Sensory Deprivation Therapy

I have been curious about these "new" sensory deprivation tanks for a few months, but did not want to spend the money on them. I did not want to get in the tank after spending $60-$80 just to freak out and feel claustrophobic. A few weeks ago some co-workers were talking about their experiences in these tanks, and they were both very positive and felt that the experience was therapeutic and would be doing it again(one coworker goes once a month), so I decided to try it.

In the next few weeks before my appointment I read some more on the benefits of this treatment. The benefits ranged from stress and anxiety relief, increased circulation, pain relief, help learn to meditate (something I have been practicing for a few months now, but still can't quite get there). As I read more, I got more and more excited to try it, I needed help in all these areas.

So the day came this past Saturday to climb in, and shut off everything. I went to Zen Float in Streetsboro, and I was a little disappointed at first. It seemed jankey, dirty and no very well put together, not to mention the woman behind the counter was painting a Ash vs Evil Dead head which was not quite putting me in a Zen place. But they did offer a cozy little corner to meditate, drink some water and relax (if you could get past the washing machine in the room).

Time to get in the tank. First you shower, then turn off the lights, put in your ear plugs and climb into this freaky looking tank (see picture below). You lay down naked in about 10 inches of salt water (100 lbs of Epson salt keeps you afloat). I had scheduled a 60 minute session, and it took about what I am guessing was 10 minutes to get oriented, I felt like I was spinning the whole time. Once I got oriented, I was able to lay back and relax.

I will say my mind never shut all the way down, it raced about all sorts of randomness: weekend plans, upcoming work, my childhood friend Phil but surprisingly never went to the struggles I am having now-a-days. After what felt like only 20 minutes, I heard a knock on the door signalling my hour was up. I got out and immediately felt the world was brighter (duh, you just had 0 light for 60 minutes) but even colors seemed more vivid. I felt REALLY good, I felt relaxed and more ready to face the days.

That night I was very much looking forward to what I heard from my coworkers was the best benefit, the best sleep they have ever had. I was EXHAUSTED after a long day of playing with the girls, going to a fair and staying up late to watch fireworks, and could not wait to let my head hit my pillow. Around 11:30 PM my time had come, and I was OUT!! until 1:00 when one of the twins woke me up, and of course it was Vivienne who will toss and turn with the best of them, so I was kicked all night. I did however LOVE waking up to her smiling face!!

Long story short, I HIGHLY recommend this treatment for anyone looking to relax, but would not recommend Zen Float in Streetsboro unless you are too far from any other ones. It was not terrible, but based on what my friends have told me of the ones in Rocky River and Lakewood I would recommend those in place of Zen Float.