RELAXATION FOR YOUR MIND BODY & SOUL

If you have any medical conditions or you are taking prescription medication it's always advisable to consult with your doctor prior to any new activity/treatment. We’re unable to allow you to float if you have uncontrolled epilepsy, infectious diseases, open wounds/ulcers and/or any serious psychological conditions. If you’ve recently recovered from gastroenteritis or diarrhoea, please allow at least 14 days post recovery before floating. If you have recently had a tattoo, dyed your hair or appllied fake tan you will need to wait at least 10 days before floating with us.

The art of floating is simple… all you need to do is step into the float room, sit down, lay back and allow your mind and body to enter into a deep state of relaxation, rest and repair. The float room water solution is no deeper than 10 inches, but it contains around 1,000 litres of water which is heavily saturated with 650kg of high-grade Epsom Salts. This is what creates the incredible buoyancy effect that makes you float, regardless of your height/size. The temperature of the water is heated and maintained to closely match the average skin temperature and once you’re settled into your float session it can be virtually impossible at times to distinguish which parts of your body are in contact with the water and which aren’t. Since your senses are void from input during your float session, the practice of floating is often referred to as ‘sensory deprivation therapy’ although those who enjoy frequent float sessions will tell you that it’s more of a sensory enhancement therapy! Everything is magnified during a float session and it's not unusual to notice that your senses can go into hyperdrive, right down to hearing yourself blink, which can make for a pretty amazing experience!

The water solution contains a very high concentration of Epsom Salts (650kg), which creates an inhospitable environment that kills microbes, making it a fairly natural antiseptic environment to be in. However, rest assured we also use a limited amount of swimming pool chemicals to ensure it’s totally clean and sterile. In addition to this, the water is filtered thoroughly between each float session and the levels are checked and maintained on a daily basis. All customers are required to shower both before and after their float session and will be provided with pre-float guidance to ensure a high level of hygiene is adhered to at all times.

Experts in the floating industry agree that Three is the Magic Number when it comes to giving floating a fair chance. It’s important you try it not just the once, but a minimum of at least three times before deciding whether or not it's for you. Your first session will be a whole new experience for you and therefore you will more than likely spend the majority of the float acclimatising yourself to this new environment. When you attend your second float though, you'll have a better idea of what to expect and thus likely to be a little more relaxed. Often it's not until you experience at least your third float, that you can start to fully appreciate the benefits. For some people though, it can take more, or less than 3 floats; this all depends on how easily you find it to switch off. The best advice we can give you, is to have no expectations of your float and to just try and focus on your breathing and relax. If you are able to fall asleep, then that's even better! Our 'Intro to Floating: Float 3 Times' package is a really cost effective way to try floating for the first time. You may well think, “But what if I don’t enjoy my first float?”. Don't worry, we won't force you, but we highly recommend you try to use all 3 of the intro floats within a 6 week period to gain optimal results. This is a really cost effective way to explore floating, before deciding on whether you wish to take advantage of the reduced float multi-float packages and memberships options.

Please ensure you allow at least 90 minutes to fully appreciate & enjoy your float session with us. On your first time visiting though, please allow 2 hours as you'll be with us an additional 20-30 mins for the Float Induction at the start of your appointment. You will be in the Float Room water for an hour, although you'll also need to allow adequate time to shower both before and after your float. It’s also important you take time to relax for at least 5/10 minutes after your float, before leaving us and continuing with your day. The post-float relaxation is a significant part of your overall experience, as this gentle transition back to the outside world is very important if you wish to gain the maximum benefits. Just rushing out the door immediately will burn off many of the benefits before your nervous system has had the chance to integrate them. Therefore, a quiet sit in our relaxation area with a complimentary drink and something to eat is well worth it, particularly when you don’t really feel like it!

It’s OK, many people say the same thing, but there’s no need to worry about feeling claustrophobic at 7th Heaven Float Room. This is why we invested in a luxury double float room, which has been carefully manufactured by the global leaders in the floating industry and measures 8’ long by 6’ wide and has a 6.5’ tall starlit ceiling. Underwater lighting and music will help you to relax into your session. The lights are controlled from inside of the float room, giving you total control of your environment during your float experience. We also have a 2-way intercom accessible from within the float room. So if need be, you can ask us questions during your float, without leaving the water. The door can be left open slightly if you wish, although it's adequately spacious to float alone without feeling claustrophobic. If preferred, the experience can be shared with a partner/friend; as there’s plenty of room for two people to float together. If you’re still not convinced, feel free to contact us to arrange a no obligation viewing before deciding whether or not to make a booking!

Firstly, we recommend you come with an open mind and try not to have any expectations of what your float experience is going to be like, as every float experience is unique! Being able to relax and completely switch off during your float is key to gaining the most from your experience. You'll want to avoid caffeine and heavy meals prior to floating, as they could make you uncomfortable and prevent you from being able to relax. Not to mention the sound of a noisy digestive system is magnified in the float room and can disturb your session! Eating a light meal or snack about an hour before your float is recommended for optimal comfort. It’s also important to avoid shaving on the day of your float as freshly shaved skin can be irritated by the salt water solution and cause discomfort. If you wear contact lenses, you will need to remove them before floating, therefore please bring a case to put them in. Rest assured that we'll provide you with pre-float guidance on confirmation of your booking, with a reminder on the key things to keep in mind in preparation to gaining the most out of your float experience.

Absolutely YES! Due to the high salt content in the water, no matter your height/weight you won't sink! To get the best results from your float experience the best advice we can give you is to simply try to relax. In particular it's important that you relax your neck, if you have any neck injuries or tension, we recommend you use the float Halo (head support) which is provided in the float room. If you suffer with any back issues which cause you discomfort whilst floating, please let us know and we can provide you with a float noodle to use under your knees to release any pressure on your back. To get the most out of your float we always suggest you try to fall asleep! If this doesn’t come naturally to you, then we advise you to focus on your breathing, be aware of your heartbeat and try not to allow any outside distractions enter your mind. But most importantly, just go with the flow and enjoy... your body will know what it needs!

Yes, you will need to be over the age of 18 to book/attend a float session with us and we have the right to ask for your ID, if required. Special requests for minors to float with a parent/guardian will be dealt with on a case by case basis. If approved, anyone under the age of 18 will require a parent/guardian to sign all necessary disclaimers on their behalf and they will also need to be in attendance during their float session(s).

Other than an open mind, there’s no need for you to bring anything with you. Everything you’ll need is provided. inclusive of towels, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, moisturiser, deodorants, ear plugs, barrier cream, spa slippers, hair-dryer etc. We also provide wide toothed shower combs for those with long hair, which are sanitised between clients. However, you may wish to bring your own hair comb/brush. If you wear contact lenses you will need to bring a case/solution with you to keep your lenses safe whilst you float.

Although our float room water solution gets filtered multiple times and treated between every single person, we do our best to keep the highest quality of water for our clients. In light of this, we ask that women do not float whilst menstruating and to please just give us a call to reschedule if your appointment falls within your cycle.

Absolutely, expectant mothers are completely safe to float. In fact, many mothers-to-be have reported they find floating provides them with a unique environment to experience deep connections with their unborn baby; with all senses and every movement magnified in the stillness and weightlessness of the Float Room. It can also help greatly as a natural pain relief aid, releasing pressure and discomfort in the back and hips. The float room contains 650kg of Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulphate) and whilst most doctors have no concerns with floating during pregnancy, as with any new treatments/activities during pregnancy, it’s advisable to seek approval from your midwife or doctor first and avoid floating until after your first trimester.

Anyone familiar with the art of floating will tell you that swimsuits aren’t necessary and it’s best to float in the nude! If however modesty is a concern for you, rest assured we won't force you to float in your birthday suit! However, floating is a totally unique and private/personal experience and you’ll have the entire float suite/studio to yourself throughout the duration of your visit, with no overlap between our clients at any time. It’s important to understand this is nothing like being in a hot tub, swimming pool, the ocean or even in an open/shared floatation pool. Every bodily sensation in the float room is magnified; such as your heart beat, breathing, digestive system and any bodily movements. The high density of salt in the water can make swimsuit materials feel quite heavy on the skin. As a result this creates pressure points on the body and can disrupt the overall feeling of weightlessness achievable in this environment. In general, swimsuits aren’t necessarily washed all that frequently and therefore it’s not uncommon for them to carry bacteria and/or old soap suds into the float room. This can cause foam to develop on the surface of the water and/or result in the pump and filtration system having to work that little bit harder in order to maintain the high quality levels of our water solution. On average, it’s suggested that each person can bring out anything up to approximately 1lb of salt on their body when exiting the float room. Although you tend to carry out a lot more of the salt water solution if wearing a swimsuit, especially the long swimming trunks often worn by men. Naturally our preference is that our clients refrain from wearing swimsuits, although if you insist on wearing one then we won’t stop you… even though we’re sure you’ll enjoy it a lot more if you didn’t! All that we ask is that your swimsuit/trunks have no metal fastenings/accessories and you also give it a quick wash/rinse the day before your float session. You’ll also need to remember to bring a plastic bag with you so that you can wrap it after your session and avoid any salt residue from spoiling anything it may come into contact with between leaving us and returning home. Please bear in mind that we cannot guarantee or take liability for the salt causing any long term damage to your swimsuit material.

Anyone using keratin treatment in their hair is advised to avoid salt water (including Epsom salt) for 4 weeks post treatment. Therefore make sure you schedule your float session a month after getting your keratin treatment done, or right before your next treatment is due.

Although it’s not an issue for most people, on rare occasions clients will get out early due to feeling nauseas. This is usually caused by an inner ear issue or vertigo and can be mitigated by using the Float Halo headrest and trying lights on or off (different people have reported different preferences). If you are particularly sensitive to such feelings, you might also decide to take a motion sickness medication or crystallized ginger prior to floating. If you’re floating with a partner (in a Double Float Session) and you suffer with vertigo/motion sickness, then please be mindful that you’re likely to feel any movements in the water made by your floating partner, which can bring on the feeling of nausea and/or dizziness especially if you normally suffer with motion sickness.

The float room creates an environment where the brain is free from the constant demands of sensory inputs and the processing of external stimuli. Without these constant pressures of analysing the world around you, your body lowers its levels of cortisol, the main chemical component of stress. Your brain also releases elevated levels of dopamine and endorphins, the neurotransmitters of happiness. Freed from these major cerebral demands, the brain can slip into a profoundly deep and rejuvenating states of relaxation which eventually leads to slower alpha or theta brainwave patterns that are usually experienced only during deep meditation, or just before falling asleep. The practice of floating regularly also aids the body in reaching a state of homeostasis, where various bodily systems are able to reset themselves and recalibrate for optimum function. Two such systems are the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, responsible for the fight-or-flight response and the relaxation response. Modern research has thoroughly documented how chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system by routine daily stressors is the hallmark of the modern stress epidemic. Due to these positive effects, floating is often used effectively to help reduce the impact of many mental health issues; by reducing anxiety, negative emotions, confusion and even the perception of pain. Many artists, musicians and authors also find that floating regularly helps to relieve them from writers-block and encourages clear thoughts and sudden insights and inspirations. If you’re interested in learning more about the evidence base which shows how floating in this unique environment can help improve both mental and physical health, we encourage you to review the details available online at: www.clinicalfloatation.com

That’s not a problem, as you don’t need to be able to swim, or do you need to be able to float naturally. We guarantee that you’ll float like a cork on the water; it doesn’t matter what shape or size you are – or whether you can usually float in water or not!

Many people with recurring eczema/psoriasis find that floating can be beneficial with such conditions; as Epsom Salt is magnesium sulphate and given that magnesium is naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial, it can help to keep minor skin irritations clean. Although having said this, it’s important to highlight that Epsom salt canalso sting any areas of broken skin, which can sometimes be too uncomfortable to enjoy an hour of floating. Therefore the recommendation is not to float during a flare-up of eczema/psoriasis, when the skin is open and/or bleeding or infected. It’s worthwhile pointing out that floating also helps to reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and research has shown that flare-ups of eczema and psoriasis are often correlated with stress levels. Consequently, regular floating could help prevent or reduce the number of future flare-ups. We do have barrier cream available for clients to use, which can be applied to any areas of skin that may be sensitive to the salt, this will help make for a more comfortable floating experience.

The (650kg) of Epsom Salts in the water may have an adverse effect on any glue, tape, metal or beads in your hair, although this will depend on how your extensions are secured and how long ago you had them done. We recommend you discuss this with your hairdresser, to determine whether you’re likely to have any issues with submerging your hair in a warm Epsom Salt water solution for an hour. Although we’ve had clients in the past float with hair extensions and they haven’t had any adverse effects, we cannot guarantee this will be the case for everyone. You would be very welcome to float with your extensions, although you would be doing so at your own risk. You’re welcome to bring a swim cap, although there’s no guarantee it will be effective and it’s very likely that the water will seep into the cap during your float.