Discover the Benefits of Float Therapy in Raleigh, NC

The Benefits of Float Therapy in Raleigh

Float therapy, also known as sensory deprivation or restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST), has become an increasingly popular wellness trend in recent years. The practice involves floating in a pool of water filled with epsom salt, which allows you to float effortlessly on the surface due to the high salt concentration. Floating in the pool brings about a deeply relaxed state and can provide a variety of benefits for both mind and body.

Here in Raleigh, NC, a number of float centers have popped up to meet the growing demand for this unique therapy. Spending an hour or two floating in a sensory deprivation pod can seem like a strange concept at first, but many who try it are hooked after their first float.

If you live in the Raleigh area and are curious about float therapy, read on to learn all about the science behind it and how it can benefit your mental and physical well-being.

How Float Therapy Works

During a float therapy session, you'll step into a soundproof and lightproof pod or room filled with a shallow pool of water heated to skin temperature. The pool contains hundreds of pounds of epsom salt, allowing you to float effortlessly on the surface without any fear of sinking.

The high concentration of epsom salts makes the water much denser than the human body, creating the near weightless floating effect. The pods are designed to block out all external stimuli, from light and sound to gravity and temperature changes. This creates an almost zero-gravity environment.

Floating in this sensory reduced environment for 60-90 minutes has profound effects on the mind and body. Without distractions and sensory input, your brain waves begin to shift to slower frequencies, creating a deeply relaxed state. Meanwhile, the weightlessness eliminates all strain on the muscles and joints, allowing your body to fully decompress.

The combination of zero gravity and sensory deprivation produces an almost meditative state, described by floater as deeply calming and peaceful. Regular floating can bring about impressive reductions in stress and anxiety, increased creativity, improved sleep quality, heightened mindfulness and much more.

The Science Behind Float Therapy

There is real science behind how floating in a sensory deprivation pod induces such powerful mind-body benefits. Here are some of the key changes and reactions that take place during floating:

• Reduced Cortisol - Cortisol is the body's primary stress hormone. Research shows cortisol levels decrease significantly during floating, inducing deep relaxation.
• Increased Endorphins - Floating also causes an increase in endorphin production. These feel-good chemicals create sensations of euphoria and pain relief.
• Heightened Parasympathetic Activity - The parasympathetic nervous system controls rest and digestion functions. Floating increases parasympathetic activity, slowing heart rate and metabolism.
• Decreased Blood Pressure - High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Studies report a significant drop in blood pressure during floating session.
• Delta Brain Wave Production - Floating triggers increased production of delta brain waves, which are associated with healing, pain relief and deep sleep.

Together, these varied responses to floating explain the boosts to both mental and physical wellness that regular sessions can provide.

Benefits of Float Therapy

Now that you understand the science behind floating's effects on the mind and body, let's take a closer look at some of the specific ways it can benefit your health and wellbeing.

Stress Relief

One of the most immediate and universal effects of float therapy is a dramatic reduction in stress levels. The float experience essentially presses a "reset" button for the body, bringing systemic changes that counteract the issues created by chronic stress.

Cortisol and blood pressure drop almost immediately upon entering the pods, followed by decreased muscle tension as you settle into a weightless state. Without any external stimuli, your mind is free to enter a meditative state.

Studies confirm that just a single one-hour float session can decrease reported stress levels by more than 50 percent. With regular floating, these stress reduction benefits are cumulative.

Pain Relief

Floating's ability to lessen inflammation while increasing endorphin production makes it a uniquely effective pain management tool. From muscle tension and soreness to chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, floating can provide natural pain relief.

The near-zero gravity environment allows your body to fully decompress, taking pressure off the muscles, joints and spinal column. This has benefits for issues ranging from arthritis to back pain. The increased endorphin release also helps block pain signals.

Improved Sleep

Relaxation and reduced cortisol levels enable floating to improve sleep quality and fight symptoms of insomnia. Studies show participants experience improved sleep after floating, with increases in deeper REM and slow wave sleep.

Boosted endorphins and reduced anxiety also allow many floaters to fall asleep faster at night. The magnesium absorbed through the skin during floating may also contribute to better sleep, as magnesium deficiencies are tied to poor sleep quality.

Heightened Creativity

Floating is essentially a form of meditation, inducing the same theta brain wave state achieved during deep meditation. This state of consciousness is associated with increased creativity, problem solving abilities and divergent thinking.

By clearing your mind of distractions and letting your thoughts flow freely, floating can spark epiphanies, heighten imagination and bolster innovation. This is why creative types like authors, artists and entrepreneurs so often flock to floating.

Increased Mindfulness

Mindfulness is about focusing your awareness on the present moment while clearing your mind of anxieties about the past or future. This Aligns perfectly with the meditative state induced by floating's sensory deprivation.

Studies confirm that just a single float session increases scores on tests of mindfulness, presence and self-reflection. With routine floating, these mindfulness boosts can become ingrained into your psyche and daily life.

Reduced Anxiety and Depression

Mental health issues like anxiety and depression are fundamentally tied to chronic stress. By effectively "resetting" the nervous system, floating provides powerful antidotes to both conditions.

Research shows floating decreases anxiety scores and muscle tension levels. At the same time, boosted endorphin levels improve mood and feelings of optimism. Alleviating the underlying stress can prevent depressive symptoms from developing.

Increased Immune Function

Floating promotes better immune system functioning through reduced cortisol levels and fighting the damaging effects of chronic stress. Less stress means your body can direct more energy to immune responses rather than chronic stress reactions.

Floating also promotes the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters that boost immunity. Some studies indicate it may also increase production of certain white blood cells that fight infections and foreign pathogens.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

As a natural way to decrease blood pressure and heart rate, floating offers major benefits for heart health and cardiovascular wellness. Lower blood pressure reduces your risk of heart attack, stroke and other heart issues.

Floating also decreases inflammation that can damage blood vessels and lead to atherosclerosis. The magnesium absorbed through the skin while floating may provide heart benefits as well.

Other Potential Benefits

Research into floating therapy and anecdotal evidence from experienced floaters suggest a number of other possible benefits that need further study, including:

• Increased focus and concentration
• Less impulsivity
• Heightened performance in athletes
• Faster muscle recovery after exercise
• Alleviation of burnout syndrome
• Combating addictions and substance abuse

The unique mind-body effects induced by floating appear to enhance nearly every element of health and wellbeing. The more researchers study it, the more therapeutic benefits they uncover.

Where To Go Floating in Raleigh

The rising popularity of float therapy in Raleigh has led to the opening of several dedicated float centers and spas offering floating services. Here are some of the top spots to check out if you're looking to experience floating for yourself:

Raleigh Float Company

Raleigh Float Company operates three premier float centers in Raleigh, making them the foremost provider in the city. Each location hosts several float pods in addition to massage services.

Their experienced staff can guide first time floaters through the entire experience. They use top of the line float pods from Dream Pod that provide optimal sensory deprivation. Packages and memberships are available for regular floaters.

Still Water Float Spa

Conveniently located in North Raleigh, Still Water Float Spa offers a tranquil spa environment purpose built for floating. Their two float suites feature sensory deprivation pods from Floataway.

In addition to floating, they also provide infrared sauna therapy and massage services. First time float packages are available in addition to monthly memberships.

Float On Raleigh

Float On Raleigh provides a more affordable floating option using Samadhi tanks. They are a local Raleigh business passionate about bringing float therapy to the community.

In addition to floating, they also offer massage therapy and acupuncture services. Discounts and punch card deals provide budget friendly ways to experience floating.

Asheville Float Spa

Located in nearby Apex, NC, Asheville Float Spa brings the expertise of an established Asheville float center to the Raleigh area. They use premium float pods to create a peaceful sensory deprivation experience.

Float therapy is their only service, allowing them to focus on providing an optimal floating environment. First float packages and monthly memberships give multi-session discounts.

What To Expect During A Float Session

If you've never tried float therapy before, you probably have questions about what the experience entails. Floating is quite simple, but the pods and rooms are a unique environment.

Here's a quick rundown of what to expect during your first float session:

• Arrive 15 minutes early to complete any paperwork and review the process.
• You can float nude or in a swimsuit - whichever you are comfortable with.
• Before entering the pod, you'll take a quick shower to rinse off any creams or oils.
• The pod contains 10-12 inches of water saturated with epsom salt so you effortlessly float.
• The water is heated to approximately 95 F to match skin temperature.
• The pod is soundproof and lightproof, with options to control lighting.
• Float for 60-90 minutes, allowing your mind and body to relax.
• After floating, take another quick shower to rinse off salt and epsom minerals.
• The facility will provide towels and any other amenities needed.
• After floating, most people feel blissfully relaxed yet recharged.

Many first-time floaters worry about feeling closed in or getting bored, but these concerns go away once you enter the meditative state. The pods are not confining and you can float with the lid open if you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is floating safe?

Yes, floating is completely safe as long as you follow the rules and hygiene protocols put in place by float centers. The high salt concentration means you cannot "drown" in the water and pods are cleaned and sterilized between each use.

Do I have to get naked?

Nope! You can wear a swimsuit or shorts if you prefer. Many people start out floating this way. However, wearing clothing reduces the weightlessness effect slightly.

What if I'm claustrophobic?

Most float pods allow you to leave the lid open, providing more openness. The rooms are designed to feel expansive, not confining. However, severe claustrophobia may make floating uncomfortable.

Can I drown if I fall asleep?

It's impossible to drown during flotation therapy due to the high salt concentration in the water. Even falling fully asleep, your body will continue floating effortlessly on the mineral-rich water.

How often should I float?

For optimal effects, most facilities recommend floating 1-2 times per week. Occasional monthly floating can also provide benefits.

Are there any side effects?

Some first-time floaters report mild dizziness or nausea after a session. This adjustment period typically passes after 2-3 floats. Side effects beyond this are very rare in float therapy.

Give Float Therapy a Try

Float therapy offers a unique and powerful way to calm the mind, decompress the body and enhance your overall health. With more and more centers providing floats across Raleigh, now is the perfect time to give it a try.

From the experienced staff to cutting edge float pods, Raleigh float centers provide a top-notch floating experience. If you feel stressed, sore or just need a mental reset, book a float session and feel the benefits for yourself.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.