What is a flotation center?
What is a flotation center?
A floatation center, also called a sensory deprivation floatation center, is a specialized establishment that offers deep relaxation sessions through the practice of floating.
This technique involves floating on water saturated with Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate), usually contained in a specially designed tank or basin. Free from sensory stimuli such as noise and light, the client finds in these basins an ideal experience of relaxation and rest.
The unique feature of these flotation tanks lies in their controlled environment: the water temperature is maintained at around 35.5°C (similar to that of the human body), thus minimizing bodily sensation and providing an immediate sense of calm.
Thanks to the large quantity of salt used (approximately 500 kg to 800 kg per pool), the participant feels no constraint, he floats completely without effort, thus experiencing an almost non-existent gravity similar to that felt in space.
Where does flotation come from?
Initially developed in the 1950s by John C. Lilly, an American physician and neuroscientist, the sensory deprivation floatation technique aimed to better understand the brain's reactions when cut off from external stimuli. Later, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, this practice was brought to the fore in the United States as a therapeutic solution to various modern stress-related ailments: anxiety, muscle pain, insomnia, and mental overload. The growing success in the United States was quickly followed in Europe and other countries around the world.
The course of a floatation session
When a new participant arrives at the floatation center, they typically receive a personalized welcome to clearly explain how the tank works and provide basic instructions. For example, visitors are advised to remove their jewelry, shower before their session, insert earplugs provided by the facility to ensure optimal comfort, and prevent salt water from entering their ears.
The floatation itself usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes. During this time, the person is isolated from noise and light, allowing for a deep mental and physical immersion in an atmosphere of complete relaxation. Visitors may wear a swimsuit or sometimes float in the tank without clothing, depending on their personal preferences and the specific policies of the floatation center.
The benefits of a float session
Flotation sessions offer physical and psychological benefits that have now been clearly validated by numerous scientific studies. Among these benefits, the relief of muscle and joint pain is particularly appreciated.
Thanks to the intense muscle relaxation and noticeable reduction of pressure on the vertebrae during a session, people suffering from chronic back pain or actively practicing sports often report feeling immediate relief after their session.
From a psychological point of view, floatation sessions essentially provide a deep sense of calm and play a real role in reducing stress.
They provide conclusive results for clients prone to episodes of intense stress, anxiety, or mild depression. Many report that this tranquil, weightless experience significantly improves the quality of their sleep and increases their energy levels and concentration in the days following their session.
Who is flotation intended for?
The appeal of flotation centers reaches a very diverse audience: professionals who are highly exposed to stress, such as business leaders, senior executives or people in high-responsibility jobs, but also athletes (professional or amateur), artists in an intense creative process or even individuals simply looking for a personal moment of well-being.
Large companies in particular are now incorporating flotation into employee wellness programs to optimize their productivity and mental and emotional balance.
Entrepreneurs are gradually discovering the remarkable benefits of this practice for their employees, not only in terms of relaxation and well-being, but also as a real lever for professional performance within the company. Testimonials report improved concentration, enhanced creativity, and better adaptation to busy periods.
Equipment and facilities present in a flotation center
A floatation center offers several public and private facility options to accommodate its diverse audience. Some centers are equipped exclusively with individual floatation tanks: comfortable, clean, and private spaces, ideally designed to allow you to enjoy deep relaxation without any external disturbances.
Others also offer rooms with open flotation tanks, especially recommended for people prone to claustrophobia or anxiety episodes in closed cabins.
Most centers pay particular attention to the cleanliness of their premises. Treatment, filtration, and disinfection technologies are used daily and after each visit. This procedure allows visitors to be particularly reassured about the health and safety of the premises.
Typical cost to benefit from floatation sessions
Flotation sessions typically cost between 50 and 100 euros, with discounts available in the form of attractive packages or subscriptions that make regular sessions economically attractive for repeat customers. Some companies, for example, offer this type of session to their employees as an indirect benefit of their position.