Tranquility in the Concrete Jungle: Exploring New York's Sensory Deprivation Tanks
New York City can be exhilarating, but sometimes we all crave a moment of peace and tranquility amidst the chaos. Enter the sensory deprivation tank – a unique experience that offers a temporary escape from the constant noise, lights, and stimulation of city life. Below, we’ll dive into the world of isolation tanks and explore how they can provide a much-needed respite for New Yorkers seeking a moment of zen.
Sensory deprivation tanks, also known as isolation tanks or floatation tanks, are designed to create an environment free of external distractions. Filled with skin-temperature water infused with Epsom salts, these tanks allow you to effortlessly float while shutting out the noise of the outside world. Through the absence of sight, sound, and gravity, these tanks offer a chance to disconnect and introspect, promoting relaxation, stress and anxiety reduction, and creativity.
As we navigate life in NYC, it's essential to prioritize self-care and find moments of solace. Join us as we delve into the exploration of New York's sensory deprivation tanks and uncover the tranquility that awaits within.
The Benefits of Floatation Therapy
The health benefits of sensory deprivation tanks are numerous. Research has shown that floating in these tanks can help reduce anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality, and enhance cognitive function. The weightlessness experienced in the tanks also relieves pressure on joints and muscles, providing physical relief for those suffering from chronic pain or injuries. The sensory deprivation experience can even stimulate the release of endorphins, and will have you leaving your float with a profound sense of calm and well-being.
How Isolation Tanks Work
The magic of sensory deprivation tanks lies in the carefully controlled environment. As you enter the float tank and lie in the water, the high concentration of Epsom salts allows your body to float effortlessly. The water in float tank is heated to match your skin temperature, creating a sensation of weightlessness.
To further enhance the sensory deprivation experience, these tanks are designed to eliminate external stimuli entirely. The tanks are soundproof, blocking out any noises from the outside world. They are also completely dark, with no light entering the tank. This absence of sensory input allows your brain to enter a deeply relaxed state, free from the constant stimuli that we encounter in our daily lives.
What to expect during a Float Therapy session
Before your first sensory deprivation tank session, it's natural to have some questions and uncertainties. Let's walk through what you can expect during your experience to help ease any concerns.
Upon arrival at the float center, you'll be greeted by a staff member who will guide you through the process. They'll provide you with a brief overview of what to expect and answer any questions you may have. Prior to being shown to your private room, you’ll choose from our menu of pre-float doses, as well as select your post-float drink.
After being given time to shower and prepare, you'll step into the tank. The water and high concentration of Epsom salts will make you naturally buoyant, allowing you to float. As you settle into the tank, you'll gradually become aware of the absence of external stimuli. The darkness and silence may feel unfamiliar at first, but as your body and mind adjust, a sense of tranquility will wash over you.
The session typically lasts for about an hour, although we offer up to three hour sessions for those seeking a longer deprivation experience. During this time, you're encouraged to let go of any expectations and simply surrender to the present moment. You may find your mind wandering, or you may experience a state of deep relaxation and stillness. Whatever arises, allow yourself to fully embrace the experience without judgment.
Maximizing Your New York Sensory Deprivation Tank Experience
Embrace the unknown
Let go of any preconceived notions or expectations. Allow yourself to surrender to the reality of experience and be open to whatever arises.
Practice mindfulness
Use the time in the tank to cultivate mindfulness. Focus on your breath, observe your thoughts, relax and stay present in the moment.
Experiment with floating in different positions
While floating on your back is the most common position, feel free to explore different position that feel comfortable to you.
Set intentions
Before stepping into the tank, you'll have time to enjoy your pre-float dose and set an intention for your float. Take advantage of this time before your float to set an intention for your session. Whether it's to find inner peace, release stress and tension, or gain clarity, having a clear intention can enhance your overall experience.
Take your time afterward
After your session, give yourself some time to slowly transition back into the outside world. Take a warm shower, then feel free to journal your thoughts, or simply relax and enjoy your post-float drink before immersing yourself back into the hustle and bustle of the city.
Sensory Deprivation Tank vs. Meditation: A comparison
Both sensory deprivation tank therapy and meditation offer a path to inner calm, healing and self-discovery, but they differ in their approaches. While meditation requires both effort and an active engagement of the mind, sensory deprivation tanks create an environment that naturally induces a meditative state.
In a sensory deprivation tank, the absence of external stimuli allows your mind and body to effortlessly enter a state of deep relaxation. The sensory deprivation experience acts as a catalyst for meditation, making it easier for beginners or those with busy minds to achieve a state of stillness and focus.
Meditation, on the other hand, involves consciously directing your attention and training your mind to stay present. It can be practiced anywhere, at any time. Meditation cultivates mindfulness and self-awareness, helping you develop a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and inner experiences.
Both practices offer unique health benefits, and many individuals find that combining them enhances their overall effects. Whether you choose to explore sensory deprivation tanks, meditation, or a combination of both, the key is to find a practice that resonates with you and supports your journey towards tranquility.
Finding a Sensory Deprivation Tank in New York City
If you're intrigued by the idea of experiencing sensory deprivation in the heart of New York City, you're in luck. The city that never sleeps offers a range of options for those seeking tranquility in a sensory deprivation tank.
Lift/Next Level Floats is located in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Lift is home to a variety of float tanks, and is known most notably as the only space in NY to have float pods (pictured below). In addition to their 3 Evolution pods, they also offer an Ocean Float Room.
Vessel Floats is an incredible sensory deprivation and float therapy studio in Brooklyn, NY, offering state of the art floatation tanks with 8’ ceilings throughout. Not only are we the largest sensory deprivation studio in NYC, we’re the largest on the East Coast!
Float therapy at Vessel Floats can help you feel more relaxed, enjoy better quality sleep, and unleash your creativity. These float sessions are carefully scheduled to provide ample time for changing and showers, and include a pre-float dose and post-float drink to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience from start to finish. Our different membership options can help you incorporate floating into your regular practice.
In Manhattan exists Blue Light Floatation. The oldest float center in NYC, Blue Light Floatation has been run out of the owner’s Chelsea apartment for almost 40 years. In addition to their float tank (pictured below), they also offer Far Infrared Sauna therapy.
In addition to the sensory deprivation tanks at FloLo Holistic (formerly Floating Lotus), FloLo offers a range of wellness services such as massage therapy and acupuncture, allowing you to create a personalized experience that utilizes Eastern and Western medicine. Their open air sensory deprivation tank accommodates two people (pictured below) - though we at Vessel Floats don’t recommend floating with a partner (trust us, we’ve tried it!)
Embracing Tranquility in the Midst of the City
In a city as vibrant and fast-paced as New York, finding moments of tranquility is essential for our overall health and well-being. Sensory deprivation tanks offer a unique and immersive experience that allows us to disconnect from the noise and chaos of the outside world and reconnect with ourselves.
Through sensory deprivation, New Yorkers can carve out moments of peace amidst the city. Whether you're seeking relaxation, stress reduction, enhanced creativity, or simply a break from the demands of everyday life, sensory deprivation tanks offer a sanctuary where you can find solace and introspection.
So, the next time you find yourself looking for a moment of zen, consider embarking on a sensory deprivation tank in the heart of New York City. Discover the tranquility that awaits within these floating sanctuaries and emerge refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to embrace the bustling urban landscape with a renewed sense of calm and clarity.
