What is a floating meditation tank? Plus, 9 health benefits
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Learn what a floating meditation tank is, including who created it and how it may benefit you. Plus, what happens during a floating meditation tank session.
Close your eyes and imagine stepping into a quiet, dark room. In the center of the room, there’s a tank that resembles a bathtub filled with warm, welcoming water. You step into the tank, and as you lie back, you find yourself floating effortlessly. There are no distractions, and the external world seems to fade away. You take a deep breath, and you’re enveloped in a sense of calm.
Sounds pretty nice, right? Lucky for you, this soothing scene can actually happen IRL! Floating meditation tanks are designed to help you reach deep states of relaxation, cutting out all the noise (and other sensations) in hopes of freeing you from the stress of daily life.
What is a floating meditation tank?
A floating meditation tank, also known as a sensory deprivation tank or float tank, is an enclosed bath-like container which aims to help you relax and clear your mind.
Meditation tanks are filled with water that has a high concentration of Epsom salt—or magnesium sulfate—that makes the water extremely buoyant, allowing you to float effortlessly on the surface. The water is warmed to skin temperature, around 93.5 degrees Fahrenheit, (34.2 Celsius,) which helps you lose the sensation of where your body ends and the water begins. This creates a feeling of weightlessness, said to be similar to floating in space.
By removing external stimuli such as light and sound, the tank helps you disconnect from your surroundings and focus inward, so you can enter a state of deep relaxation, like a meditation.
In the 1950s, neuroscientist John C. Lilly, MD, developed the first sensory deprivation tank to study the effects of isolation on the human mind. Dr. Lilly's research focused on exploring consciousness and the brain's response to sensory deprivation. Over the years, float tank therapy has evolved and gained popularity for its many mental and physical health benefits. Today, floating is widely used for relaxation, stress relief, and therapeutic purposes.
Key features of floatation tanks
Lightproof and soundproof: Creating a quiet, dark environment
Buoyant water: Saturated with Epsom salt to make it easy to float
Warm water: Heated to match the body’s skin temperature to help enhance the feeling of weightlessness
Controlled environment: Few external distractions allow focused relaxation
Mental health benefits of a floating meditation tank
Participating in float tank therapy may support your mental health in a variety of ways.
1. Stress reduction
The quiet and calm environment supports your mind in relaxation and may help reduce stress.
💙 As a support to your time in the tank, keep your stress levels low with the 7 Days of Managing Stress series.
2. Enhanced creativity
Without distractions, it’s easier to come up with new ideas and creative solutions. Many artists, writers, and innovators use float tanks to tap into their creative potential.
3. Improved focus
Clearing your mind in a peaceful environment can make it easier to focus on tasks and improve productivity in your daily life.
💙 The Focus & Flow playlists can support your ability to focus outside of your sessions.
4. Mental health support
The calming environment and deep relaxation may help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
5. Increased mindfulness
Practicing being in the moment while floating can enhance your ability to be present in everyday life.
💙 Try grounding yourself in the present moment with Jay Shetty’s 5–4–3–2–1 guided meditation between sessions.
Physical health benefits of a floating meditation tank
Not just for your mind, floating meditation tanks may also have benefits for your physical health.
1. Pain relief
The buoyancy in a float tank may possibly help relieve joint and muscle pain. The Epsom salt in the water may help reduce inflammation and soothe sore muscles, which can, in turn, help ease symptoms of chronic pain, arthritis, or fibromyalgia. It may also speed up the healing process for those recovering from injuries.
2. Muscle relaxation
Floating allows muscles to relax, releasing muscle tension and improving flexibility. This can be especially helpful for athletes and those with physically demanding jobs.
💙 If you’re dealing with muscle tension, you might try the two-minute Relax with the Breath practice in or out of the tank.
3. Improved sleep quality
The deep relaxation achieved during a float session may help regulate sleep patterns and reduce insomnia, leading to more restful and restorative sleep.
💙 If you need some extra sleep support, press play on Mel Mah’s Peaceful Sleep meditation, set your phone aside, and melt into restfulness.
4. Enhanced immune function
The reduction in stress and improvement in sleep quality may contribute to better overall health and stronger immune function.
What happens during a floating meditation tank session?
A floating meditation tank session can be a unique and relaxing experience, but if you’ve never done it before, it’s normal to have a bit of anxiety about trying something so new. Here’s a rundown of what to expect during a typical session—preparation to post-float—to help ease any worries.
Preparation
1. Check in: When you arrive at the float center, fill out any necessary paperwork. The staff will give you a brief orientation about the float tank and the process.
2. Shower: Before entering the float tank, you’ll take a shower. This helps remove any oils, lotions, or dirt from your skin, helping the tank stay clean. Many centers provide toiletries like shampoo and body wash.
3. Insert earplugs: Most float centers provide earplugs to keep water out of your ears and to further reduce external noise. Insert the earplugs before you enter the tank.
Entering the tank
4. Step in: In the float room, you’ll remove your robe before you step into the tank. Many people prefer to float without clothes to enhance the sensory deprivation experience, but you can wear a swimsuit if you prefer. Open the tank door and step into the warm water.
5. Settle in: Close the tank door to create a dark, quiet environment. Lie back gently in the water, allowing the water to support your body. The high concentration of Epsom salt will allow you to float effortlessly.
Floating
6. Get used to it: Try to get comfortable with the sensation of floating in the dark. Take deep breaths and allow your body and mind to relax. It’s normal to feel uncomfortable or even slightly claustrophobic during your first time in a tank. You may naturally adjust with some time, but you are always welcome to end your session if these feelings become overwhelming.
7. Experience sensory deprivation: With no light, sound, or physical sensations, your mind and body enter a state of deep relaxation. Some people may experience heightened awareness of their heartbeat or breathing at first, but this usually fades with time.
8. Meditate and relax: During the session, you can practice meditation, mindfulness, or simply let your thoughts drift. The lack of external stimuli allows your mind to enter a meditative state more easily. You might lose track of time and feel like you’re in a dreamlike state.
Post-float
9. Exit the tank: Gentle music or a soft light might signal that it’s time to end your session. Slowly sit up and carefully step out of the tank.
10. Shower again: Take another shower to rinse the Epsom salt from your skin and hair.
11. Reflect: Take a few moments to think about what you’ve experienced. Many centers have a lounge where you can sit quietly, enjoy a beverage, and reflect on your experience. Note any thoughts or feelings that arose during your float.
Tips to maximize benefits
Focus on your breath: Deep, slow breathing can help you relax and make the experience more meditative.
Let go of tension: Consciously relax each part of your body, starting from your toes and working your way up to your head.
Be present: Stay in the moment and avoid thinking about daily concerns or tasks.
Adjust if needed: If you feel uncomfortable at any point, adjust your position or take a break by sitting up. You are in control of your experience and can always end the session early if needed.
Floating meditation tank FAQs
How often should I use a floating meditation tank?
How often you should use a floating meditation tank depends on your personal goals and needs. For general stress relief and relaxation, many people find that one session per week helps maintain their mental and physical wellbeing.
If you're dealing with chronic pain, intense stress, or an injury, you might benefit from two to three sessions per week. Listen to your body and adjust the frequency to find the right balance for you.
Is floating safe for everyone? Who should not use a float tank?
Floating is generally safe for most people, but there are some exceptions.
If you have severe skin conditions, open wounds, or large cuts, avoid floating until they’re healed, as the high concentration of Epsom salt can cause discomfort or irritation.
People with epilepsy or other conditions that cause seizures should consult their doctor before floating.
If you’re pregnant, check in with your doctor before trying a float tank.
If you experience claustrophobia, you might find the enclosed space of the tank uncomfortable. However, many float centers offer tanks with doors that can be left open, or open float pools.
What should I bring to a float tank session?
The main thing to consider bringing to your float session is a swimsuit if you prefer to not float naked. And while most centers provide everything you need, including toiletries, towels, and earplugs, you may consider bringing your own. A hair tie can also be helpful if you have long hair, and people who wear contact lenses will want to bring a case and solution to store them during the float.
Are there any side effects or risks associated with float tank therapy?
Float tank therapy is generally considered safe, but some people might experience minor side effects. The high concentration of Epsom salt can cause minor skin irritation or dryness for some people, but showering thoroughly after your session and applying moisturizer can help. Also, sometimes people feel lightheaded or dizzy after their first few sessions, especially if they stand up too quickly. Take your time as you leave the tank, and drink a lot of water before and after floating to help minimize this effect.
Consult with a healthcare professional before starting float tank therapy if you have an existing medical condition.
Does a floating meditation tank help athletes?
A floating meditation tank can help enhance athletic performance and recovery.
Enhanced physical recovery: Floating can reduce strain on muscles and joints, promoting relaxation and faster recovery.
Reduced muscle soreness: Magnesium absorbed through the skin may reduce inflammation and alleviate muscle soreness, aiding muscle relaxation and recovery.
Improved sleep quality: Regular float tank sessions may possibly improve sleep patterns.
Stress reduction: Sensory deprivation environment sometimes help to lower cortisol levels before competitions. This can lead to a calmer mindset and better focus during performance.
Increased mental clarity and focus: A float meditation tank is a great environment to mentally rehearse performance, visualize success, and develop a focused mindset.
Reduced pre-competition anxiety: Meditating in a float tank may promote mental readiness and confidence.
Injury prevention: Relaxed muscles are less prone to strains and sprains, and the improved mental focus can lead to better decision-making during training and competitions.
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