Floating into Wellness

A deep dive into float therapy

By Abby McKiernan | Dec. 21, 2024

Imagine weightlessly drifting in a cocoon of warmth and silence, your body freed from gravity and your mind gently untangling its knots. This serene escape is what float therapy offers—and why it’s gaining popularity as a wellness practice in the region.

To understand the appeal, we spoke with two local businesses specializing in the art of floating: Solitude Float & Wellness Spa in Traverse City and Willoway Spa in Petoskey.

The Basics: How Float Therapy Works

At its core, float therapy is a simple yet transformative process. The therapy begins with a specialized tank or pod containing about 10 inches of water mixed with 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt. This high concentration creates buoyancy so strong that it mimics the experience of floating in the Dead Sea. The water’s density, at approximately 1.275 gm/m³, ensures that floating is effortless—allowing your body to completely relax.

The whole process begins with a shower to remove oils or lotions that might interfere with the water’s chemistry. Once in the tank, clients can float for 60 or 90 minutes, with the water and air temperature perfectly matched to skin temperature. This temperature match eliminates sensory input, creating an environment that feels like floating in space. Afterward, clients shower again, and the tank undergoes a thorough cleaning cycle to prepare for the next user.

Inside the Tank: What to Expect

The experience inside the float tank is highly individualized. Some people find it meditative and introspective, while others see it as purely physical relief. Sarah Lee Sullivan, CEO of Solitude, shares that clients often describe the sensation as “being completely weightless” or experiencing a womb-like calm. Others emerge feeling deeply refreshed and describe the session as “a reset for the body and mind.”

The experience is also customizable. Clients can choose complete silence and darkness to heighten the sensory deprivation or opt for soft lighting and bring their own music. For those worried about balance or discomfort, tanks include floating headrests and handrails for support, ensuring that the session is as relaxing as possible.

Common Misconceptions

Many first-timers hesitate to try float therapy, with claustrophobia being the most frequent concern. Both spas address this with thoughtful design. Solitude’s pods are spacious enough to accommodate individuals up to 6-feet-5-inches tall, and the lid can remain open for those who prefer it. Willoway emphasizes that the buoyancy created by the saltwater means there’s no need to consciously float—the water does all the work.

Another misconception is that the experience might feel isolating or even dull. Both businesses counter this, explaining that floating allows the brain to focus on healing and restoration. Many clients report feeling more connected to their bodies and minds after a session.

The Benefits: Body and Mind

Float therapy offers an impressive range of physical and mental benefits. Sullivan categorizes these into two main areas. On the physical side, floating can decrease chronic pain, lower blood pressure, improve sleep quality, and enhance muscle recovery. The staff at Willoway adds that the magnesium in the Epsom salt is absorbed through the skin, aiding in detoxification, strengthening the immune system, and improving skin health.

On the mental side, floating is a proven stress reliever and can significantly reduce anxiety. Sullivan highlights that floating provides a distraction-free environment where clients can enter a state of mindfulness, quieting their thoughts and increasing focus. Both businesses tout that regular float therapy can alleviate symptoms of depression and improve overall well-being.

Why People Float

The reasons people turn to float therapy are as varied as the benefits themselves. Sullivan says she sees a diverse clientele, including veterans managing PTSD, seniors seeking relief from inflammation and joint pain, and professionals looking for mental clarity.

Sullivan shared the story of a veteran who found relief from PTSD through floating, calling it a life-changing practice. In fact, Sullivan herself found float therapy when she was struggling with insomnia and high anxiety and credits the practice with restoring her sleep and overall mental peace.

At Willoway, the most common reasons clients float are to alleviate physical pain, improve sleep, and achieve deep relaxation. Athletes also benefit from floating. Both spas mention that it aids muscle recovery by reducing blood lactate levels and alleviating soreness. Others use floating as a way to disconnect from daily stressors and tap into a meditative state.

One client at Willoway, a healthcare worker, describes how weekly floats have alleviated shoulder tension caused by long hours of patient care. Another client shared, “For the first time in over a year, I’m not in pain.” Many clients, they say, leave the tank feeling like a new person, with comments like, “Best sleep I’ve ever had.”

The Cost of Relaxation

At Solitude, a 60-minute float costs $79, with first-time clients receiving a $10 discount. Membership options are also available, reducing the cost to as low as $49.75 per float. Willoway offers a 60-minute session for $75 and a 90-minute session for $100, providing options for those who want a longer experience.

Both spas emphasize that memberships or package deals offer the best value for regular floaters, making it an accessible addition to a wellness routine.

Visit their websites (solitudefloatspa.com and willowayspa.com) or book a session to experience the magic of floating for yourself. You might just find it’s the weightless escape you’ve been looking for.

Photo courtesy of Solitude Float & Wellness