Floating
What is floating?
Floating, also known as floatation therapy or sensory deprivation, is the practice of effortlessly lying back in a floatation tank which creates a unique environment allowing the user to experience a blissful and healing state:
Weightlessness
The floatation tank is filled with 30 cm of EPSOM salt solution which allows the user to escape the pull of gravity and to float effortlessly. It is somewhat comparable to floating in the Dead Sea.
No sight
Once inside the float tank you may want to switch off the light and surround yourself in complete darkness helping your mind to enter the meditative state
No sound
The float room and the floatation tank have been designed to to ensure nearly total silence. Once inside the tank you will barely hear anything. At any moment you can switch off/turn on relaxing music which is played in the background
No sense of touch
Water is maintained at the same temperature as your skin, making you not able to feel where the water begins and ends, further enhancing the ‘levitating’ effectFree from sensory input (sight, sound, touch), the muscular-skeletal system and nervous system wind down into a state of deep relaxation and peace, in which your body and mind can heal and replenish - resulting in many benefits, like reduced stress and better sleep.
A float session lasts for 1 hour (please contact us if you wish to have a longer session) during which you decide if you want to float in complete darkness and silence – you have full control of opening and closing the tank, of the lights inside and you can switch the music on and off.
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Benefits of floating
Floatation provides a wide array of benefits. At Float Zone Sofia we create a specialised environment that is difficult to find anywhere else. Consider the following benefits to learn more about how floating can assist you.
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Floating experience
Before your float session
Eating and drinking
- You don’t want to feel full or empty – having a light, easily digestible meal 1,5-2 hours before your float is probably optimal
Caffeine and smoking
- On the day of your float it is best to avoid stimulants such as caffeine or tobacco. However, it is up to you to figure out the best formula for you and your biochemistry
Shaving
- Avoid shaving on the day of your session - salty water might make your skin feel irritated
Hair dye
- If you have recently dyed your hair we recommend not floating for at least a couple of days. The best way to check and see if you can float is by rinsing your hair in water - if the colour doesn’t run then you’re good to float
Tattoos
- We recommend waiting at least 4 weeks after getting a tattoo before you float again
Women’s health
- Due to health reasons we discourage floating during and straight after your period
Your float session
Things you need to bring
- Nothing – we will provide you with everything you need: slippers, towel, private shower with body wash, shampoo and conditioner and a hairdryer
Arrival
- If it is your first visit at Float Zone Sofia, please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled session so that we can register you and walk you through the details of the float session
Right before your float
- Please take a shower and take off your watch and jewelry. In case you have a scar or a small cut, we recommend applying vaseline to limit the irritation caused by salty water
- We also encourage you to use the provided earplugs to prevent water from entering your ears
During your float session
- We recommend that you float naked so that you feel completely free
- Carefully enter the capsule and lie down in a comfortable position. Allow your head and neck to relax and feel the tension release from your muscles
- At any moment you can switch on/off the light and music or open the capsule if you feel uncomfortable
- If you get salty water in your eyes, to get rid of the irritating feeling, please use the spray bottle filled with fresh water
- You will know that your session has come to an end when you notice water circulating in the capsule
After your float session
Shower
- Please take a shower to wash down the salt
Talk to us and relax
- Share with us your experience while enjoying a cup of tea or glass of water in our reception area If you want to further enhance the feeling of relaxation use one of our other services, such as massage
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Frequently asked questions
About floating
The water is filtered several times between each float session, passing through a mechanical filter and a UV filter. On top of that after each session the capsule is disinfected using an ozone filter. However, what is most important, EPSOM salt is a natural disinfectant and dissolved in water it creates a bacteria and germ free environment.
Throughout the float session you are in control of your environment- you may wish to leave the capsule open as long as it makes you feel better.
It is common for people with extreme claustrophobia to experience no problems during their session or even to find floating help ease their symptoms.
It is common for people with extreme claustrophobia to experience no problems during their session or even to find floating help ease their symptoms.
Like with many things, including meditation and exercise, you will notice a more profound difference if you float regularly. Once a month is great but if you can do more, it is even better. We suggest setting a regular floating schedule - the same day and time each month, every two weeks, or for some, even weekly.
Floating at least once a month will help you relax your mind and body; improve sleep, increase endorphins, reduce muscular tension, and reduce stress levels.
Floating at least once a month will help you relax your mind and body; improve sleep, increase endorphins, reduce muscular tension, and reduce stress levels.
It really is up to you, as floating at any time of day is good. Some people prefer to float early in the morning to clear their mind or increase focus for the day ahead. Other prefer midday/early afternoon sessions to split the day up and rest - like an afternoon nap. Some prefer floating in the evening so they can simply relax afterwards, or to maximise the sleep-improving benefits. We suggest you try each time of day to see what works best for you.
Most people don’t wear anything when floating, and this is what we recommend. Anything you wear while floating will become heavy with EPSOM salt and can cause a distraction during your float.
It is up to you, but remember – at Float Zone Sofia you will have access to your very own private space.
It is up to you, but remember – at Float Zone Sofia you will have access to your very own private space.
EPSOM salt is a magnesium-rich mineral compound used for centuries to improve sleep, and reduce pain, cramping, headaches, and muscle ache.
On top of that EPSOM salt makes dry skin feel soft and supple, and can remove impurities, toxins and oil from the skin. The magnesium in the EPSOM salt is naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial, and therefore helps to improve skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and athlete’s foot.
On top of that EPSOM salt makes dry skin feel soft and supple, and can remove impurities, toxins and oil from the skin. The magnesium in the EPSOM salt is naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial, and therefore helps to improve skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and athlete’s foot.
As long as you wash and condition your hair after each float, the magnesium in the EPSOM salt will improve the condition of your hair, and not damage it.
After their first float most people emerge feeling refreshed and relaxed, with a clearer head. The benefits are different for everyone, so it is best to be open-minded about what you will experience. Sometimes it can take a few floats to learn how to switch off completely - so visit us and float again if you felt like you could have relaxed more deeply.
It is not the same for everyone, but people often find their third float is significantly different to the first two. It may be that as a very unique experience, it takes some getting used to floating - and when the experience becomes more familiar, we can surrender to it completely and experience the benefits more deeply.
Health and safety
It is completely safe for pregnant women to float. But we recommend that you consult a doctor to ensure floating is safe for your pregnancy. Many women have found unique relief from the physical strains of pregnancy when they float, as pressure is relieved of their backs. For some pregnant women floating is the perfect environment to connect with their baby, as they can more easily sense them in the stillness of the pod.
Due to health reasons we discourage floating during and straight after your period
We recommend avoiding shaving on the day of your session - salty water might make your skin feel irritated.
Floating reduces blood pressure. Please check with your doctor about floating if you suffer from low blood pressure.
There are no height or weight limits – the floatation capsule is spacious and salt can hold anyone afloat.
We recommend waiting at least 4 weeks after getting a tattoo before you float again
As long as the wound is not too large or open, you can cover cuts and scratches with the vaseline provided. This will add a protective, waterproof layer preventing the feeling of irritation.
We have a no-drugs and no-alcohol policy. If you seem to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you will not be allowed to float that day. This is for your own safety.
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