Have you ever wanted to tune out the world? To float away from all of your responsibilities just for an hour? There’s a new place in town which can help you do that and so much more.
I recently had the opportunity to test out the waters at the True REST Float Center in Scottsdale. True REST offers one hour floats in a REST Pod, also known as an Isolation Tank.
Invented in 1954 by physician and psychoanalyst John C. Lilly at the National Institute of Mental Health, the 1980 film “Altered States” and book by the same name were based on Dr. Lilly’s research on sensory deprivation tanks. Don’t let that frighten you as this century’s pods are being used to assist with everything from simple relaxation to sleep disorders, back problems, chronic illness and depression. In fact, according to a study in reported in Health Psychology, research scientists and physicians agree that "Floatation REST can be an effective means of teaching normal subjects to lower systolic and diastolic pressure and heighten their perception of relaxation." Besides the relaxation from the float itself, Epsom salt has long been used to help relieve sore muscles and is also believed to pull toxins from the body.
As each person’s experience is a bit different, I will describe mine from first hand experience. I arrived at True REST and complete my paperwork, similar to that which you would fill-out at a day spa. While in the waiting area, I ran into Alison Edelstein, a new client just finishing up her first visit. I asked her what it was like. Her response? “It’s amazing. Like nothing you’ve ever experienced.” OK, I’m getting excited. Owners Nick and Holly Janicki showed me around and then led me to my float suite. I was instructed to undress (you will always be alone in the room so no need to be shy), insert the ear-plugs provided and then utilize the shower in the room (don’t worry, pods are disinfected between each use). They also provide Vaseline in each room in case, like me, you chose to trim your bougainvillea the day prior and your arms look like your kitten used you as a scratching post. Without the Vaseline your float would be like, well, rubbing salt into your wounds. For the same reason, they recommend that you don’t shave your legs or wax the day of your float.
Once finished with the prep., I climbed into the pod which looked like a combination between a small spacecraft and a VW Bug. The water temperature is kept at a steady 94 degrees which, due to its close similarity to body temperature, is calming to your sense of touch. The pod is filled with only about ten inches of water yet contains 800 pounds of salt. In fact, the water has a higher saline content than the Dead Sea. The inside of the pod is lit with a relaxing blue light which makes me feel as if I am floating in an aquarium.
I lay down in the water carefully, thinking I might have to work a bit to hold my head (or rear) above the water like in a swimming pool. No need to worry as I immediately notice complete buoyancy. It takes a good ten minutes before I begin to relax (as a yoga practitioner I keep thinking of the Savasana or Corpse Pose) and trust the salt water. During those ten minutes new age “floaty” music is piped into my pod.
After the music fades, I am relaxed enough to push the button on my right to turn off the pod light as the owners suggest. It is now pitch black (imagine that inside cabin you had on your last cruise without the bit of light shining through the door vent). I lay, and I breathe. For a moment I begin to think about tomorrow’s to-do list but I quickly block that out and choose to let my mind go blank. Although some people report drifting off to sleep, I simply become incredibly relaxed.
After about 50 minutes in my pod, the music begins to fade in and I am slowly brought back to the real world. I lay for a few more minutes before dragging myself out of my pod and back into the shower to rinse off the salt water. True REST provides soap, shampoo and conditioner so there is no need to bring your own. I dried off (you may rent a towel for $3.00 or bring your own), got dressed and headed across the hall to the Quiet Room to slowly come back to life while enjoying a sample of the Oxygen Bar. With a variety of “flavors” to choose from, the oxygen helps reawaken your senses while letting you enjoy some of your favorite scents.
While people report a variety of after-effects, mine included very vivid dreams and relief (at least for a few days) of a sore shoulder. I chalk this up to total muscle relaxation.
This new business has been offering this unique experience for about a month and, being the only one of its kind in Arizona, caters to tourists and locals alike.
For more info: Contact the True REST Float Center at (480) 389-0853 or at truerest.com. Hours of operation: Monday through Saturday: 8:00am - 10:00pm, Sunday: 10:30am - 6:30pm.
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