1. Do I need to prepare myself for floating? The
things you should know are: a) If you shave 2 or 3 hours before using the tank, your
shaved skin that is in the salt solution will sting for a few minutes. If you can postpone
your shaving, you will probably be more comfortable. b) If you wear contact lenses, it
would be a problem if any salt water got into your eyes. If you remove your contacts you
don't have to be concerned about it. c) If you are pregnant, please inform and get
permission from your physician. Back to Top of Page
2. How long do people usually stay in the tank?
Usually an hour, and you can leave whenever you want. Some people use the tank for shorter
sessions and others find 2 or 3 hour sessions very valuable. Experiment with your own time
in the tank to discover what is best for you. One of the many advantages of having your
own tank is that you can set the amount of time that is best for you without any
restrictions. Back to Top of Page
3. What will it be like for me? We don't know
what it will be like for you since it is such an individual experience. The most common
reports are profound rest and relaxation, deep concentration and creativity. We like to
avoid saying too much before people use the tank, so that they aren't influenced by what
someone else says. Not only will it be different for you than it is for anyone else, we
find it is also different each time. Back to Top of Page
4. Is there a right way to float? No. Each
person should find whatever position is comfortable for them. Some people float with their
hands at their sides, some with their hands folded across their chest or abdomen, or
behind their heads. You can keep your head at either end or sit up if you like. Explore
what is best for you. Back to Top of Page
5. Do you wear anything in the tank? Most people
don't wear anything. Anything you wear will get very heavy with the salt solution and
press against your body, becoming a distraction. Back to Top of Page
6. Do people sleep in the tank? Yes, some people
fall asleep in the tank, and some people use the tank for sleeping. Back to Top
of Page
7. Can I use the tank if I'm menstruating? Yes,
if you use a tampon. Back to Top of Page
8. What effect does salt water have on my skin and
hair? The Epsom salt solution seems to be beneficial to the skin. We have had no
reports of skin drying from floating in it. We have no information on the effects of salt
on hair. You thoroughly rinse the salt from your hair and body when you leave the tank. We
have not found any way to keep hair dry while floating. Back to Top of Page
9. Should I eat before I go into the tank? You
can eat. If you eat a very heavy meal you may spend a lot of time listening to your
digestive juices. And, on the other hand, you may not want to spend your time in the tank
feeling very hungry. Eat lightly if you eat immediately before going into the tank. Back
to Top of Page
10. Will I float? I can't float anywhere. Yes.
It is impossible not to float in the tank. Eight hundred pounds of salt dissolved in the
water make the solution so much denser than your body that your body is pushed to the
surface like a cork. Your face is out of the water. Back to Top of Page
11. Is there a best time to use the tank? This
is a matter of individual preference. Some people prefer morning, some prefer night. The
best way to find out is to experiment by using the tank at different times of the day.
Back to Top of Page
12. Can two people float in the tank at the same time?
We don't recommend it. The tank is intended to be an individual experience. Back to Top of Page
13. Will I be able to resume my daily activities when
I get out? Yes. And it may be good to tell people that until they have tried the
tank several times, it would be a good idea to arrange their time so they don't have to
rush. Many people enjoy savoring the peace and quiet before jumping into something hectic.
Back to Top of Page
14. Is there a cumulative effect of using the tank on
a regular basis? Yes. There seems to be a cumulative effect with consistent use of
the tank. This is not yet documented with research, but the reports from tank users
indicate it is true. A reason may be that the ability to relax or the knowledge of a
relaxed state becomes more famililar with practice. Once it is familiar, it is easier to
get there. This application is not limited to just the use of the tank. A 50 year old
gentleman who used the tank regularly at the Beverly Hills Samadhi Center said he has
spend the last ten years trying to relax because he felt so tense. When he began treatment
with a chiropractor, he couldn't maintain any gains he made in his treatment. He
immediately became tense again. When he combined his treatment with the tank, he was able
to progress to deeper levels of relaxation. Relaxation is used here as an example of
cumulative effect, since it seems to be more easily understood than something like
creativity. We think the benefits of the tank do increase with consistent use and we only
have experiential reports to support that now. Back to Top of Page
15. Can people use drugs in the tank? We
recommend that people who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol should not use the
tank. Dr. John Lilly has an excellent section in his book The Deep Self on the use of the
drugs in the tank. Back to Top of Page
