I’ve been involved with Apt613 for about three years now, but you wouldn’t easily recognize my name unless you send us requests to cover your event or review your latest play, EP, book or whatever. I’m usually hunched over a laptop at my kitchen table answering emails and matching up our *amazing* contributors with assignments as the opportunities arise.
A few weeks ago, we were approached by ISO Spa inviting us to give floatation therapy a try. They’d just opened the only floatation centre in downtown Ottawa and were eager to get the word out.
Well, I honestly couldn’t think of a better person to cover this story than myself.
I take relaxing pretty seriously. And the email promised potential benefits such as “creating mental clarity, increasing motivation, alleviating stress, boosting immune function and inducing relaxation” among other things. It sounded so dreamy.
So, what is it exactly?
Floatation, or Sensory Deprivation Therapy, was developed in 1954 and this article in Vogue provides an interesting read about its history and evolution. Basically, you’re invited into a dark room with a large tank or pod filled with 1000 litres of water heated to body temperature and mixed with over 1,200 pounds of Epsom salts.
Photo courtesy of ISO Spa Floatation Centre.
Epsom salts have long been known to relieve muscle tension and pain, eliminate swelling, smooth skin and hair as well as detoxify the body.
After some pre-float briefing, I stripped down to my birthday suit (bathing suit optional), took a quick shower and climbed into the pod. It felt like I was getting into a water bed in that it took a moment to settle into the dense water. A boyfriend had one back in the day – it was a thing and I found myself wondering if they’d ever make a comeback.
You can choose to wear earplugs but it’s so quiet once you’re in the tank that it’s only really necessary if you don’t want to get water in your ears. There’s also a small pool noodle you can use to rest your head on if your mind can’t accept that the water will keep your head afloat. In fact, I had heard that some people fall asleep in the tank. The water is so dense you can’t roll over without trying really hard, so it’s not dangerous.
But, that’s the thing – you don’t feel weighed down by the salt water either – actually, it’s so silky smooth on your skin. I didn’t even prune.
Once I settled into the tank I had the options of turning all the lights off and closing the lid. I did both and then just kind of laid there wondering what I was going to do for a full hour. I could have easily drifted into sleep but I felt like that would have somehow wasted the experience so I kept my eyes open.
I had essentially escaped the outside world – or deprived myself of light, sound and touch in a low gravity environment. It was time for my mind to heal.
Some people report having hallucinations, which I was looking forward to, but as is often the case when you wait for something to happen, it rarely does. No matter. At some point my body felt completely numb and inconsequential while the thoughts in my mind began to explode.
It’s a strange feeling to describe. I was awake but almost in a creative type of meditation. I had solved a few issues that had been weighing me down and also created an outline for a book that I suddenly felt compelled to write. I had broken down each chapter and mapped a way forward.
As I was putting the final touches on my book’s outline I heard faint music in the background and vaguely understood the light in the tank had come back on. My session was about to end. I felt amazing.
I got out and took another shower. The room is equipped with soap, shampoo and conditioner plus they provide towels so no need to bring anything, really. My skin felt so soft and no, the salt hadn’t damaged my hair. There’s also a separate room where you can blow dry and curl your locks if that’s your thing.
As I said, it’s been a few weeks and the euphoria eventually waned. I don’t expect I’ll write that book, but I would do anything to get back into that head space again. I don’t think I’ve ever truly rested like this before.
Apt613 is giving away a 60 minute flotation therapy session at ISO Spa. To enter, send an email to apartment613@gmail.com with “Escape Gravity” in the subject header. A winner will be selected by random draw at noon on Wednesday, April 13, 2016.
ISO Spa is located at 464 Bank Street, unit 5 (entrance on McLeod St). Book for either 60/90 minute sessions. A one hour float is $60. Click here for more options.
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