Cover photo courtesy of Alana Livingston
By Alana Livingston
I remember passing by a sign near Northtown Mall a few years ago that simply said “Float.” At the time, I didn’t pay much attention to it. But recently, while waiting for my massage therapist at Elements Massage in Wandermere, I noticed a video in the lobby promoting float therapy. The serene images of individuals casually floating in pods and the listed benefits of floating intrigued me, prompting me to make my own appointment.
Upon arrival, the manager, Zach, explained the process in detail before leaving me to begin my session. I was given the choice for music if desired and led to a private room containing a shower and the float pod. With the water set to body temperature and enriched with 1,100 pounds of Epsom salt, achieving buoyancy was effortless.
As I settled into the pod, I found it spacious and far from claustrophobic. The floating ring provided optional neck support, but I soon discovered it wasn’t necessary as I experienced complete weightlessness. The warm, dewy air inside the pod somewhat resembled that of a sauna, comforting and light on my breath.
Following Zach’s advice, I surrendered to the “weirdness” of the experience, floating from end to end experiencing the sensation of zero gravity. I couldn’t get the image of astronauts in space out of my mind. I turned off the light and I closed my eyes, focusing on my breath and settling into something that reminded me of Darth Vader meditating. Despite my initial skepticism about the hour-long session, I soon found myself immersed in a state of deep relaxation and, shockingly, fell asleep.
The physical benefits of the float were immediate and profound. My body felt lighter, and the usual ache in my lower back was noticeably absent. It was as if years of compression on my spine had been released and, dare I say, was I taller?
Beyond the physical benefits, float therapy offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the outside world and experience total sensory deprivation. In today’s society, where stimuli are constant and unavoidable, this positive isolation provides an environment of total freedom and true rest for your whole being.
The magnesium-rich Epsom salt used in the float pod has long been known for its many therapeutic properties, including better muscle and nerve function, eliminating toxins, pain relief, improved sleep and more. My own experience can affirm these benefits in addition to overall well-being.
Float Therapy has the potential to benefit everyone, regardless of the circumstances that bring them. Whether seeking relief from anxiety, recovering from surgery, or simply in need of a moment of tranquility, the benefits are undeniable and highly recommended.
Currently, the Elements Massage Studio located in Wandermere is the only establishment in Spokane offering Float Therapy. Their offerings also include several different options of massage, cupping, herbal and aroma rituals. //
Alana is the owner of Wander Spokane guided tours and is looking forward to a fun-filled Summer showing off her favorite things about Spokane.
