If you are in Thailand and want the ultimate relaxation and health treatment then going to a float tank in Bangkok is one of the best things you can do.
This is what we did and we left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated in mind and body!
Float Tank in Bangkok
The place we went to, the Bangkok Float Center, is conveniently located a few minutes walk from the BTS stop Phra Khanong, around several stops from BTS Siam. It got great reviews so we decided this was the place to try.
In recent years, float tanks, also known as sensory deprivation tanks or isolation tanks, have gained popularity as a tool for relaxation, stress reduction, and mental clarity. These enclosed, soundproof chambers filled with saltwater are designed to eliminate external stimuli, allowing you to experience a state of deep relaxation.
At the reception area, the professional float tank attendee will explain everything to you for several minutes about how it all works and what to expect. There are two options for the time you can spend in there: 60 minutes or 90 minutes. We chose 90 minutes for the ultimate relaxation, although afterwards, we decided that the next time 60 minutes would be enough.
The prices vary as they sometimes have discounts so it’s best to check their website (link at the end of the article) to see the current rates and also to book an appointment which can easily be done online.
The water in the float tanks is saturated with Epsom salts, creating a buoyancy that makes floating effortless giving you the zero gravity feeling.
The Floating Experience: What to Expect
A typical float tank is a pod-like structure filled with approximately 10 inches of water heated to skin temperature (around 93.5°F or 34.5°C). Before entering the tank, you take a shower to remove any oils or lotions from your skin. They will give you earplugs to use as well.
Once inside, you lie back and allow the buoyancy of the water to support you. The temperature of the water and air is carefully controlled to match skin temperature, as mentioned before, creating a sensation of merging with the environment.
You have the option to put a light on inside the pod if you wish but it’s best with no light for complete sensory deprivation.
The combination of buoyancy, temperature regulation, and sensory isolation creates a unique environment. As the session progresses, the absence of external stimuli allows the mind to enter a deeply relaxed state.
It certainly is very relaxing!
If you are a little claustrophobic or feel a bit uncomfortable then you can leave the lid open if you wish
Time slowed down and any muscle pains or thoughts drifted away slowly.
After the session, you shower again to remove any salt residue. We felt relaxed, rejuvenated, and mentally clear. After the experience, you will be taken to a relaxation room where you can sit in a comfortable chair for 15 minutes and enjoy a herbal tea to slowly “get back to reality.”
The Epsom salts work wonders on the skin as well so you not only feel relaxed in mind and body but also the skin is clean and smooth.
It’s the perfect relaxation escape from the busy streets of Bangkok.
The Origins of Float Tanks
Ok, now that you have an idea of what it’s all about and our experience in a float tank in Bangkok I will give you some nedry in-depth details about this whole float tank stuff:
The concept of sensory deprivation originated in the 1950s when neuroscientist John C. Lilly developed the first isolation tank. Lilly was fascinated by the relationship between the brain and sensory input, hypothesizing that removing external stimuli could reveal insights about consciousness and the human mind.
The original tanks were rudimentary, requiring users to submerge completely while wearing a breathing apparatus.
Over the decades, float tank technology evolved significantly. Modern float tanks are designed for comfort and convenience. Advances in design have also eliminated the need for breathing apparatuses, making the experience more accessible to the general public.
Physical Benefits of Floating
- Stress and Muscle Tension Relief: Floating in a saltwater tank helps reduce physical stress on the body. The buoyant environment alleviates pressure on joints and muscles, allowing for deep relaxation. Athletes often use float tanks to recover from intense physical exertion, as the magnesium in Epsom salts can help reduce inflammation and promote muscle repair.
- Improved Sleep: Regular float sessions have been shown to improve sleep quality. The deep relaxation achieved in the tank can help reset the body’s natural circadian rhythms, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Pain Management: Float tanks have been used to manage chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and lower back pain. The weightlessness experienced in the tank reduces pressure on painful areas, while the magnesium absorption from the Epsom salts can help ease discomfort.
Mental and Emotional Benefits
- Stress Reduction: One of the most commonly reported benefits of float tanks is their ability to reduce stress. The absence of external stimuli allows the brain to shift from a fight-or-flight state to a relaxed, restorative mode. Studies have shown that floating can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress.
- Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving: Many users report heightened creativity and improved problem-solving skills after a float session. The relaxed mental state allows the mind to wander freely, often leading to new insights and ideas.
- Emotional Regulation: Float tanks can also help regulate emotions, making them a valuable tool for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The meditative environment encourages mindfulness and self-reflection, promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
The Science Behind Floating
The benefits of float tanks are supported by emerging scientific research. Studies have shown that sensory deprivation can lead to a reduction in brain activity in areas associated with stress and anxiety, such as the amygdala. At the same time, activity in the brain’s default mode network (DMN), associated with introspection and creativity, often increases during float sessions.
Floating has also been linked to increased production of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. This chemical shift contributes to the euphoric feelings many users report after a session. Additionally, the absorption of magnesium through the skin has been shown to support various bodily functions, including nerve and muscle function, which may explain some of the physical benefits of floating.
Challenges and Misconceptions
While float tanks offer numerous benefits, they are not without challenges or misconceptions. Common concerns include:
- Claustrophobia: Some people worry about feeling confined in the tank. However, modern tanks are spacious, and users can leave the door open if needed. The experience is entirely customizable to individual comfort levels.
- Cleanliness: Float centers take hygiene seriously. The salt concentration in the water naturally inhibits bacterial growth, and tanks are equipped with filtration systems to ensure cleanliness between sessions.
- Cost: Float sessions can be expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 per session. However, many centers offer membership packages or discounts for frequent users.
Relax
Float tanks offer a unique and transformative experience, allowing individuals to escape the constant stimulation of modern life and reconnect with their inner selves. Whether used for relaxation, recovery, or personal growth, the benefits of floating are profound and wide-ranging.
As more people discover the power of sensory deprivation, float tanks are poised to play an integral role in the future of wellness and mental health practices.
Highly recommended!
This is the link to the Bangkok Float Center where we did the float tank experience.
For more guides have a look at my guides to Thailand.
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