Dry Float Therapy – Wellness Through Zero Gravity

What Is Dry Float Therapy?

Dry float therapy, also referred to as “dry floating” or “dry floating meditation,” involves immersing yourself in a specialized float tank filled with a dense solution of Epsom salt and warm water. As the name suggests, you stay dry during a floating session since your body is separated by a dry membrane from the water solution.

But why should you dry float in the first place?

Our growing reliance on digital technology has inundated our senses like never before. Your brain is adept at processing external sensory information, especially through social media and the internet, on a demanding and tiring scale. Additionally, your personal thoughts and internal monologue engage your brain as well. Most of us lack the skill of turning our attention inward and tuning out external and internal distractions, even though this is incredibly important for our mental and physical health. It can be quite challenging for most of us to achieve relaxation and a resting mind, even for short periods. [1]

Now, guess what can help you with this? Correct, dry float therapy!

The unique combination of feeling weightlessness and being deprived of most of your senses allows you to float effortlessly but also to sink into deep relaxation during dry float therapy. Imagine being suspended in a tranquil environment, free from external stimuli, where you can truly disconnect from the outside world.

The star of Dry Floating Therapy is the “Zerobody,” a state-of-the-art dry flotation tank that offers a sensory deprivation experience like no other. At CARE, we also use the Zerobody for the dry floating sessions of our members.

The Zerobody's design ensures that you are not only buoyant but also cradled in a deep sense of relaxation and weightlessness, promoting a unique mental and physical experience.

But how does all this work? What exactly does dry float therapy do with your body?

How Does Dry Floating Affect Your Body?

The benefits of dry float therapy extend to the very core of your body and mind. As you float in the Epsom salt solution, several physiological changes occur within your body:

1. Less Stress Hormones & More Endorphins

The floating triggers the release of endorphins (“feel-good-hormones”), which combat stress hormones like cortisol. But how so? The sensory-deprivation environment and the sensation of weightlessness induce a profound state of relaxation and reduce stress, prompting your brain to release these natural feel-good chemicals as a response to the calming and stress-relieving effects of the therapy. This reduction in stress hormones can lead to lowered anxiety levels and an overall sense of well-being. [2]

2. Enhanced Blood Circulation

As you can imagine, it is quite the task for your heart to pump your blood through every capillary, artery, and vein of your body, especially if you stand upright or sit in the same position all day. The buoyancy of the float tank promotes improved blood circulation, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to your cells and aiding in the removal of waste products. This boost in circulation can contribute to faster healing muscle recovery and a healthy blood pressure. [2]

3. Pain Modulation

Do you have a chronic pain condition, or did you recently injure yourself? Dry float therapy has been found to modulate pain perception. The relaxation and sensory deprivation experienced during a session can reduce the sensation of pain, making it an attractive option for those dealing with chronic pain conditions or in need of recovery. [3]

4. Improved Immune Function

High levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) can suppress your body’s natural immune activity. As stress levels decrease and circulation improves during dry float therapy, your body's ability to maintain a healthy and strong immune function to defend you against illness and infection is bolstered. [2]

What Are the Benefits of Dry Float?

Better Sleep Quality

If you struggle with insomnia or bad sleep quality, dry float therapy might be your ticket to a good night's sleep. The deep relaxation experienced during a session can reset your circadian rhythm and promote better sleep patterns. Many users report falling asleep faster and enjoying more restful sleep after incorporating dry float therapy into their routine. [4]

Sensory Deprivation for Mental Health & Performance

One of the primary benefits of dry float therapy is sensory deprivation, which leads to relaxation and a resting mind. When you enter the float tank, you are enveloped in darkness and silence, allowing your senses to retreat from their constant engagement with the external world. This sensory isolation creates a serene environment that promotes deep meditation and relaxation, helping your mind to reset and stay healthy. [1] [2]

The serene environment and sensory deprivation encourage mental clarity and focus. Many people who do dry floating report heightened creativity, improved problem-solving abilities, and a sense of mental rejuvenation after each session. [1]

Relaxation of the Muscles and Joints

Do you experience muscle pain, joint pain, or muscle tension? The zero-gravity sensation experienced during a dry float session alleviates pressure on your muscles and joints. The weightlessness and warm water additionally soothe tense muscles, promoting relaxation and reducing the risk of muscle-related discomfort This relief is particularly beneficial to support muscle recovery for those suffering from joint pain or recovering from strenuous workouts. As you float, your muscles can fully relax, enabling a faster recovery process and reducing discomfort. [4]

Easement of Anxiety & Stress

Dry flotation therapy can help in managing anxiety and stress. The absence of external distractions and the release of endorphins during the session can significantly reduce anxiety and stress levels. It's like a mental reset button, allowing you to emerge calmer and more collected. [2] [4]

Pricing of Dry Floatation Therapy

The cost of dry float therapy will vary depending on your location and where you decide to dry float. Some hotels and retreats offer the Zerobody dry float as a Spa treatment.

If you are a CARE member, you can dry-float without any additional costs during your regular health check-up.

On average, a single flotation session typically ranges from CHF 50 to CHF 100. Some centers offer package deals or monthly memberships that can potentially reduce the per-session cost.

Considering the wide array of benefits, dry float therapy is a valuable investment in your health and well-being. Please do not hesitate to contact us about your next health check up or an additional dry float therapy session.

What Do You Wear for a Dry Float?

One of the unique aspects of dry float therapy, aside from the sensation of weightlessness, is that you don't need to worry about what to wear.

The experience takes place in a private, light-protected, and soundproof float tank. Most people choose to float in as little layers of clothing as possible to maximize their comfort, and state of deep meditation and minimize any distractions.