Float Tank
Williamsburg Salt Spa offers the ultimate relaxation experience by having you float in tanks of silky, skin temperature water, which have been saturated with the purest quality salt. For maximum comfort, our tanks are located in private rooms with a shower.
Floating is a perfectly calming experience having no contact points, no movement, no postural muscle action. You will be fully supported, and will expend no physical energy to maintain your position in the water. The tank can be closed to take advantage of the full experience, or it can be left open for your comfort.The water is kept at a constant temperature of 94.5 degrees, which feels warm at first, but soon becomes almost imperceptible. The line between the air and the water becomes blurred.
For your protection, the water in the float tank is completely filtered 5 times through a high-tech filtration system following each float session. The cleaning process includes 1 micron filtration, Germicidal UV lamps, and an Advanced Oxidation Process, making the water more sanitary than any swimming pool or hot tub.
To schedule an appointment please call at:
757.229.1022
Prepare For Your Visit
RULES AND REGULATIONS
- Reservations are required.
- Please refrain from scheduling your appointment if you have any of the following conditions:
- Have colored or permed your hair recently; color has to be permanent, and no dye comes out while showering.
- Have a spray tan;
- Infectious skin or respiratory disorders;
- Open wounds;
- Incontinence;
- Epilepsy;
- The first trimester of pregnancy;
- A high-risk pregnancy;
- Under the influence of any drug or alcohol;
- Any mental conditions;
- You must be 18 or older to use the Float Tank. (13-17 with the parental presence or written permission)
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. If you arrive late, your session will end at the originally scheduled time, so the clients following you are not penalized.
- Every Float Tank session lasts 60 minutes.
- No electronic devices are recommended in the Float Tank room. Williamsburg Salt Spa is not responsible for any damaged items.
- Do not apply any products/treatment to your hair/body on the day of your appointment.
- Do not shave shortly before floating.
- Do not eat a big meal or drink caffeine within two hours of float appointment.
- Remove jewelry, contact lenses, hairpieces, accessories, etc. prior to floating.
ABOUT OUR FLOAT TANK
- You are in full control of the pod at all times. There is a handle in the middle of the lid where you can close and open the pod or keep it somewhere in between. We highly recommend closing the tank. The water temperature is 95F, same temperature as the human body, it is constantly staying warm by the internal heater. When you close the tank the air becomes 95F as well
- Inside the tank are two large buttons. These buttons are air buttons and operate strictly by pushing. The first BIG button is in charge of music, there are three levels of volume or you can turn it off. The second BIG button is for the light. The tiny silver button in the middle is an emergency/intercom button.
- You may not feel comfortable if salt water gets into your eyes. Keep your hair pushed back and your hands away from your eyes to avoid it. We provide a spray bottle with fresh water on the side of the tank, so you can always clean your eyes during your float session if necessary.
- For first time floaters we have a neck noodle and ear plugs. We encourage the full floatation experience where no neck noodle is used. It is an amazing experience when your ears are submerged under the water and you can begin to hear your own heart beating! Using the ear plugs is not necessary but it is highly recommended if you have tubes in your ears or if you have swimmers ear. Make sure to dry your ears out after your session (the q-tips are available in the powder room).
- Please ask us for a shower cap if needed. It will not keep your hair dry but it will help you to keep your hair away from your face.
PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE THE SHOWER CAP OR ANY OTHER ITEMS FLOATING IN THE TANK AFTER EXITING. IT MIGHT DAMAGE THE ENGINE. - Be mindful that the floor may become wet during your session.
PROCEDURE
- Please use the restroom while waiting to avoid any delays to your service.
- Make sure your cell phone is off and feel free to lock your door.
- Please take a quick shower to remove the oils from your body.
- DO NOT apply any conditioner/treatments to your hair, body or the float tank itself before floating.
- IT IS PROHIBITED TO ADD ANYTHING (OILS, FRAGRANCES, BATH SALT, CONDITIONERS, SOAPS, ETC.) TO THE FLOAT TANK.
- Turn off the lights in the room to gain the full relaxation experience of your float.
- Enter the tank and lay with your feet towards the light and your head at the opening of the tank.
- Press either BIG button and you will hear a short introductory message, then your float session will begin. When your time is up you will hear another message informing you the session is over and at that time we need you to exit the tank.
- Our filtration system will start working a minute later, it is not part of your treatment and we ask you to exit immediately.
- If you decide to leave your session before you hear the post message, please use the intercom to notify the attendant so she can assist you back to the front desk.
- Take a quick shower where hair and body products may be used.
- Please remember that we have other scheduled sessions following and we ask you to keep this extremely timely.
- Get dressed and collect your belongings then proceed to our powder room if needed.
- We provide hair dryers, hair products, lotion, cotton swabs, etc. We don’t provide combs/brushes. When using the blow dryers please use it as your first step to your time in our powder room. This will ensure the session following will have a tranquil experience.
Please remember to drink lots of water!
Please remember to drink lots of water!
ENJOY YOUR FLOAT SESSION!
DISCLAIMER
The information, advice and services made available at Williamsburg Salt Spa and WilliamsburgSaltSpa.com web site are not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Services at Williamsburg Salt Spa and information on its web site are provided for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. You should consult a physician in all matters relating to your health, and particularly in respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. Any action on your part in response to the information provided at Williamsburg Salt Spa and on its web site is at the reader’s discretion. Readers should consult their own physicians prior to beginning any sessions especially if they are pregnant, have epilepsy, or any other type of health conditions. Individuals with very sensitive skin may experience a burning sensation, especially in the private areas. Keep in mind the internal heater is on the bottom of the tank and it is not recommended to sit in the tank for a long period of time. Floor in the treatment room may be slippery when wet, please use caution when walking. Williamsburg Salt Spa, LLC makes no representations or warranties with respect to any information offered through its office or provided on its website WilliamsburgSaltSpa.com regarding any treatment or action. Williamsburg Salt Spa is not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of its facilities or its web site and/or any web site(s) linked to/from it.
Floating not allowed if you have any of the following conditions:
*Infectious skin or respiratory disorders; *Open wounds; *Incontinence; *Serious mental conditions; *A high-risk pregnancy; *First trimester of pregnancy; *Have colored or permed your hair recently; *Have a spray tan; *Under the influence of any drug or alcohol;
HAIR COLOR POLICY:
If you have vibrant hair dyes (such as red, blue, purple, green, etc.), you must wait at least 30 days before floating. This is to ensure that no color bleeds out in the shower or onto towels. Additionally, you must wear a tight-fitting swim cap (provided by you) while floating.
We have found that these bright, permanent, and temporary dyes can leach out of hair for many months after coloring, which can alter the chemistry of our float water. With semi- and demi-permanent hair colors, the color molecules sit on the surface of the hair, meaning that the top layers of color wash off when you wet your hair. This can be extremely costly for us, as the hair dye can discolor our float water and even permanently stain the float pods. If your hair is not running clear in the shower and stains the towel, please reschedule your appointment. If you do not adhere to this policy and the dye damages the float tank, you may be responsible for the cleanup and damage fees. Our guideline is that you must wait until the water runs clear and the dye does not come off in the shower or when you towel dry it. Williamsburg Salt Spa, LLC reserves the right to refuse the service if the guest doesn’t pass the “white towel test”.
Benefits
We have dissolved 900lbs of Epsom salt in 11 inches of water in each of our salt tanks!
Williamsburg Salt Spa offers the ultimate relaxation experience by having you float in tanks of silky, skin temperature water, which have been saturated with the purest quality salt. For maximum comfort, our tanks are located in private rooms with a shower.
Floating is a perfectly calming experience having no contact points, no movement, no postural muscle action. You will be fully supported, and will expend no physical energy to maintain your position in the water. The tank can be closed to take advantage of the full experience, or it can be left open for your comfort. The water is kept at a constant temperature of 94.5 degrees, which feels warm at first, but soon becomes almost imperceptible. The line between the air and the water becomes blurred.
For your protection, the water in the float tank is completely filtered 5 times through a high-tech filtration system following each float session. The cleaning process includes 1 micron filtration, Germicidal UV lamps, and an Advanced Oxidation Process, making the water more sanitary than any swimming pool or hot tub.
Benefits for the mind and body
CONDITIONS KNOWN TO BE IMPROVED BY FLOATING:
- Stress relief
- Muscular pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Rheumatism
- Chronic pain
- Fatigue Fertility
- High blood pressure
- Migraine headache
- Jet lag
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Back pain
- Depression
Heightened Senses
Research indicates increased visual acuity, improved tactile perception, improved auditory sensitivity, and increased taste sensitivities after floating.
Pain Management
Arthritis, back pain, neck pain, tendinitis, bursitis, inflammation, and psychosomatic pain relief have all been documented via tank use.
Relaxation Response
The tank suppresses the functioning of the sympathetic nervous system which when active produces our fight or flight response. And it then activates the parasympathetic nervous system which is responsible for relaxation, healing, replenishment, etc. Some physical symptoms of the relaxation response are decreased muscle tension, decreased blood pressure, decreased stress hormones, and increased endorphins.
Increased Immune Function
Immune function is enhanced by suppressing stress hormones which not only weaken the immune system but also suppress the digestion and reproductive systems, affect regeneration processes, and decrease insulin sensitivity.
Enhanced Healing / Rejuvenation / Recovery
Floating increases circulation to extremities, promotes greater elimination of metabolic by products, decreases the forces of gravity to help promote greater muscular relaxation, and it can prevent adrenal fatigue.
Musculoskeletar Awareness
Floating decreases chronic muscle tension and creates greater awareness of less noticeable areas of muscle tension and imbalances.
Anti-gravity Benefits
Although floating is not zero-gravity (like outer space), the density of the Salt solution does create the maximal amount of the forces of gravity to be dispersed across the greatest surface area of the body. Rigid postures and chronic muscular tension from daily life can cause ailments such as lower-back pain, neck pain, shallow breathing, high blood pressure, etc. The anti-gravity environment of the float tank disperses forces to the smallest amount and thus decreases the source of gravity-related stimulation to the minimum possible value providing relief to these specific areas.
Increased Stress Resistance
Regular floating can alter the set-points in the endocrine homeostatic mechanism which can cause adjustments such as a lower adrenal activation threshold. This means that we become more resistant to the stimuli of chronic stressors bombarding us in modern urban settings and modern lifestyles and literally we have a physiological higher threshold. The modern urban life-style wont affect our stress response as much.
Meditation
Meditation has a plethora of researched benefits and floating is a unique and phenomenal tool to cultivate mental stillness. It often generates a sensation of being intensely awake yet extremely relaxed; presence. It can induce theta-state brainwaves and allows for one to remain conscious in this frequency instead of falling asleep. Floating may induce an altered state of consciousness.
Chronic Stressor Relief
The tanks environment eliminates as much external input as possible. It lets your nervous system have a break. In a city with a constant buzz or hum, our systems rarely experience (if ever) the isolation and silence that the tanks environment provides. Having this experience can be very refreshing, nourishing and healthy for our bodies and minds. We are well adapted for acute stress, however, for chronic stressors such as noise and air pollution; business, social, and family pressures; war; unemployment; street crime fear; general antagonism between the sexes; we are not well adapted and have been cited to be a cause of several forms of disease.
Behaviour Modification
Floating is a great way to bring greater awareness to various patterns of behavior. Floating has shown to have beneficial effects such as decreased anxiety and depression; increased calmness or sense of well-being; it has shown fantastic results towards anti-smoking assistance as well as positive effects on weight-loss programs.
Brain Synchronization
After settling into the floating experience research has shown greater hemisphere synchronization (promoting greater communication between the right (creative-side) and left (analytical-side) lobes; the majority of people are left-dominated. Also, people experience increased vertical communication between the primitive reptilian brain, the limbic middle or mammalian brain and the conscious neocortex. These synchronizing reactions can cause elevated states of creativity, greater non-linear connections, and deeper realizations.
Visualization
The combination of being extremely relaxed while intensely awake allows techniques of visualization to become very powerful. From athletes preparing for competition to public speakers rehearsing a presentation, the tank can induce the calm needed to perform at ones best. Mental rehearsal research has shown it to be just as practical as physical rehearsal.
Sensitivity Buffering
Some of us are known as introverts while others are extroverts. Introverts who float can gain a feeling of safety and security, they often enjoy the break from constant stimulation in which they are usually hypersensitive to. No person or thing will disturb you while in the tank. Extroverts can develop greater internal sensitivity from floating, typically they are always seeking extra stimulation and paradoxically through depriving the senses the nervous systems response is to (turn up the volume) to try and feel more. Since minimal input is coming in they are able to develop greater sensitivity to their internal reality and over time they may not feel the need to be constantly stimulated; i.e. it may heighten their (dulled) senses, and wont need to be constantly stimulated.
Poor Sleep / Insomnia
From managing chronic stress and inducing a natural calm, to facilitating introspection and identifying various less-serving modes of thinking, many people report drastically improved sleeping abilities. The change in your physical state and your mental outlook may provide you with a healthier perspective in which to put your body and mind to rest much easier each night if sleeping is an issue. Also, 90 minutes in the tank can feel like 6-8 hours of sleep. It is extremely therapeutic, refreshing and rejuvenating. So if you pulled an all-nighter, suffer from insomnia or have a baby who never lets you sleep the night through, floating can help make up for any lack of sleep you may experiencing.
History
The history of floatation begins in the early 50s. In neurophysiology, there had been an open question about what keeps the brain going and the origin of its energy sources. One hypothesis was that the energy sources are biological and internal and do not depend upon the outside environment. It was argued that if all stimuli are cut off from the brain then the brain would go to sleep. John C. Lilly, a medical practitioner and neuropsychiatrist, decided to test this hypothesis and, with this in mind, created an environment that isolated an individual from external stimulation. From here, he studied the origin of consciousness and its relation to the brain. The first isolation tank (float tank)was built in 1954 at the US National Institute of Mental Health. After 10 years of experimentation without taking any psychoactive substances, he tried floating in combination with a psychedelic agent. He found that floating alone, without taking any substances, was a much better experience because of non-disturbed consciousness. Floating remained exclusively in the laboratory setting, until 1972, when Lilly partnered up with Glenn and Lee Perry. The first commercial float tank was developed a year later.
Peter Suedfeld and Roderick Borrie of the University of British Columbia began experimenting with the therapeutic benefits of isolation tanks in the late 1970s. They named their technique “Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy” (REST). The 80s truly became a decade of growth for floatation. The research was continued by testing the float tank’s effect on anything from physical recovery to stress relief to smoking cessation to susceptibility to hypnosis. The new chapter for the float tank industry began again in the early 2000’s offering the highest technology float tanks promoting the utmost relaxing spa experience.
Prices
Float Tank
# session | per person |
1 session | $69.00 |
5 sessions | $295.00 $59 each |
10 sessions | $500.00 $50 each |
Packages of 5 sessions are for the recipient only and cannot be shared.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Prepare Myself For Floating?
Come to Williamsburg Salt Spa with an open and positive state-of-mind. Most importantly…relax. The tank will enhance that experience if you arrive relaxed; the experience will be more beneficial to you. There are a few additional things to consider:
- Try not to shave right before arriving. It isn’t the end of the world if you do…but salt water on freshly shaven skin isn’t the most pleasant thing on Earth. Your skin may sting and distract you from achieving deep relaxation.
- Do not apply any products/treatment to your hair/body on the day of your appointment.
- If you wear contacts, it would be in your best interest to remove them before floating (bring a container in which to store them).
- If you have caffeine before you float, it may also interfere with your ability to relax.
- Eating a light meal about 90 minutes to an hour ahead of time will keep your stomach from being a distraction.
What Is Floating?
Floating is an experience of ultimate peace and relaxation in which you spend one-hour in a private, specialized pod, filled with ten inches of highly-saturated salt water. This causes you to float completely and effortlessly atop the water, experiencing near zero-gravity.
Who Can Float?
There are no typical isolation tank users. People of all ages and walks of life enjoy the experience equally. Floating can be done by nearly anyone from stressed-out managers, overworked moms, athletes, to most individuals just wanting to escape from everyday life to experience a state of complete physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. We do, however, highly recommend that if you suffer from any medical conditions (clinically-diagnosed depression or others) that you consult your primary care physician prior to floating. For guests from ages 13-18 we require parental presence, or written permission. Due to the comfort of all our guests, all of our float sessions are quiet sessions so we don’t offer them to young children.
What If I Am Claustrophobic?
People who say they are afraid to use the tank because they are claustrophobic probably assume that they will be confined to an enclosed space. Our float pods are spacious (8ft long and 5ft wide), allowing one to put his/her arms over their head, out to the sides, and sit up in the pod if necessary. Although many choose to float in complete darkness, inside lighting is available and at the control of the floater. You can also use the tank with the door open if you wish. You are in control of the situation, and can get in and out whenever you want. Use the floating experience in a way that is comfortable for you.
Can Pregnant Women Float?
Yes. We do, however, recommend that pregnant women avoid floating during the first trimester. If you have any concerns about the effects of floating on your pregnancy, consult your physician and get permission from them before you float. It is interesting that pregnant women probably get more relief from floating than most people. The extra weight carried by the mother-to-be can be very stressful, due to the forces of gravity. Floating eliminates the negative effects of gravity which can cause joint pain, inflammation, and stress on the organs, as well as on the unborn baby.
How Do You Clean The Tanks?
For your protection, the water in the float tank is completely filtered 5 times through a high-tech filtration system after each float session. The cleaning process includes 1 micron filtration, Germicidal UV lamps, and an Advanced Oxidation Process, making the water more sanitary than a swimming pool or hot tub.
How Long Do People Usually Stay In The Tank?
Our floatation tank sessions last 60 minutes. You will have a few extra minutes to take a quick shower before and after your session.
Are There Situations In Which I Will Not Be Permitted To Use The Flotation Tank?
We will not allow you to float if you have any of the following conditions:
- Infectious skin or respiratory disorders
- Open wounds
- Incontinence
- Epilepsy or serious mental conditions
- A high-risk pregnancy
- First trimester of pregnancy
- Have colored or permed your hair within 7 days
- Have a spray tan
- Under the influence of any drug or alcohol
- Under the age of 13, (13-18 without parental presence or written permission).
- We expect you to inform us of any conditions for your own safety and the safety of other floaters!
Do I Need To Bring Anything?
If you have long hair, you may want to bring a comb. Also, something in which to put your contact lenses while you are in the tank. Other than that, we provide everything you need (towels, earplugs, body wash/shampoo).
Will I Float Even If I Can’t Float Anywhere?
Yes. It is impossible not to float in the tank. Eight hundred pounds of salt dissolved in the water makes the solution so much denser than your body, that your body is pushed to the surface like a cork. Your face is out of the solution and your ears are underwater. So no matter your weight or height, you will float on your back like a cork.
Is There A Right Way To Do It?
All the ways are right. Each person should find whatever position is comfortable for them. Some people float with their hands at their sides, some with their hands folded across their chest or abdomen, or even behind their heads. You can keep your head at either end or sit up if you like. You may float with the door open or closed. Float the way which is comfortable for you and explore this unique experience.
What To Expect?
It is such an individual experience. Not only will it be different for you than it is for anyone else, it will be different each time. The most common reports are profound peace and relaxation, deep concentration, and renewed creativity.
Is It Dangerous To Sleep In The Tank?
No. It is safe to sleep in the tank. In fact, many people safely fall asleep in the tank as a result of being so relaxed. Even those who say they never sleep on their backs in bed, do so very easily in the tank. People may think it is unsafe due to the fear of rolling over, but because of the solutions density, it is very difficult to turn over. If this were ever to happen the salinity of the water would irritate the eyes and nose, immediately waking the floater.
Is There Enough Air In The Tank?
Yes. The tank is designed not to be airtight, so there is a plentiful supply of air. In addition, here is a vent across the rear of the tank for plenty of air.
Is There A Best Time To Use The Tank?
No. This is a matter of individual preference. Some people prefer morning, some prefer evening. The best way to find out, is to experiment by using the tank at different times of the day.
What If I Cannot Swim?
The floatation pod is only filled with 11 inches of water and has such a high-density of salt that any individual, big or small, will float like a cork on top of the water. Many people even restfully sleep while in the floatation pod.
Will I Be Able To Resume My Daily Activities Afterward?
Yes. Many people enjoy savoring peace and relaxation before having to do something hectic or tedious. However, some first-time floaters may experience a “detox effect” as a result of the detoxification power of the salts. Take note: The detox effect can leave one feeling fatigued, so first-time floaters should plan their day accordingly.
How Often Should I Float?
While you can float every day without harm, we find that the relaxing effects of a one-hour float typically lasts beyond that day. For best results, we recommend regular sessions, and many clients find that floating once or twice a week provides the most benefits.
Will I Get Hot Or Cold In The Water?
You will feel neither hot nor cold. The self-monitoring, homeostatic tank, continuously regulates the temperature of the water to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the temperature of the surface of the skin, creating a feeling of truly floating in the air.
How Long Have Float Tanks Been Around?
Floating has been around for over 40 years and has countless published research to back it up. The first float tank was developed in 1954. These involved full submersion in water, and a breathing device which completely covered the face. The first “lay down” commercial tanks were invented in the early 70s.
Can Two People Float Together?
No, they can’t. Floating in the tank is intended to be a private, individual experience. We have two tanks so you can reserve the session at the same time, but you will be in different rooms.
Do I Wear Anything In The Tank?
Since it is a private experience, most people don’t wear anything. Anything you wear will press against your body, becoming a distraction. In this regard, imagine it to be similar to getting into your bathtub.
Do I Need To Shower?
Yes, you need to shower before and after you float. We have a private shower in each tank room for your comfort and convenience. Shampoo, soap, and conditioner are also provided.
Do I Float In Private?
Yes. The floatation tanks are in private rooms with a shower in the same room.
Can I Wear A Bathing Cap?
Yes, if you choose, but it won’t keep your hair dry. It would have to be too tight around your head to keep your hair dry.
What Effect Does Salt Water Have On My Skin?
The salt solution is beneficial to the skin. The solution will leave your skin silky smooth, and not dry it out. The high salt content of the water means that the water will not draw the salt from your skin and cause wrinkles, like a long bath does. Salt has been used for centuries as a medicinal treatment for various skin conditions, including in the ancient Roman Empire. It is non-toxic and is not harmful if swallowed.
Can I Float If I Just Dyed My Hair?
While there is no guarantee that the salt won’t strip color from your hair, we recommend that you check if the water running through your hair in the shower at home is fully clear. If there is still some color coming out, you should wait a couple more days/showers.
If I Have A Cut Or Scratch, How Can I Float Without Irritating It?
While a Band-Aid will come off in the water, a liquid bandage would be acceptable. However, it is not recommended that you float if you have an open, bleeding wound, in the process of healing.
Can I Use The Tank When Menstruating?
Follow the swimming pool guidelines.
Is The Salt Dangerous To My Eyes?
No, but it can be a little uncomfortable. So keep your hair pushed back and your hands away from your eyes to avoid it. We provide a spray bottle with clean water on the side of the tanks, so you can always clean your eyes during your float session if necessary.