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I’d heard stories of totally dark rooms, inducing claustrophobia, but my
experience was quite different. I was invited to try a session in a new
treatment centre in west London, called Float – see details at
end.
The room was client-friendly, with subdued lighting and a
dolphin-shaped tank in gleaming white with turquoise-coloured exterior.
You could close the lid of the ‘dolphin’ if you wished, and turn off the
lighting, with controls at your fingertips.
My first reaction was slight horror. I have a habitually stiff
neck (too much time at the keyboard), and when I lay back with no neck
support, just water, it seemed too demanding. But gradually I felt
myself being ironed out, stretching and releasing my neck. I found
myself taking deep, liberating breaths, hearing soaring music in my
head, feeling as if I was flying rather than floating. For the first ten
minutes and the last ten minutes you get soothing music, the first to
help relax you, the latter to gently bring you back to earth.
What’s the procedure?
Firstly, you are provided with slippers. Then you go to the float room
where there is an en-suite shower, towel, soap and organic shampoo and
conditioner. You get undressed, shower, then get into the dolphin tank.
The only things you wear are earplugs (provided) and you are advised to
use Vaseline on any cuts (also not to shave on day of the float). You
have to shower afterwards too and shampoo your hair as the salt
crystallises on your skin, though you don’t get wrinkles as you would in
a long bath. My skin felt smooth and silky afterwards.
How long does it take?
A session lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes, including time to shower and
dress. Hair driers are provided. You’d need to bring your own cosmetic
creams and make-up.
Who can
do it?
Anyone, even someone pregnant, though best to check with the GP first.
The weightless environment takes away any stress on the back, hips or
legs, so good for anyone with backache or arthritis.
How much does it cost?
My session at Float cost £50.
As a Christmas present, it would be quite quite wonderful
Helen Franks visited Float, 2A Bridstow Place, Westbourne Grove, London
W2 5AE.
Telephone: 020 7727 7133. Website:
www.float.co.uk
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