Floatarium
History and tradition: where does the floatarium come from?
The origins of the Floatarium date back to the 1950s. As part of NASA research, neuroscientist Prof. John C. Lilly developed special salt water tanks to study the effects of sensory deprivation on the human body.
Candidates for astronaut training were sent into these floating tanks, where the high buoyancy in the salt water put them in a state of almost complete weightlessness .
Lilly found that this environment induced deep relaxation comparable to that experienced when sleeping or meditating. These early experiments are regarded as the scientific basis and forerunners of modern floatariums.
Characteristics: What makes a floatarium special?
Modern spa treatments provide purpose-built floating pools filled with salt water. Some are designed to be open like plunge pools, others resemble large bathtubs that can be closed with a lid. The water temperature corresponds to the human body temperature of 35 to 37 degrees Celsius. Various audio-visual effects can be incorporated to enhance the relaxation effect . The seclusion in the closed floating pools, on the other hand, ensures darkness and silence.
How it works: How does a floatarium work?
1. showering: Shower thoroughly before floating to keep the water clean.
2. entry: Youenter the pool with body-warm, highly concentrated salt water (magnesium sulphate) naked or in swimwear.
3. floating: Floating effortlessly on the surface - the salt carries you. The surroundings are calm, dark and non-stimulating.
4. relaxation: For approx. 60 minutes you lie weightless in the water - without noise, light or temperature differences. The body relaxes, the mind comes to rest.
5. shower afterwards: Shower again after floating to rinse off the salt.
Indications: How does a stay in the float tank work?
Spending time in the floating pool can have numerous positive effects on body and mind:
- Stress reduction and mental relaxation
- Relief of muscular tension
- Improving the quality of sleep
- Lowering blood pressure
- Promoting concentration and creativity
Contraindications: What are the side effects of a stay in the floating pool?
A closed floatarium can cause discomfort in people with claustrophobia (claustrophobia). There is no such risk with open floatation pools. There are no other known medical contraindications. However, people with open wounds or skin diseases should refrain from floating.
Conclusion
The most important facts about the floating tank at a glance
- 1. A floatarium is a saltwater tank that allows the body to float in the water.
- 2. Floating induces trance-like relaxation states for both body and mind.
- 3. Muscle pain is relieved, blood pressure is lowered, and the body releases feel-good hormones.
- 4. A stay in a floating tank is considered safe for health.
FAQ - Further questions about the floating pool
Depending on the provider and equipment, one hour costs between 35 and 80 euros.
Generally not, but partial reimbursement may be possible for certain health programs.
A floating session lasts between 40 and 60 minutes.
Floating is ideally done without clothing so as not to disturb the relaxation effect.
There are no fixed upper limits. Just one session can be effective; regular treatments are recommended.
Shower beforehand, calm behavior, no perfumes or oils on the skin.