Why it works: Isopod floatation spa treatments

What exactly is the isopod treatment?

Having had a full consultation with one of our therapists and an explanation of how the pod works, guests are taken to the pod which sits in a welcoming, candle-lit room specifically refurbished for this treatment. Our therapist then runs through an explanation of how the pod works and what the guest can expect during the treatment.

Most guests feel comfortable in a swimsuit/trunks but you can float naked if you wish. You will be given ear plugs if you feel more comfortable using these, and a woggle float to rest your neck on - again if you wish to use it.

You can then select the colour of mood lighting that glows within the pod - our therapist will show you how, or can do it for you, and they will then leave you to enjoy your treatment.

You step into the Pod, which has been filled with Epsom salt water. The lid of the pod can be left fully open, partially open or closed - guests can adjust this throughout their treatment if they wish. Initially most start with the lid open (especially if they’ve never floated before) but once adjusted to the sensation, some guests will pull the lid down to experience complete isolation. It is lightweight and easily pushed open from inside the Pod. Once in the Pod, just lie back fully and float!

Music is played through underwater speakers for the first 10 minutes of the treatment to help you unwind, while the saltwater suspends the body effortlessly (a bit like being in the Dead Sea). We recommend floating for a session of 60 minutes to gain maximum benefit - it takes a few minutes to fully relax and settle, and for your mind to finally stop chattering and be still! Some guests fall asleep, which you can do without fear of any harm.

Relaxing music will start to play again five minutes before the end of your session to gently wake you. Guests should then step out of the pod and slowly take a warm shower (we have a shower within the pod treatment room) purely to wash the salt from your hair and body.

Wrap yourself up in your robe and head to our relaxation room or enjoy a float as part of our Absolute Floatation Ritual which includes a delicious body scrub, 60 minute float and a 60 minute Thai Qui Flow full body massage.

Where does it come from?

It was invented in 1954 by John Lilly, a medical practitioner and neuroscientist in Washington, to test the effects of sensory deprivation. Floatation therapy tanks were originally named ‘sensory deprivation tanks’ or ‘isolation tanks’. The name has changed over the years to float/floatation tanks and whilst floating was invented in the USA, it has grown significantly over the past 20 years to become very popular throughout Europe.

What is the isopod floatation spa treatment supposed to do?

Floatation therapy is based on a scientific approach to deep relaxation called Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique or R.E.S.T. It triggers a deep relaxation response, much deeper than normal sleep. As the brain waves slow down, floating enables us to drift into the elusive Theta state (similar to that of REM sleep) - a state of deep relaxation, tranquillity and healing.

They are a number of benefits attributed to isopod floatation spa treatments:

• Promotes total calm and peaceful relaxation
• Eliminates fatigue and jet lag
• Improves sleep and insomnia
• Alleviates stress (mental and physical)
• Increases motivation, diminishes depression, anxiety and fear
• Creates mental clarity, alertness and increases creativity
• Deepens meditation
• Decreases the production of cortisol, lactic acid and adrenaline
• Increases production of endorphins
• Speeds up rehabilitation and recovery
• Relieves pain (arthritis, migraines, injuries etc)
• Boosts immune function
• Improves circulation and distribution of oxygen and nutrients
• Reduces blood pressure, pulse, heart rate and oxygen consumption
• Helps prevent sports injuries, speeds healing process
• Relieves the strenuous elements of pregnancy
• It’s also great for the skin

*It is said to reduce the central nervous system’s workload by 90%. This reduction draws a person’s energy inward and promotes relaxation-also known as the parasympathetic response. The parasympathetic response is the mechanism by which the body naturally regenerates itself and maintains chemical and metabolic balance. Old wounds and injuries are allowed to heal faster. Increased T-cell production strengthens the immune system. This deep level of relaxation also benefits the cardiovascular system. Known as the vasodilatory effect, the body’s circulation is increased while the blood pressure and heart rate are reduced. - http://thefloatcenter.com

Is there anything you do to enhance the effectiveness of the floatation spa treatment?

Our purpose-built POD treatment room is a calm and relaxing space lit by candlelight to help induce a sense of calm. Following a floatation treatment, guests are also encouraged to curl up in our relaxation room to further enjoy that state of deep peace. We have also put together a couple of rituals which combine a floatation treatment with carefully selected body treatments (from our menu) to further enhance the guest experience.

Is there anything you recommend clients to do pre or post-treatment to get the most out of it?

There is no preparation required pre-treatment but we do recommend guests simply relax post-treatment - no rushing to work or squeezing in a gym session!

Is there anyone you particularly recommend the isopod spa treatment for?

Apart from the health benefits it brings to those with a specific need, it’s perfect for anyone and everyone really - we all have times when we just need to completely switch off, when we’re looking for that bite of time to just be still….both physically and mentally.

It is particularly beneficial during pregnancy - that feeling of weightlessness when you have a sizeable bump can be bliss. It is also fabulous for those suffering from arthritis, muscular or back pain and those that carry stress in their neck and shoulders.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t have this spa treatment and why?

Anyone suffering from skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis or have open cuts/wounds/abrasions as the salt can cause discomfort to the skin.