How Much Salt Is In a Float Tank?

While Epsom Salt is a common household item for at-home spa experiences, we can confidently guarantee that our float tanks are a thousand times (literally) more powerful and concentrated  than your average bath tub salt soaks.

Epsom salts are known to reduce muscle soreness, soften skin, increase serotonin, and reduce anxiety, but it is also the key ingredient that makes our bodies completely buoyant and weightless in float tank water! To be exact, there are 1,500 lbs of magnesium- rich dissolved Epsom Salt in each sensory deprivation tank (that’s a higher salt content than The Dead Sea)!

Because of this key ingredient, the water solution in the tank increases its specific gravity to 1.27, which we can attribute to the change in density and added buoyancy of our bodies in the tank water. This amazing natural phenomena causes our bodies to be effortlessly weightless in flotation tanks!

Health benefits of Epsom Salt

The wonders of Epsom Salt don't just stop here--Ancient wisdom and scientific studies tells us that Epsom salts are a natural cure-all for holistic health and wellness, with benefits spanning from mental, physical, and emotional wellness arenas.

Epsom salts are rich in magnesium, the second most ample element in the human body. Magnesium is absolutely vital to prosperous health and wellness. Epsom Salts and Magnesium greatly benefit:

Heart Health:

Epsom salts can offer compelling heart health benefits when utilized in a float pool setting. Magnesium, a vital mineral found in Epsom salts, plays a fundamental role in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. When absorbed through the skin during a floatation tank session, magnesium can positively influence heart health.

Magnesium is crucial for regulating the heart's rhythm and electrical impulses. It helps maintain a steady heartbeat by supporting the function of the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial (SA) node. This mineral also helps prevent arrhythmias, irregular heart rhythms that can lead to serious cardiovascular issues.

Furthermore, magnesium aids in blood pressure regulation. It relaxes blood vessels, reducing resistance and allowing for improved blood flow. This vasodilatory effect helps to lower blood pressure, which is a key factor in reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a known risk factor for cardiovascular issues, and magnesium's ability to relax blood vessels can be a valuable asset in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

Magnesium's anti-inflammatory properties are also noteworthy for their benefits on heart health. Chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (the narrowing of arteries due to the buildup of plaque), which is a significant risk factor for heart disease. By reducing inflammation, magnesium may help protect against the early stages of atherosclerosis and potentially lower the risk of coronary artery disease.

Bone health

Magnesium plays a crucial role in maintaining and strengthening bone health. When absorbed through the skin during a float session, magnesium can impact bone density and integrity. Magnesium is essential for the absorption and metabolism of calcium. Without an adequate supply of magnesium, calcium absorption can be impaired, potentially leading to weaker bones. The magnesium from floating in Epsom salts can help ensure that calcium is effectively utilized by the body, contributing to the maintenance of strong and healthy bones.

Magnesium also assists the body in regulating parathyroid hormone (PTH), which controls calcium levels in the blood. Proper PTH regulation is essential for preventing the release of calcium from bones to maintain blood calcium levels within a healthy range. Imbalances in PTH can lead to bone loss over time, and magnesium's role in this process helps maintain bone density.

Additionally, magnesium has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for individuals with conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues can exacerbate bone and chronic pain-related issues. The muscle-relaxing effects of magnesium in Epsom salt can also indirectly benefit bone health by reducing muscle tension and discomfort that might cause postural imbalances and skeletal stress.

Joint Relief

Magnesium is a critical mineral that plays a pivotal role in muscle and nerve function. In a float tank, where the body is buoyed by the Epsom salt-infused water, the magnesium is absorbed through the skin. This direct absorption of magnesium can help relax and release tension in the muscles surrounding joints, which can be especially beneficial for individuals dealing with joint stiffness, arthritis, or other musculoskeletal conditions. This muscle relaxation can enhance joint mobility and reduce the stress on joints, providing immediate relief and comfort.

In addition, magnesium possesses natural anti-inflammatory properties. Joint pain is often exacerbated by inflammation, and magnesium's ability to reduce inflammation can alleviate discomfort and swelling in the affected joints. This anti-inflammatory effect can be particularly valuable for individuals with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

The weightlessness experienced while floating in a float tank takes the gravitational load off the joints, allowing them to decompress and relieve pressure. This treatment can be especially helpful for those with conditions like herniated discs or chronic back pain, as it promotes spinal alignment and joint relief.

Relieve stress

Mentally, the sensory deprivation aspect of floating in a float pool or tank, combined with the calming effects of magnesium, creates an environment conducive to profound stress reduction. In this tranquil setting, individuals can disconnect from the sensory stimuli and digital distractions of the outside world, allowing the mind and body to enter a state of deep relaxation and rest. This sensory deprivation or isolation can trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood elevators, promoting feelings of serenity and happiness.

Magnesium, a crucial cofactor in neurotransmitter regulation, plays a vital role in mental well-being. It helps regulate the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which is linked to mood and stress management. Adequate magnesium levels can support a balanced mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Migraines

Migraines are often associated with various triggers, including stress, muscle tension, and vascular changes, all of which Epsom salts can address effectively. Magnesium is known for its muscle-relaxing properties, which can significantly reduce tension in the neck, shoulders, and head—common areas where migraine discomfort can originate. This muscle relaxation can help alleviate the muscular component of migraine pain, making float tank sessions particularly appealing to migraine sufferers.

Magnesium's role in vascular health is crucial. It helps to regulate blood flow and prevent the constriction of blood vessels, which is often linked to migraine attacks. By promoting proper blood circulation and reducing the likelihood of vascular constriction, magnesium in Epsom salts can mitigate the intensity and frequency of migraines.

The sensory deprivation environment of a float tank complements the benefits of Epsom salts for migraine relief by eliminating external sensory stimuli and promoting deep relaxation. This can be an especially soothing experience for individuals experiencing the sensory sensitivity often associated with migraines. The quiet, dark, and buoyant setting of floatation tank allows individuals to decompress both mentally and physically, potentially reducing the severity of migraine symptoms and providing a sense of relief.

Diabetes

Magnesium is involved in glucose metabolism. It aids in the activation of insulin receptors, which are essential for the uptake of glucose into cells. Insulin resistance, where cells do not respond adequately to insulin's signal to take up glucose, is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. Adequate magnesium levels can support improved insulin sensitivity, potentially helping individuals with diabetes better regulate their blood sugar levels.

Furthermore, magnesium has been associated with reduced inflammation, a factor that can contribute to insulin resistance and the progression of diabetes-related complications. By reducing inflammation, magnesium may help mitigate some of the underlying factors that exacerbate diabetes.

Magnesium plays a key role in nerve function. Diabetic neuropathy, characterized by nerve damage and pain, is a common complication of diabetes. The muscle-relaxing properties of magnesium in Epsom salts can help alleviate some of the muscular tension and discomfort often associated with neuropathy.

Relaxation

The sensory isolation of a float tank allows you to escape the noise and distractions of the outside world, promoting relaxation and stress relief. Floating effortlessly in the buoyant Epsom salt solution, individuals are freed from the typical sensory stimuli of the outside world. This complete sensory isolation creates a serene and distraction-free environment, allowing the body and mind to let go of daily concerns, anxieties, and mental clutter. As a result, it can trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, fostering feelings of serenity and tranquility.

Epsom salt's magnesium content plays a role in neurotransmitter regulation, particularly serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, sleep and stress management. Adequate magnesium levels can support a balanced mood, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, which can further reduce stress and enhance the relaxation experience in the float tank.

Detoxification

Epsom salt also aids in detoxification. As the body floats effortlessly in the Epsom salt-infused water, toxins are drawn out. This cleansing process can support the body's natural detox mechanisms, enhancing overall health. The combination of the sensory deprivation experience in the float tank and the detoxification benefits of Epsom salt can leave individuals feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, both mentally and physically.

Epsom salts not only cause the user to float, but they are also key proponents to the many physical and mental health benefits of floatation therapy.

Finding a Float Center Near You

Having demystified the many benefits of the salt content in a sensory deprivation tank, we can now turn our attention to the float centers in New York City. Each offers its own unique amenities and distinct experiences in sensory deprivation tank therapy. From private float rooms to salt caves and infrared saunas, these float centers provide an array of services to help you achieve ultimate relaxation and reap the mental and physical benefits of sensory deprivation tank therapy.

Lift Floats

Lift Floats, located in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, offers a variety of float tanks - the only one in NY to have pods. They're home to 3 Evolution Pods (like the one below) and the Ocean Float Room.

FloLo Holistic

FloLo Holistic (formerly Floating Lotus) combines Eastern and Western medicine offering Sensory deprivation floating, cold plunge, infrared sauna, salt caves, massage, acupuncture, and yoga. They offer an open air sensory deprivation for two people. While floating with a partner may seem novel, it’s not recommended (following attempting it ourselves!) by us at Vessel Floats.

Chill Space

Chill Space, a wellness center located in Manhattan, offers a wide range of services, including cryotheraphy, floatation therapy, infrared sauna, salt therapy, and more. Their tanks are kept at 96 degrees.

Holos NYC

Located near Madison Square Park, Holos NYC (Formerly Infinity Float) is a float center offering floating in addition to Hyperthermic Ozone and Carbonic Acid Transdermal Technology, Theraphi, Quantum Flo and other alternative forms of wellness.

Vessel Floats

Vessel Floats like Lift Floats, is the only other wellness studio specializing in sensory deprivation and float therapy exclusively. We’re the largest sensory deprivation studio not just in Brooklyn, NY, but the entire East Coast. Offering 6 amazing walk-in floatation tanks (with 8’ ceilings throughout) for relaxation and mindfulness. The float sessions are carefully scheduled to provide ample time for changing and showers, and include a pre-float dose and post-float reflection drink.