Floatation and sensory deprivation tanks have been around for a while but I’ve been hesitant to try one because the thought of feeling sealed into the small tank. When I had the chance to check out Pure Float in downtown Vancouver I was pleasantly surprised to find a floatation room instead of a small tank. The extra space made a world of difference, my trepidation at being trapped was gone.
Pure Float has 5 spacious floatation rooms, approximately 6ft X 10 ft, within a larger private shower room. When you enter the anteroom, you’ll find a changing area and shower. Guests can take their time to undress and shower with the supplied cleanser and shampoo, then enter the floatation room. Each float room has about 10 inches of water containing 800 lbs of epsom salt. Immediately upon entering the water, you’ll notice the difference in the buoyancy and texture of the water. The satin-like smooth water clings to your skin like a gentle wrap, while you float high in the water.
The Pure Float rooms have a few light options, underwater lighting, subtle starlight ceiling lights, both or none, lighting is controlled by an easy to reach button at water level. Soothing music is an option at the push of a button too. For my first time, I kept music playing and took it gradually with the lighting, starting with both then, just stars then none for the full darkness.
With today’s ‘always connected’ society, it’s hard to let go and just be in the moment with yourself, but totally worth it once you get used to it. After I felt secure the buoyancy of the water would keep me from sinking. The complete relaxation allowing all the daily stresses and distractions drifted away as I floated on the water, I even managed to fall asleep a couple of times. The benefits of floatation therapy in the epsom salts is better explained by the Pure Float team in their intro video.
Since I was a first-timer, I had a slight distraction of wondering when it would be over, I booked a 60 minute float and since my internal clock shut down with the lack of stimulation I became slightly distracted by thoughts of the time. Worried that I’d miss the cue to wrap up the session (the music switching off or on, depending on your chosen status during the float) after I felt like I’d been floating a while, I starting thinking about the time. I found that without any reference and being alone with my thoughts, my sense of time was completely off.
Now that I know what to expect, I feel like I’ll be able to relax even more on the next visit. Pure Float starts at $55 for a 60 minute float, multi-float packages of 60 or 90 minute floats are also available.
Pure Float also offers NeuroSpa, an acoustic vibration relaxation therapy, available as an add-on or on it’s own.
I recommend trying at least one 60 minute float to get a sense of what to expect before deciding on more…and if your experience is like mine, you’ll want more.
Pure Float is located at 1197 Howe Street (at Davie St). Book online or by phone 604-559-3999