To Float or Not To Float?

Part 1

I've been hearing about float tanks for years now on Joe Rogan's podcast. (I love his podcast, he interviews such a wide variety of interesting people)! If you aren't familiar with a float tank here is the "need to know" info...

A float tank (also referred to as an isolation tank), is a light and sound free environment. It contains roughly 11 inches of water, that has approximately 1000 pounds of Epsom salts dissolved into it. The water is maintained at body temperature. Once you lie down in the tank you float effortlessly.

Ok so I know what you are thinking... "That's a big fat can of NOPE"... But hear me out... There are huge benefits to be found in routine floating...

- Reduction of Overall Stress
- Reduction of Stress Related Chronic Ailments
- Whole Body Pain Relief
- Lessens the Symptoms of Anxiety, Depression & PTSD
- Improves Symptoms of Vertigo
- Better Sleep Patterns
- Improved Blood Pressure
- Immune System Boost
- Increased Ability to Focus/Concentrate
- Speeds up Jet Lag Recovery
- Improves Creative Output
- Improved Self Awareness

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Does this not sound like something EVERY pregnant woman should be using? In addition to being safe, pregnant bodies hugely benefit from the elimination of of gravity. This eases joint pain and inflammation. Not only is it reported to feel great but moms-to-be report that they have a stronger connection to baby after just one float!

You don't "do" anything once in the float tank. Your goal is to be physically still and clear your mind. This eventually allows you to enter into a meditative-like state. The science based person in me wanted more info and good old Wikipedia came to my rescue. As you enjoy your float your brain waves eventually move from from beta or alpha into theta waves. This is the same state that occurs briefly before sleep and again shortly before waking. You can remain conscious and in the theta zone indefinitely in the float tank. This theta zone increases your ability to problem solve, enhances creativity and is often referred to as "super learning". The more times you float the longer the theta period of brain activity becomes.
Cool right??

I figure personal experience is the best referral. I'm now on a mission to try various float centers throughout the Calgary area. My goal is to blog about each location separately for you. I'll review each center and report back the pros and cons. This is the first blog installment of a multi month series. The series shall be an ongoing work of art and I'll be posting in between other regular blogs, vs waiting until I finish my tour of the different local centers. Together we shall discover Calgary's finest float centers and you can get a glimpse of my own personal journey into floating... From my virgin float, to what I hope becomes a routine self care practice.
~ Doula In The Wild

Be sure to check out our other articles in this series...

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4