FITVINE MAG - MAY/JUNE 2019

FLOATATION
THERAPY 101
If you haven’t heard of floatation therapy before, it usually
takes place in a pod or ‘tank’ of warm salt water,
which is often lightless and soundproof. You float in
the pod, lying back and drifting into a blissful meditative
state, perfect for rejuvenating your mind and body.
In Oxford, the Oxford Floatation Centre is a key part of
many people’s wellbeing and relaxation routines. The
Oxford Floatation Centre team will be at FitFest Oxford
on 15 th June, but they’ve kindly explained more about
the benefits of floatation therapy below.
Chronic pain and fibromyalgia sufferers have benefited
greatly from the hour of complete weightlessness that
float therapy brings. Once the body is in a position without
gravitational pull, the spine can realign and the joints
are able to feel free of pressure. Clients often feel more
mobile and are pain-free for several hours (and sometimes
even days) after their float session.
Many rugby players, footballers, golfers and runners
float regularly to prevent injury, as floating doesn’t just
relax the muscles. It also focuses the mind, eliminating
the kind of distractions and carelessness that can lead to
injuries. Many athletes have reported that this time alone
in the tank allows them 60 minutes to enhance their performance
using visualisation.
Float therapy also increases the speed it takes for their
muscles to recover post-workout, reducing lactic acid at a
quicker rate, and reducing swelling from the intense exercise,
which is better than just bathing.
Part of Oxford Floatation Centre’s mission is to make floating
accessible and affordable to the people who need it most.
They offer single 60-minute floating, floating with a friend
(in separate tanks) or float packages, too.
FitVine 55