HOW TO EXPERIENCE THE PERFECT FIRST FLOAT...

Here is a run-through of what to expect when you arrive at Sage Float Spa for the first time, as well as some simple tips and best practices to help you prepare for and get the most out of your float. 

 

What to expect:

 

  • When you first arrive, we give you a brief tour of our facility and take you to your private float room where we explain the tanks, give you our "Sage Tips" and answer any questions.

  • You’ll shower, put in the provided wax ear plugs, and put Vaseline on any scrapes or cuts.

  • Step into the pod nude, lay on your back, find a position that feels most comfortable, and try the neck cushion if you feel it’s needed.

  • After a few minutes, your spine will decompress and you’ll start to lose track of where your body ends and the water begins – transcending all distractions and discomforts of the body.

  • Music can be played through your float, or turned off - the choice is yours. You can also control the lights inside of the pod.

  • Exit the pod, shower and share your experience.

 

  • For cleanliness of our water and float pods, absolutely no temporary hair dye. Hair must run completely CLEAR for you to enter our tanks. Swim caps are not a work around.

    For guests with recently semi-permanent or permanent colored hair or highlights, we recommend not floating until you have shampooed your hair at least twice. Dyes can (in some cases) bleed out or be affected by the heavy concentration of epsom salt. Please consult your hair stylist before floating.

  • The choice is yours, but most people prefer to go nude. If you do bring a swimsuit, please make sure they are freshly washed.

  • For men, avoid shaving your face at least 6 hours before you float. For women, avoid shaving your body at least 12 hours before your float. Any lesions will be distracting due to the Epsom salt sting.

  • Don’t “try” to do anything in the tank, don’t force something to happen, don’t expect something to happen; this is the exact opposite direction from where you may want to go while in the tank. You will not fall asleep necessarily, but if you do, that’s great! Repetition of a focus word such as “peace”, “relax”, or “let go” spoken in your mind in unison with your exhalation can help at first, but the message here is to just let go of conscious control.

  • Being physically still by finding a comfortable position and remaining there combined with stilling your mind either through breath awareness or a focus word (mantra) can lead you into a state of holistic stillness. This can generate the perception of timelessness, your state of being will be extremely relaxed and this is when the body is in a state of healing.

  • The most important thing is to get comfortable. There are only two real positions in the tank: With your arms at your side, palms down; Arms over-head with your palms up. Play around with the two to see which feels better for your body. Also, try to position your body in the middle of the tank to avoid “ping-ponging” from side to side. To do this, brace your arms and legs against the sides of the tank to position your torso in the middle, and once you feel the water to be calm, slowly and evenly retract your limbs back to the mid-line of your body. Try not to generate any momentum from either side so that you remain in the middle and avoid the distraction of bumping into the side. Once you like your position and feel comfortable try to remain still and consciously relax all of your muscles.

  • A full stomach is not great for floating, nor is and empty stomach. Having a light, easily digestible meal 1.5 to 2 hours pre-float is ideal.

  • Being dehydrated before the float may not be the best state, particularly for your brain. A healthy daily hydration practice is just good for optimal biology!

  • We have found performing physical activity (yoga, cardio, or resistance training) before you float can greatly enhance the floating experience. Your body has expended pent-up energy, muscles and tissues are loose and flowing with blood, your mind is clear and calm. Combining floating to this state can potentially create a deeper state of meditation.

  • With external stimuli at a minimum, your nervous system will turn up the volume to try and sense anything. Since there is still “nothing” coming in there is a great opportunity to simply sense whatever is left to be felt within your internal body. Feel your arms, legs, torso, head, as intensely as possible. Cultivate as much sensitivity to these parts as possible. Feel the energetic uniformed consistency of these parts and observe them without judgment, without limits. Observe your thoughts, emotions and sensations.

  • Being dehydrated before the float may not be the best state, particularly for your brain. A healthy daily hydration practice is just good for optimal biology!

  • Your breath can be an amazing tool for calming the mind and relaxing the body. Try to breathe primarily from your nose. At first, you can consciously take deep breaths, but once you settle into your experience try less to manipulate the breath and more just observing the breath. Your body will always remember to breath, there is no need to control your breath.

  • Smoking just prior to the tank may stimulate you too much. Even if you are craving a cigarette the tank may very well suppress your craving. However, you’ll need to figure out what the best formula is for you and your biochemistry.