Sensory Reduction, Flotation, & Magnesium

No light. No sound. No temperature gradient. Even gravity doesn't weigh on you when you're floating.

Floating's therapeutic effects come from its three foundational elements: sensory reduction, flotation, and magnesium.

Sensory Reduction

When you float you're exposed to no light, no sound, no temperature gradient, and no physical pressure. Think of your smart phone. While it can run several programs simultaneously, the more apps that are open, the slower and less efficient the phone becomes. Our bodies work the same way: reducing the amount of stimuli we’re exposed to is like closing an app, freeing up more power to run everything else.

Flotation

Each float pod contains approximately 10 inches of water and 1000 pounds of magnesium sulfate, a magnesium-based salt. This high salt concentration makes the water more dense than our bodies, allowing us to effortlessly float on the surface. Floating takes pressure off of our joints, realigns and lengthens the skeleton, and brings blood flow to injured areas.

Magnesium

Since the skin can absorb up to 60% of what it’s exposed to, floating in such highly concentrated magnesium is incredibly valuable, as it increases the level of this important mineral, which is used in over 300 of the body's chemical processes. Magnesium is especially important for managing stress; it can calm the nervous system and help lower blood pressure. It is also used to relieve tension in the muscles, alleviating soft-tissue pains such as backaches, migraines, and sciatica.

Sensory Reduction Tanks

Float pods limit external sensory input. They maintain both a water and an air temperature consistent to that of the skin, meaning the body is unable to detect the difference between itself and its environment. Pods can be completely dark, to the point you can't see your hand in front of your face, or users can opt for a soft light the color of their choice. The private rooms are completely soundproof; you can literally hear yourself blink. Or if you have a favorite meditation or soundtrack, SYNC's pods have the ability to play that as well.

Think of the pod as housing the computer that is your body: as sight, sound, touch, and smell ‘apps’ shut down, additional power becomes available. How the body uses the extra power depends on what it needs.

Ready to find out more?

Floating has been around since the 50's, so you don't have to take our word on any of this. Studies have shown floating can be helpful for everything from muscle tears and concussions to anxiety and irregular sleep patterns. Mentally, floating can speed up learning, improve memory, and increase creativity.

Check Out Some Science

Two floats. Two hours of relaxation, clarity, and new questions I may not have found any other way. New story ideas, inspiration, and models for looking at the world showed up during the float and in conversation with Michelle. Thank you!
Cole Lehman Writer