July 25, 2024

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Tucked away in a back corner of Gay Street Plaza is a place called East Coast Float Spa. As its name implies, it’s a spa where people can float for health and relaxation.

The spa is based on the old sensory deprivation tanks developed in the 1950s by neuroscientist John Lily who was studying human consciousness and wanted to see the reaction if the mind was cut off from external stimuli. It has since become another element in complementary or alternative medicine such as massage and acupuncture.

And that’s where East Coast Float Spa enters the picture. Floating in a tank of salt water can be done for multiple health reasons. But gone are the days of the old-style closed sensory deprivation tanks made famous in movies and TV shows such as “Altered States” and “Fringe.”

The spa has three float rooms, not tanks, where patrons can float in 10 inches of water with half a ton of Epsom salt. Water temperature is roughly the same as normal skin temperature, about 93 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s ample room to walk in, lie down, stretch out, and not touch any walls unless desired. When done, just stand up, open the door, and step out.

Matt Kay, co-founder of the spa in West Chester, said using rooms instead of tanks eliminates any sense of claustrophobia. And sensory deprivation is optional. If someone wants lights on, turn them on. If someone wants meditative music, that’s there, too. If not, go dark and go silent.

“That old design using tanks turns off a lot of people,” he said. “Some people get stressed out just looking at a float tank. Our goal was to bring an environment that’s going to allow the most people to get the benefit of the therapy.”

He describes that float area as “an oversized bathtub designed to block out the rest of the world.” He added that because of the high salt content, “It’s like floating on the Dead Sea.”

The rooms are private, with showers. People are required to shower before entering the float area. Floating can be done with or without swimsuits. Kay said floating nude is preferred because that reduces tactile sensation, which enhances the meditative aspect of float therapy.

He said there are myriad benefits to floating, in addition to that meditative quality. Float therapy reduces stress and anxiety, as well as reducing pain and inflammation, and improving sleep.

Kay attests to that firsthand. He was involved in a major car accident years ago. It was a head-on collision, and he still has a metal rod in one leg and a metal plate in his hip. Even now, years later, he can’t get into classic meditative postures, but he can meditate while floating.

“I first got into floating for the mediative aspect. I didn’t know the physical benefits. The first time I floated, when I got out, it was the first time I didn’t feel pain in my body in 10 years,” he said.

Why does float therapy work? Kay said it’s a combination of the magnesium sulfate (the Epsom salt), and the zero-gravity aspect of floating so there are no uncomfortable pressure points, and there are no unwanted external stimuli.

While floating, he said, “Your brain has no sensory input coming in, so after about 15 to 20 minutes, your brain waves slow down” from the high level of everyday life to a slower, calmer meditative state. “It’s your body’s natural relaxation response, the opposite of fight or flight.”

That meditative state can promote healing and an overall sense of well-being. Kay said many people describe the float experience as being like a baby in the womb.

There are some reasons to avoid float therapy. He said people with open sores or other skin problems might have problems with the high salt concentration. He advises men not to shave on the day of a float session.

Another factor is whether a person is on medication. It’s possible, he said, that the magnesium in the Epsom salt could interfere with those meds. Someone with such a concern should talk to their physician before doing a float session. Pregnant women should also check with their doctors before considering float therapy.

For those concerned about sanitation and hygiene, Kay said “The environment is sterile due to the high Epsom salt concentration. It’s even a higher concentration than the Dead Sea.”

Beyond the salinity aspect, the water is also filtered a minimum of three times between each guest using industry sanitation standards. He said the filtration includes UV sanitation, food-grade hydrogen peroxide, and ozone. That filtration is automated, but staff members also do manual cleaning.

“We take the sanitation seriously,” Kay said. “We float here ourselves.”

East Coast Float Spa has several packages, including a Frequent Floater Club. They also offer an oxygen bar, zero-gravity massage chairs, and an infrared sauna. For more information visit their website at https://eastcoastfloatspa.com or phone 484-881-3413. Sessions can be one hour, 90 minutes, or two hours. Appointments are required.

Kay said interested people should try it twice because, “while most people enjoy their first experience, they’ll like the second one even more.”

East Coast Float Spa is in the Gay Street Plaza at 569 E. Gay Street in West Chester.

Also, visit https://www.verywellhealth.com/sensory-deprivation-tank-7496656#toc-determining-if-float-therapy-is-right-for-you for general information about sensory deprivation float therapy.

Update

A day after writing the story, this reporter had the opportunity to try a float session.

It was an interesting experience. While floating from head to toe, it still felt as if part of my body was supported, almost as if I was doing back extensions on an exercise ball. Even my legs floated, something they never do. I could feel areas where there was muscular stress: calves, quads, and mid-back, but everything else was calm and relaxed. Breathing was shallow and calm. The head floatation pillow is a great touch. Care was needed in sitting up and getting out after an hour of supine floating. It took a moment for normal equilibrium to return. Good thing they have handrails. Use them if you try it.

End update