Float

Buoyancy. Relaxation. Refreshment.
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ThrIVe Wheeling is an alternative wellness SUPER spa offering Flotation Therapy, Cryotherapy, Halotherapy, Infrared Sauna, IV Hydration & IM Shot Bar!

Open NOW in Downtown Wheeling, WV.

An Introduction to FLOATING:

The deep relaxation state the you enter when floating helps to reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels. Blood flow is stimulated and endorphins are released. Endorphins are chemicals in the brain that reduce feelings of pain and trigger positive feelings. Studies have shown that floatation therapy can even help with depression. The endorphins released during a float last beyond the float session itself.

The extreme buoyancy that individuals experience when floating is essentially like experiencing anti-gravity. This allows those with joint or muscle pain much needed relief that they cannot get otherwise.

The combination of weightlessness, water temperature, increased blood flow, and endorphins provides deep relaxation.

FLOATING may BENEFIT those who are affected by:

  • Insomnia and sleep problems
  • Fibromyalgia or Arthritis Pain
  • Digestion
  • Autism
  • Tendency towards diabetes
  • Muscle strains
  • Addiction problems
  • Improved athletic performance and recovery
  • Migraines
  • Neck issues

FLOAT OPTIONS:

  • 60 minutes
  • 90 minutes

WHAT TO BRING:

  • Comb or brush
  • Towel
  • Contact case
  • Ear plugs (if you must) – also available for purchase in our retail area. We recommend floating without them.

Float tanks contain roughly 900 pounds of epsom salts which help your body float weightlessly in the water. This water is kept at a temperature of around 94 degrees Fahrenheit to mimic your body’s natural skin temperature.

 

The combination of temperature and salt dense water leads to feeling as though you are floating effortlessly in the air, rather than just taking a bath.

 

This positioning relaxes the body and reduces the tension that a lot of people walk around with all day long. This is especially the case within the neck and back regions.

 

The duration of the session and the relaxing environment of a float therapy session coupled with the floating sensation makes this time ideal for meditation.

While floatation therapy is not a magic cure, it can be helpful at managing or improving many conditions.

Always consult your physician about any medical or psychological concerns you are having.

Float therapy candidates should know:

Multiple sessions are usually required to gain a benefit. With commitment, mental health professionals and patients may find that regular floatation sessions can open up new roads to recovery for the following conditions:

Eating Disorders

Float therapy can help patients with eating disorders, including overeating, because deep mental relaxation may calm triggers, past traumas, and clarify habits affecting food habits. Research on float therapy will soon specifically study those suffering with anorexia, some of whom have documented that consistent visits to the flotation pod have aided recovery.

Insomnia

Float therapy can not only help anxious people sleep, but also understand how an absence of environmental stimuli such as light and sound can improve sleep at home. Many sleep-challenged floaters use recorded guided meditations, visualizations, counting and other sleep-inducing techniques while in the pod.

Anxiety

Panic attacks, self-mutilation, and other stress-related conditions may be aided by float sessions that soothe the patient and invite him or her to gently consider actions and events leading to episodes. The solitary experience of floating alone in darkness inevitably leads to curiosity and — in some cases — epiphanies about how to solve personal problems.

ADHD

The inability to concentrate or focus can also be addressed by float therapy. By committing to an hour or more in the pod, a patient with ADHD may benefit from the lack of distractions and enjoy a purer level of concentration and thought than normally possible. Ideally, an improved ability to concentrate will slowly begin to emerge in daily life.

Curious? Go to a float therapy center and sink into a pod of warm, briny water for an hour or more of REST (restricted environmental stimulation therapy) and decide for yourself.

Anyone interested in float therapy should read The Float Tank Cure: Free Yourself From Stress, Anxiety, and Pain the Natural Way by Shane Stott.

Joe Rogan on

Sensory Deprivation

Joe Rogan shares his experience in the float tank!

BULLETPROOF on

Sensory Deprivation

A BULLETPROOF blogger shares her experience in the float tank!

FLOAT:

Can anyone float?
What if I'm pregnant?
There is a lot of great research on floating while pregnant, and all suggests it is great for both you and the bub especially during the later stages of pregnancy when even simple things like sleeping can cause muscle strain. Of course you should seek your own medical advice. Most commonly it is recommended you stay away from hot baths. This is skin temp and therefore should be safe. Floating relieves pressure by creating a buoyant environment where you can finally escape many of the discomforts of pregnancy. A float session makes a great baby shower gift! However, in the first trimester, as with most activities, we do recommend checking with your doctor first.
How often can I float?
Every day.

Expert floaters: ask for info on extended floats.

Can I float too much?
Your body is light, your mind is uncluttered, the world is brighter and you are not as easily annoyed. hmmm NO!
Do I need an appointment?
Yes.
Do I need to bring anything?
No, just yourself with time before and after.
How long does it really take?
Generally a 1 hour float consists of a 5 min shower, 55 minute float and 5 minute shower and dress. Please though, for your sake get here 15 minutes early and hang around for 15 minutes afterwards. Don’t rush here or away afterwards; enjoy the glow.
I have dyed hair, is this an issue?
It can be. Recently colored rinses or hair dyes can ruin our salt solution. This can be costly for us, ruin our tanks and of course ruin your hair. We would suggest any hair coloring within a week and you should postpone your float. If the tank water gets discolored and needs replaced, there is a $500 fee.
Can women float while on their menstrual period?
No. Not recommended. If our salt solution gets discolored, it can be costly for us. We would suggest waiting a week/postponing your float. If the tank water gets discolored and needs replaced, there is a $500 fee.
Can I drown?
No. Even if you fall completely asleep (which is common) you will continue to float on top of the water. It is actually difficult to roll over due to the high density of healing Salts which makes the water so buoyant that is it is impossible for you to sink or accidentally turn over. The sensation of effortlessly floating is difficult to describe until you experience it! Think about a cork bobbing in the ocean.
Can I float with someone else?
Not in the same tank, but we do have two tanks and you can book together to enjoy the experience.
Is it medically proven to help me?
There are hundreds if not thousands of medical papers and documents supporting the benefits of Floating. Even without the awesome physical benefits, the mental benefits abound. Everyone gets something different out of it, physical spiritual mental.
I like to Meditate, is floating going to help with that?
People who are used to meditating are going to love floating. You will find you adapt to it within one to two floats. Those unaccustomed to spending time with their own thoughts and inner reflection will normally take three to five floats to feel completely relaxed and at ease.
Can I wear my Contacts in the tank?
We do not recommend it. Initially they can be a nuisance and therefore a distraction. Also, if you do happen to get salt in your eyes (rare but can happen) you will struggle to clear your eyes with contacts in.
I am Claustrophobic, I don’t think I can do it.
If it’s serious — floatation might not be for you. However the pod is the size of a small car. So if you OK getting in and out of a car, you will be ok. Everything is under your control. You can get in and out as you wish. If you are brave enough to turn off the light – it becomes an infinite space.

Many people who initially express a fear of small spaces feel much better once they know they control the entire process. Their fears subside and the vast majority will go on to close the door and turn off the light!  The tank is such an excellent place to go ‘through’ claustrophobia that if you want to get rid of yours, it is probably the best place to do it.  Use the tank in the way most comfortable for you. And the first comment people say after exiting the tank is “Wow, it’s was easier than I expected!”

a) if you want to stop you can do so at anytime!
b) you control the lighting and music
c) you open and close the door easy as you wish
d) you CAN float with the door open
e) you are always in control of the environment

Do I have to wear the Ear Plugs during a float?
No, this is a personal preference. We would suggest the first couple of times you float that you wear them, and once you are used to it you can decide for yourself.
Is it like that movie Altered States?
Not really, no drugs or hallucinogens allowed. And you are NOT underwater
Can I eat before I float?
Normally food is not recommended unless you want to hear your digestive juices inside the tank. Similarly you shouldn’t be starving or you could have the same issue.
Should I drink before I float?
Definitely no caffeine, and preferably no alcohol or energy drinks. Ideally some water is recommended as Floating can dehydrate you a little.
What if I fall asleep?
No problem. At the end the session the music and light will come on and wake you peacefully. And if you are a really deep sleep the water will start circulating 2 mins after the end of the session. So you can focus of letting go. It may be what your body needs! Don’t just think of your session as the time here. It is how you feel after. How you sleep. How you feel the morning after.
Are there any negative side-effects?
Some first-time floaters can emerge from the tank feeling slightly nauseous, which is usually a result of built-up stress leaving the body. Because of it’s non-invasive and weightless nature, floating is one of the safest activities you can enjoy. Most people feel like laying around for at least a few minutes afterwards.
Does it work for everyone?
No. Floatation is not for everyone. It’s not ‘normal’. But if it connects with you the results are amazing. It is unique experience and the only way to know is to try it. Like anything it is only a tool, a practiced way to achieve a goal. The closest analogy is that of meditation. Floatation doesn’t change you, it helps you understand yourself better.

Most first-time floaters really struggle to let go of their surroundings and almost constant stimulus. We suggest this is a sign that a full disconnect is what you need most.

We HIGHLY recommend floating 3 times in 10 days, even if you don’t get it. At the end of 3, you probably will!  We feel so strongly about it that we offer a super-low priced introductory package to help make the “3 times in 10 days” happen!

Is there an age restriction?
To be able to use the floatation tanks, you must be over 18 or supervised by your legal guardian, who must sit in the room with you the entire time of floating.
I'm physically handicapped, can I float?
Epsom salt water is slippery and getting in and out of the tank can be challenging. For your safety, we require you bring an aid with you to assist your needs. The aid must sit in the room with you the entire time of floating.
Is there anyone who shouldn’t float?
Ok, here is the legal disclaimer bit: To float you must;

a) Read, understand and agree to our terms and conditions

b) Read and understood all the FAQs

c) Be able to climb in and out of the tank unaided (this is no more difficult than climbing into a bath)

d) Not under the influence of drugs, alcohol or illegal substances.

You must not use the floatation tank if you:

a) Suffer from incontinence, nausea, epilepsy or psychotic attacks.

b) Have a history of regular ear infections.

c) Have been medically advised not to float.

d) Are injured, have open or bleeding wounds.

e) Have an acute skin condition.

f) Wear a pacemaker or have a serious heart condition.

Might I be bored or frightened?
Anyone who floats regularly will tell you how blissfully comfortable and deeply relaxed they feel whilst floating. You’re as close as you’re ever likely to be to an experience of weightlessness; and, surprisingly, there is no feeling of being confined in a tight space.
Will I have enough air?
Yes, of course. The air inside is warm and it rises by convection. There is a vent at the top for the air to leave and fresh air enters near the water line.
Can I accidentally turn over in the water?
No. The water is very shallow and is much heavier than ordinary water because of the salt. You float on your back with absolutely no effort and there is no tendency to roll over. People often sleep in float tanks and there is no risk of rolling over even if you are asleep.
What if I can’t swim?
That’s OK. Floating is as easy as taking a bath. You just step in, sit down, and lay back. You can touch the bottom with your hands. There is no skill required, you just let the salty water do the work – you’ll actually float like a cork and it doesn’t matter what shape or size you are.
Is it true that floating cures jet lag?
Yes. Research shows that floating is much more effective than bed-rest.
Will I get cold, like staying too long in a bath?
No, the tank is heated all the time. The temperature of the water feels warm when you get in, but in fact it is at normal skin temperature, and this is exactly right for floating for a long time. The correct temperature is important for feeling comfortable and relaxed for an hour or so.
What effects does floating have on the body?
In the gravity free environment the body balances and heals internally as all the senses are rested. Research shows that floating measurably reduces blood pressure whilst lowering the levels of stress related chemicals in the body. Old injuries and aches, (especially backache) experience relief as floating helps reduce signals from the brain. Floating is used widely in the treatment of stress, anxiety, jet lag and to improve concentration and creativity. Sports performance and ‘wind down’ is also enhanced during floating.
What effects does floating have on the mind?
During a float you produce slower brain-wave patterns, known as alpha and theta waves, (normally experienced only during deep meditation or just before falling asleep). This is usually accompanied by vivid imagery, very clear, creative thoughts, sudden insights and inspirations, or feelings of profound peace and joy, induced by the release of endorphins, the body’s natural opiates. Because of these effects floating is used effectively in the treatment of depression and addictions, including smoking and alcohol. It is also used in schools and universities as a tool for Super Learning.
How long till I am good at floating?
You may need to float a few times before you are able to relax completely, both physically and mentally. Depending on your own journey through life, a float might provide an hour of total physical relaxation – or a profound healing experience, emotionally and spiritually transforming….. Floating can be a wonderful aid to opening doors into your inner world, gradually allowing access to those deeper levels at which real changes take place.
Is it private? What do I wear?
Floating is a very private experience. The flotation tank is housed in an area with its own adjoining bathroom facilities. You shower before entering the tank and then again after your float to remove the salt solution. Most people don’t wear anything when they float – just think of the tank as a big bathtub – though you can wear a swimsuit if you prefer.
Will my skin wrinkle?
No. In a bath, water enters the skin and makes it turgid (osmosis). In a float session, water leaves the skin (reverse osmosis) and leaves your skin soft and silky because of the Epsom salts.
What is Epsom Salts and why is it used?
Epsom Salt is Magnesium Sulphate. It is found naturally in many spa waters. It is very different from sea salt or table salt which is mainly Sodium Chloride. Epsom Salts has been used for centuries to treat skin complaints and assists the body in detoxification. It is non toxic, although it has an unpleasant salty taste. We use it for two main reasons. Firstly it raises the density making it much easier to float. Secondly it softens your skin.
Is there a best time to use the tank?
No. This is a matter of individual preference. Some people prefer morning, some prefer night. The best way to find out what’s best for you is to experiment by using the tank at different times of the day.
Is there a cumulative effect of using the tank on a regular basis?
Yes. There is a cumulative effect with consistent use of the tank. Floating uses sensory isolation as an induction to the “relaxation response” which equates with meditation.  Simply be floating, you train this response and become skilled at accessing it.
What will it be like for me?
We don’t know what it will be like for you since it is such an individual experience. The most common reports are profound peace and relaxation, deep concentration and creativity.   We like to avoid saying too much before people use the tank, so that they aren’t influenced by what someone else says. Not only will it be different for you than it is for anyone else, it can be different each time.
Is this sensory deprivation?
The term “sensory deprivation” describes areas of scientific research that consider the effects of reduced environmental stimulation. The words are an unfortunate choice for those of us who are presenting the floating experience as something pleasant, attractive and relaxing.  As a result we are careful to point out that the senses are fully operational and in fact, the senses are very pleased to be relieved from the prevalent atmosphere of sensory overload. Stimulus reduction or sensory isolation is an accurate description of the tank environment.
My ears are still salty?
Use warm salty water, but if that fails white vinegar will remove salt immediately.
I have salt on my clothes?
Don’t worry, it washes right out with normal wash.
My hair is ‘saltified’?
Wash it using hot water first, then shampoo and condition. If you are one of the rare cases where this doesn’t do the job, a quick rinse with White Vinegar will break the salt down before a standard shampoo and condition.
I feel too good after a float?
No cure sorry.
Everyone appears cranky but me after a float?
Give them a voucher to see us.
What form of payment do you accept?
Cash, Gift Card, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express, as well as HSA/FSA with the Visa/Mastercard logo.

THRIVE!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

These products/services are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.