Beauties, it’s no secret I believe beauty is an inside job, and I LOVE trialling new ways to increase that inner peace, rest and recovery for that outer glow. Which is why I love visiting London’s leading floatation therapy, Floatworks. I have used them to help me feel my best for a few years now, but it was when I went throughout my pregnancy that I found a deep new respect for just how powerful floating really can be for our overall health. Keep reading for the lowdown…
Floatworks is the the uk's leading float centre, based in Vauxhall London. They offer floatation sessions within their beautiful and calming inner city sanctuary.
Benefits include stress relief and relaxation, reduction in pain and inflammation, help managing migraines and insomnia, improved energy, clarity and productivity, help preventing cell damage from free radicals decreasing the appearance of wrinkles, removing toxins and impurities from the body and helping to manage skin allergies and boost release of collagen from within cells. ....Sounds pretty good right?!
Float Therapy
Float tanks are designed to block out all external distractions, including light, sounds and gravity providing the ultimate in sensory deprivation. The tank contains magnesium-based Epsom Salts which soften and replenish your skin, and help counteract the magnesium deficiency that most of us have due to depleted magnesium levels in our soil and food.
The water is heated to skin temperature making it almost impossible to feel your body against the water. The buoyancy of the water allows you to float effortlessly on the surface eliminating gravity and allowing every muscle in your body to relax. Resting in this unique environment creates profound changes within the mind-body system, improving the overall function of the brain and central nervous system. Your muscles, joints, and bones take a well-deserved break. Your mind becomes still and your body suddenly has loads of extra resources, which allows it to focus on things like healing and resting – the stress simply floats away.
Benefits Include:
Relaxation and reduces the effect of stress
Increased endorphins
Improved wellbeing
Helps manage insomnia, migraines and infertility
Decreases cortisol levels
Improved physical performance
Speeds up recovery time
Reduces pain and inflammation
Boosts immune system
Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression
Lowers blood pressure
Optimises clarity and comprehension
Detoxes the body at a cellular level
Increases magnesium in the body
My Thoughts:
I am absolutely obsessed with floating, and strongly believe this should be something we all commit to on a weekly or even monthly basis. What I did learn was that going consistently is key. I had floats where the mind couldn’t switch off and I didn’t drift off to a deep sleep or meditative state at all, but the more frequently I went, the easier it became (just like meditation). I found myself so relaxed I would slip out of consciousness numerous times throughout my floats and regardless of if I drifted off or not (and even during the floats that felt more difficult) I would always still leave my float experience feeling calmer, clearer and happier than before. I also loved how it deepens my consciousness to my own body. When floating I always become present to which muscles are sore and may need an extra stretch or a massage or love.
The process of floating is so quick and easy too, but yet it doesn’t feel rushes. Upon arrival you have a quick shower in your private pod room o get the skin prepared (using all Organic Faith by Nature products), then it's straight into the warmly heated pod ready for a deep relaxation and total muscle recovery experience. Gentle music plays for 10 minutes to help induce a deep relaxation, before it fades away and leaves you in a complete sensory deprivation experience. The body feels weightless and the mind drifts away. After almost an hour, the gentle music fades back in and your mind comes back to the room. It truly is a special experience. Once you jump out the pod (or crawl out half asleep like I normally do ) you can have a heated shower and lather up in the Organic products provided. Once you feel and look fresh, you can hang out in the chill zone, where Positivitea is served and you can continue your oh so delicious relaxation.
Psst. Here's a sneak peak into my own floatation diary:
Pre Float: Stressful Journey, Tired, Lethargic, Anxious, Irritated, Down
During Float: Didn't sleep but felt light in the water and calm. Lots of thoughts and hard to switch off, however enjoyed the peace around me and being able to clearly think. Was able to check in with my body and notice any tightness, including pain and tension in my neck and shoulders
Post Float: More energy, gratitude, energised, productive
Pre Float: Really really needed this float - couldn't get in the tank quick enough! Feeling tired and drained.
During Float: Began with affirmations and checking in with my body, then drifted off to blissful sleep. Baby loved it, and moved around like crazy. I couldn't help but feel like the baby, floating effortlessly in this warm and safe cocoon. Checked in with my body and felt major improvements in muscle aches and pains - easier to switch off this time.