Weightlessness
The
weight of the world is a heavy load to carry on your shoulders. You can google
search over 300 million tips for how to relax. Or, you can take an Epsom salt
bath in quiet darkness and experience weightlessness.
This
time last year the Lovely Deputy and This Girl were on a new wave health
journey, we went to Sydney and ate Paelo, raw and live food, and drank
superfood smoothies. We sat in a Himalayan salt room and we tried floating.
A
float tank is an enclosed pod filled with highly concentrated salt water that
allows you to float unassisted. Step up and into the pod, close the door behind
you and lie down. When you’re ready, turn off the light. You can choose to play
your own music or you can float in silence and hear only the sound of your
breath.
Floating
has similar benefits to mediation and massage without the discipline or
personal contact. It’s been around for decades but it’s fairly new to Hobart.
Tranquility
Float has been open since January 2016 and is operated by owner Chris Ball. This
Girl was very excited when Chris invited me to come float and I was keen to
know why she decided to go into the business of floating.
‘I
like floating because it improves wellbeing in so many ways: better sleep,
better mood, more relaxed muscles. I like that even if you don't feel a
miraculous change, there are lasting benefits to floating, and no side effects
at all. I'm a scientist with over 10 years’ experience in conservation science,
but with a young son realised I wanted to spend more time with him, but also
more time feeling calm and relaxed. I wanted to be surrounded by people seeking
a more purposeful existence, people on a path to self-improvement,’ Chris said.
Like
meditation and massage, floating is also an investment in your inner health.
It’s the moral equivalent to taking time to smell the roses.
This
Girl has taken to running so I wanted to know what Chris thought were the
benefits for runners and other athletes.
‘If
you're a runner or athlete, floating will help your muscles recover after a
workout. The tank is filled with Epsom salts, which is magnesium sulphate. The
magnesium is absorbed by your skin, and is an essential component of muscle
repair. This is especially important in Australia, where many of our soils are
depleted in magnesium, so many Australians are magnesium deficient, and
experience aches or cramps on a regular basis. Floating regularly can alleviate
the need to take oral magnesium supplements, and is absorbed better. Athletes
can benefit from floating by floating before their game/match/event (this would
be equivalent to "psyche up" time and can focus performance efforts),
or after their event to relax, wind down, and allow muscles to recover,’ Chris
said.
Tranquility
Float is based in Taroona. Chris wanted to create a float centre that was set in a
homely-environment and found a property specifically for the job. She’s done
well. You arrive at a normal home in a suburban street, signage will point you
to the doors of Tranquility Float. The space is relaxed, light and peaceful. You’ll
complete your registration form and Chris will show you the float tanks and
bathroom and then it’s over to you.
This
Girl had spent four days washing walls, sanding, filling gaps and painting, up
and down a ladder. My body just can’t do as much as it used to. I had aches and
pains everywhere but my arms were really feeling it having clenched an
applicator gun, rollers and paintbrushes for hours and hours. I was so tired I
wanted cry. I chatted with Chris awhile and found her a very calm, considered
woman. I was aware of the pain subsiding in my right arm during the float and
afterwards I felt rejuvenated – like I had got a charge of energy. That night I
slept like a dog.
A
float tank is a confined space. I’m not claustrophobic but I was still aware of
the heaviness of the air around me. If you’re unsure how you would go, you can
turn the light on at any time, open the door, or just get out. If it’s your
first time and you feel unsure, taking your own music might help.
Tip: make sure you go the toilet beforehand.
You
shower before and after your float. A towel, bathrobe, thongs, soap, shampoo
and conditioner are all supplied. You can take a moment in the waiting area
once you’re done or rest on the patio looking over the Derwent River.
Chris’
clients include people with ailments like high blood pressure (floating can
reduce stress and blood pressure), sciatica, and those who need to relax, and
parents, who just need to get some rest. And on that note, Chris is hatching a
plan to do Friday family afternoons where parents can bring their kids who can
play supervised while they float. If you’re interested let her know.
There
are a few contra-indicators too – gastro, open wounds and having had your hair
dyed within two weeks. If this applies, it’s best to let her know beforehand.
Tranquility
Float smells of aromatherapy mists produced by Hobart naturopath Mariangela
Parodi under the name Alkymia Essence Mists. You can buy a range of the
essential oils from Chris for your home.
Tranquility
Float has two Apollo Float Tanks and Chris says they are an Australian designed
and manufactured tank, used by the Australian Institute of Sport. Chris is an
environmental scientist and she’s been monitoring water quality for a
profession for years. She applies Australian pool and spa water quality
standards to her float tanks.
Floating
is a very calming experience. I’m really pleased Chris made contact with us and
I’ll definitely be back. Why not invest in yourself a little and give it a go?
You
can find Tranquility Float at 1 Hinsby Road, Taroona.
