, floating is frequently used as a complementary approach to stress reduction and relaxation. Many people find that floating helps ease feelings of stress and tension while supporting mental clarity and emotional balance. Because the body is able to relax so deeply, floating may also help relieve muscle discomfort and support recovery after physical exertion.
Floating can also be used as a form of meditation. By removing external distractions and encouraging complete relaxation, it often becomes easier to quiet the mind, focus inward, and enter a meditative state.
At Koan Float, Epsom salt is used in the water to enhance buoyancy and create the effortless feeling of floating. Each float cabin contains approximately 500 kilograms of Epsom salt, resulting in a highly concentrated solution rich in magnesium sulfate. This high salt concentration allows you to float comfortably without any effort.
Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is a naturally occurring mineral compound that has been used for centuries. It was first discovered in the English town of Epsom during the 17th century, from which it takes its name. Magnesium is involved in many important bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, while sulfate plays a role in various biological processes. Together, they contribute to the unique floating experience and its reputation as a deeply relaxing wellness treatment. To learn more about Epsom salt, visit our article on Medicinal Epsom Salt.
Epsom salt offers several benefits that complement the floating experience. Many people report feeling physically relaxed and mentally refreshed after a session. The magnesium contained in Epsom salt is often associated with muscle relaxation and recovery, while the overall floating environment supports a calm and restorative experience. Combined with the weightlessness of the water and the absence of external distractions, floating can help create a uniquely peaceful state of relaxation.
Interested in learning more about this remarkable mineral? Read here more about it in our article on Medicinal Epsom Salt.