Sensory Deprivation Tanks

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Anyone else remember these? They were popular right after William Hurt made the movie, "Altered States" in the early 80s and were all over the country in New Age locations and other more "enlightened" places for people to try out.

I actually really enjoyed floating. It was a completely relaxing experience and as stress free as you could get.

I was looking for a flotation center recently, only to find--nothing, or relatively little. It seems like floating has gone the way of the dodo with nothing to replace it!

Anyone else ever float? And knows of places where you can still do it? If you have never tried it, and can actually find a tank, you will be pleasantly surprised at the experience. I would love the chance to do it again.

[In_The_Wind]

1. I remember those.

I never tried one.

I love to spend hours in my jacuzzi.



:hi:

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2. Floating is completely different

The tank is filled with water loaded down with epsom salts, which makes you float completely at the top. When the cover is put down, you lose the sense of sight, because it's pitch black. Then, you lose your sense of hearing, because the tanks are soundproof. You lose your sense of touch because the water is the exact same temperature as your skin, making you feel like you're in an endless void. Smell doesn't count for much, nor does taste.

Most people fall asleep, even for a little while. You're in there for an hour, and as you lie in the water floating the only thing you can hear is the sound of your beating heart. It's almost as if you're in a womb. At the end of your time, a soft, classical piece of music begins to come, volume increasing ever so slowly, awakening you. There is a soft light that also comes on as well. You feel so different after that hour, it's amazing.

Jacuzzis are fun though--just not as sublime!

[In_The_Wind]

4. I might have enjoyed the total experience at one time however I have become

claustrophobic ...

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6. What's funny is that I also have

some claustrophobic tendencies, but when you're in the tank, everything is under your control. If you get apprehensive, you can open the cover without problem. It's not locked down or anything. It will then give light in, and you can get out at any time. But for the sheer experience, you will likely find you won't want to open it. :)

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

3. I saw your title and immediate thought "Altered States"

[alarcojon]

5. Yes, I've floated

back in college. I distictly remember a disclaimer against floating while "under the influence of mind-altering substances" in the material we had to read before floating. Glad I never inhaled! :smoke:

Actually, it was a very relaxing experience, under the influence or not. You are floating in a warm solution in a darkened, sound proofed room. You can meditate very well.

As far as I know, this place in Chicago is still in business. It's where I floated back in the day (late eighties).

http://www.spacetimetanks.com/

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7. Thanks

I love to see that it's still around in some places. My favorite location isn't around anymore--it was in Brighton, MA at the Aqua Retreat Center. :(

There were a couple in L.A. on the westside when I lived there, but my car was never that reliable that I felt I could go. It's different though here in Mass: public transit is a lot easier.

[kedrys]

8. Never tried it, but I'd love to

There usually comes a spot in my day where I'd just about kill for 15 minutes of complete quiet, with zero interaction with *anything* (machines or people).

Hanging upside down with the gravity boots was pretty cool, though - I did daily in college and would love to do that again...

[auntAgonist]

9. as wonderful as that sounds ..

I don't think I could handle it. I went for an MRI a year ago and could NOT do it. I never thought I'd be claustrophobic but the whole experience panicked me. I was a mess!

aA