Been looking for a new way to unwind + unplug? We surely have, and we found an ideal way to do it: the salt water floatation at Still Point Wellness (81 B Central Ave.) The experience, also known as “sensory deprivation,” entails floating in a sensory-reduced tank of warm water.
Designed to reduce as much external stimuli as possible, the tank is lightproof and sound-insulated. It is roughly 8 feet long, 6 feet wide, and 7 feet tall, and holds 10 inches of water, which is heated to 95º and holds 1,000 lbs of Epsom salt. The salt not only works to draw tension from aching muscles (more on that in a moment), but makes buoyancy effortless.
Here’s how it works:
First of all, decide whether you want a 60, 90, or 120 minute float. We opted for the recommended 90 minute float. Upon arriving, you are greeted by a float specialist (yes, you read that right) who walks you through the process and escorts you to your float room, which includes a private bath + shower.
Once you dress down to your comfort level, you open the door to your tank and step inside. Note that when you close the door, the tank is pitch black, which can take some getting used to. But maybe what is more shocking than the lack of light is the total silence.
This complete lack of external stimuli, coupled with the body-temperature water, means it feels like you are one with the water, which is beyond relaxing. Editor Brook was especially surprised by how quickly her back stopped aching when she began floating, and how drunkenly relaxed her muscles felt when she walked out. It’s incredible that taking away all the distractions of life, like light + sound, made for such a wholly rejuvenating experience.
