My first Float Therapy session!

Have you ever heard of Float Therapy? Maybe you’ve heard of Float Tanks?

Floating was something that I always wanted to try – but the idea of being enclosed, in dark coffin (basically, lol) really didn’t appeal to my need to relax. So when I heard that there was a new wellness centre opening up locally to me, I was so excited to give Float Therapy a try!

Please note, I am not sponsored in any way for these recommendations I post to my blog currently. I am not an influencer or super famous (haha) – so be assured that I paid for this service and this review is my own.

So onto what happened in my very first Float Therapy session!

Originally, I had made the booking for the day before – but #mumlife and I needed to reschedule to the following day. Thankfully, they were able to fit me in and the next day I headed over to City Cave for my float session. (This City Cave is located in a north west suburb of Sydney Australia, Bella Vista / Norwest).

They are so lovely at City Cave, once I walked through the doors, I started to physically and mentally relax. After checking in, I was guided into their waiting area which was spacious and serene itself (I could of melted into their lounge!). Tea & water was on offer too, but I opted to just quieten down and listen to the ambient music playing.

Once my float room was ready, I was taken over and given a quick rundown of the session – change into your float wear (I wore my swimmers), have a quick shower to rinse off any of life’s gifts (dirt, sweat haha), pop the complimentary ear plugs in, and step into the float pool. I opted to have continuous ambient music play (which you can hear with your eyes underwater – cool!) but you can choose silence (and I think 10 mins music at the start and end of your float).

It did take me a minute to get used to floating – I used the head rest as my cue to relax back into the water, the ear plugs definately came in handy (though I might bring my own or a swimming cap next time because the plugs would float out of my ears every minute or so). After a bit, I decided to go all out and I turned off the lights completely – it was pitch black but I was going to close my eyes and take my glasses off anyway, so it felt really comfortable to me.

I honestly did lose track of time – during my float, every now and then when I had to fix my earplugs and sit up, I’d find myself laying sideways in the pool (the short ways, not the long ways like in bed haha) so I must of been really floating around in there without even knowing! I used the time to do a body scan meditation, I concentrated on my breathing and just chilled right now.

When I heard the gentle recording telling me my time was up and to exit the pool, I didn’t realise it was already 60 minutes later! I thought it was maybe 30 minutes – and sat up for a second, before the filtering system kicked on and scared the bejesus out of me lol.

After stepping out, I took a quick cold shower to wake me up – and I did use the soap provided but as I soon realised, you need to have a warm to hot shower and soap to get rid of the salt reside, or you will walk around looking like you’ve been in a flour fight. (I went to get petrol straight after, and didn’t realise I had salt marks all around my face and on my arms – so funny).

I did have alot of questions before trying float therapy – I don’t do well in warm/hot situations but this was totally fine. The pool is heated to body temp, and you don’t feel warmer or hotter than usual. I also do suffer from vertigo from time to time, but again I was fine. I do know some people experience vertigo and nausea during/after so please take care of yourself – and stop if you need to. Also make sure you’re hydrated before and then after your float.

As I write this, it’s been a full 24 hours since my float and while my pain issues haven’t magically disappeared – I have been feeling more chilled out, relaxed and even a bit sleepy (headed to bed early last night). They’ve said you can float every day if you wanted! I might try and book in next week, and then continue with my monthly membership visits 🙂

Some facts about this particular float pool at City Cave:

  • Float is great for easing stress and pain
  • Sensory deprivation is done safely in professional float centres like this
  • The Epsom salts are rich in magnesium (which I love!)
  • Magnesium is so wonderful as a muscle relaxant
  • You can float as a couple

Do I recommend float therapy? Yes! As long as you have cleared it with your health professionals (as mentioned if you have vertigo or motion sickness issues), I think it’s a great way to give yourself complete silence and awareness of your mind and body every now and again.

We are constantly bombarded with light and noise, so giving our senses a break feels like a real treat.

I think if you are experiencing sleep issues, ongoing anxiety or stress – give float therapy a try. I truly do believe in investing in our health, before we HAVE TO fix something. Prevention, instead of cure. So I do hope you find floating beneficial.

You can find out more about City Cave’s float pools by visiting their website here:
https://www.citycave.com.au/float-therapy

There are many City Cave locations around Australia, please visit their website for more details.
https://www.citycave.com.au

Happy floating!

Let me know below if you’ve tried float therapy or if this is new to you and you’re going to give it a try!