Ready to wade into the depths of the science behind floatation therapy?
We’ll first summarise the benefits of this unique wellness experience and then dive into a scientific breakdown of how floating can help decrease stress, ease your poor tensed muscles, improve the quality of your sleep, and help your mind relax.
Floatation therapy, or restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST), is a wellness practice where you float in a sensory deprivation tank or float pod. At Infinity Float, our tanks are filled with 600 kg of Epsom salts with a 50% magnesium concentration. During your 60-minute float, the serene, distraction-free environment creates the feeling of being the only person in the world, putting you in a deeply relaxed state.
Spending time in a float tank may help:
Our floatation tanks are filled with 600 kg of magnesium sulphate (Epsom salt) and water heated to match skin temperature. The high salt concentration makes it effortless to float—creating a sensation of weightlessness where you feel like you're suspended in mid-air. While you relax, your skin absorbs the magnesium, replenishing your body with this vital mineral that helps release muscle tension and promote recovery.
Since its creation in the 1950s, floatation therapy has been recognised for its amazing health benefits. Studies found that floating slows brainwave activity by removing external stimuli, tactile sensations and gravity, guiding the brain into a deep state of rest.
Typically, when thinking, we operate in Beta brainwaves, which are associated with productivity and alertness. Floating, however, encourages a shift to Alpha waves—promoting creativity and sensory awareness—and Theta waves, which foster healing and introspection. This shift to Theta not only sparks creative thinking and supports personal growth but can also profoundly affect your mental health.
Research by neuropsychologist Justin Feinstein proved that floatation therapy significantly reduced anxiety, depression and stress symptoms. With regular float sessions, these benefits may extend to long-term mental wellness by promoting deep relaxation and reducing overall stress.
Floating also offers significant physical advantages, particularly for those dealing with muscle and joint pain. The sensation of weightlessness relieves pressure on ligaments and tendons, while the magnesium-rich Epsom salt acts as a natural muscle relaxant. In addition, research in 2019 found float therapy improves performance recovery in elite athletes, making it a fantastic treatment to heal and rejuvenate the body.
While many people find floating an amazing experience, certain individuals should exercise caution. Those with claustrophobia or a tendency to experience hallucinations may find an enclosed float cabin uncomfortable. For these cases, we offer open float pools in private rooms to provide a more comfortable alternative.
Additionally, if you experience epilepsy, incontinence, or skin allergies, we recommend checking with your doctor to confirm you should avoid using float tanks. Outside of these considerations, floating is generally very safe for most people.
Completely unwind your body and mind with floatation therapy—it’s an excellent experience that promotes deep rest, relaxation and overall well-being.
Ready to try your first float? Infinity Float, Auckland's largest floatation centre since 2015, is here to guide you through every step, ensuring your session is calm, comfortable and restorative. We invite you to experience an hour of pure bliss that could change your life.
