42 october 2016 LNeonline.com

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1 42 october 2016 LNeonline.com

2 the benefits of FLOATATION THERAPY The ULTIMATE Experience of Renewal by Nicole Nunns Sensory deprivation therapy. What is this growing trend on the wellness scene, and how is it being used? Sensory deprivation therapy takes place in an isolation tank, a term coined by the late American physician John C. Lilly in 1954, who devised the first one. The idea behind this tank was to isolate the brain from all external stimulants while subjects floated in warm salt water in a lightless, soundproof tank. Today, because humans don t like to be deprived of anything, many businesses refer to these facilities as an isolation floatation chamber, float room or floatation tank. The alternative to these rooms is a cheaper, simpler float pod. LNEonline.com october

3 T he appearance of these facilities is growing rapidly in wellness centers across Europe and the United States. A long list of celebrities including the likes of Elle Macpherson, Kristin Wiig and Jeff Bridges are fans of the experience due to its amazing mental and physical benefits. The New England Patriots credit their star quarterback Tom Brady with introducing them to floatation therapy, which they say increases their stamina for the big game and relaxes their tense muscles afterward. Floatation tanks are also now popping up in professional sport locker rooms, wellness spas, yoga studios and standalone float centers. Tom Wunk, owner and founder of The Float Place in Deer Park, New York, explains why he was inspired to open his own facility after trying the experience: The peace and relaxation I felt through my entire being after my first float was nothing short of life changing. It wasn't just a glimpse at feeling good, it transformed me physically and mentally for a few weeks. I knew I had to spread this to the people of Long Island. the FLOATER S PERSPECTIVE Reducing one s sensory input leads to a uniquely spiritual experience, and an overall feeling of deep relaxation. During an immersive floating experience, the brain may cease to process verbal information, imagery can become more vivid and the floater will realize that while they have a body, the body is not what defines them as a being. I have been hooked on floating since my first experience one year ago. During my first few minutes of lying in 95.8 degree water (the same temperature as the surface of the skin), anxiety-ridden thoughts raced through my head: "What am I doing here? I m naked, can anyone see me? If so, I m sure they ran by now!" But as the minutes continued to pass, 44 october 2016 LNeonline.com

4 these thoughts did as well, until I felt weightless and calm. After 90 minutes (which felt like a mere 30 minutes), soft music awakened me from a peaceful slumber. After I emerged from the tank, I showered and changed back into my clothing. I was escorted to a relaxation lounge to reflect on my float experience and enjoy my new overall sense of wellbeing. Not only was the lounge stocked with an array of herbal teas, they had sketch pads too, where I drew enlightening doodles and flipped through the artwork of fellow floaters. They made me smile. As ironic as it sounds, I felt extremely relaxed and energized at the same time. BENEFITS Floaters experience a vast array of physical and mental benefits, from the immediate to the long term: Physical In a typical floatation tank, 1,000 pounds of pharmaceutical grade Epsom salts are mixed into the water to make one float. The Epsom salt helps replenish the floater's magnesium deficiencies, as magnesium sulfate can be absorbed through the skin. Floating is also known to boost stamina, endurance and energy for enhanced performance, making it especially valuable for athletes and fitness buffs. Floaters often find relief from chronic pain, headaches and migraines. Symptoms of insomnia and fatigue can also be alleviated from floating. Many floaters rave about enjoying some of the best sleep of their lives afterward. LNEonline.com october

5 Beauty Being immersed in Epsom salt softens skin and hair, while also cleansing and detoxifying the body. When showering, the layer of salt on the body works as an exfoliator while it s lathered up and rinsed off. Removing the dead layer of the stratum corneum further boosts the skin s post-float glow all over the body. Psychological When the mind is unsettled, nothing else feels balanced. Proponents of floating believe that symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression can be alleviated with floating due to its deeply relaxing, meditative effect. Putting oneself back into reset mode via a floating experience can enable one to think clearly and be mindful. With so many physical diseases and illnesses linked to stress, this benefit alone can have a domino effect. PRE and POST-CARE INSTRUCTIONS When clients book their first floating appointment, advise them of the following: Do not shave for at least four hours prior to the float, as the salt water can sting shaved skin. Don t arrive too hungry or too full to the session, as it is ideal to not feel the stomach during the floatation. Avoid alcohol and stimulants like caffeine or smoking at least three hours prior to the floating session. Upon arriving for the float experience, clients must shower and remove any heavy makeup, perfumes and excessive hair products. The only part of the body they should dry following the shower is Say you saw it in LNE & Spa and circle #140 on reader service card 46 october 2016 LNeonline.com

6 MORE THAN 110,000 PROFESSIONALS TRUST BOOKER TO RUN AND GROW THEIR SPA EVERY DAY. Luxury hospitality brands and day spas around the world choose Booker because of our commitment to innovation and proven growth results. Booker takes care of the booking, payment, customer management, and marketing, for spas of all sizes, so you can take care of your clients. Let us help you grow. Visit booker.com/helpgrow or call to schedule your tour today. LNEonline.com october Say you saw it in LNE & Spa and circle #154 on reader service card

7 CONTRAINDICATIONS the face. This helps prevent them from wiping away dripping water and burning their eyes with pure salt during the floatation. They should be nude to enjoy the full benefits (though some facilities allow clients to wear a bathing suit if they are more comfortable) and wear disposable earplugs provided by the facility to act as buffers against noise that occurs from any slight movement of the body in the water. Following the float session, which lasts anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes, clients must shower again to remove the salty layer on the skin s surface. The floater should be provided with water and herbal teas to rehydrate and a relaxing space to unwind following the session. They should also be advised to relax for a day or two. Although almost anyone can enjoy a float session, there are some people who should avoid it or proceed with caution. Individuals who suffer from claustrophobia may be concerned about a feeling of being trapped. However, one upside of floating is that the floater has control. The floater has access to lighting and doors that can be opened and closed as they please. Those who suffer from plaque psoriasis or severe eczema should consult with their physician before floating. Due to the large quantities of salt in each tank, the experience may be extremely irritating to those skin conditions, especially if open lesions are present. BETWEEN CLIENTS, THE TANKS ARE CLEANED THROUGH A FILTRATION SYSTEM. THE ANTIMICROBIAL ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT AS WELL AS OZONE OXIDIZES AND DESTROYS ANY FORM OF BACTERIA. THE SALT ITSELF IS ALSO VERY EFFECTIVE IN CREATING A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT. 48 october 2016 LNeonline.com

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9 RETURN on INVESTMENT Whether you choose to incorporate a float pod or floatation tank, there are significant initial expenses involved, but also a potentially worthwhile return on investment. For a floatation pod, your upfront costs for the first year would average out to the following: 1 FLOAT POD ($20,000) 1 YEARS WORTH OF EPSOM SALT ($1,500) 1 YEARS WORTH OF BATHING MATERIAL, INCLUDING SHAMPOO, CONDITIONER, BODY WASH AND LINENS ($700) ELECTRICITY ($500) ESTIMATED BUILD OUT, IF NEEDED ($3,000) FILTERS ($300) Based on these figures, the first-year costs average out to a total of $26,000. In the second year, this average would drop to $3,000, with the elimination of the onetime costs of the float pod and build-out. If you have an average of four floating clients a day and charge an average of $75 per session, your daily revenue would be $300. Multiply this number by 365 days in a year and the average annual revenue is $109,500. Floatation tanks can range from $12,000 to $16,000. A custom buildout for a float room, with supplies and labor included, can range from $20,000 to $40,000, in addition to costs for shipping and Epsom salt. The income estimates are the same for pods and tanks. Nicole Nunns is a licensed esthetician and esthetics instructor at the New York Institute of Beauty on Long Island, New York. She also works per diem at The Red Door Salon & Spa. Nunns started her esthetics career performing microcurrent facial and body treatments. Her passion and drive motivate her to blossom and grow in the field she loves so dearly. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter and Say you saw it in LNE & Spa and circle #167 on reader service card Say you saw it in LNE & Spa and circle #248 on reader service card 50 october 2016 LNeonline.com