About your visit - Tucson Still Waters

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Still Waters float spa

Orientation

Welcome and thank you for your interest in R.E.S.T. (reduced environmental stimulus therapy). We feel floating augments all forms of self care and appreciate your willingness to consider the potential offered here. This orientation includes information we have found most people want to know. We are confident it will empower you and enhance your float explorations.

The float spa at Still Waters is unlike what one would typically associate with R.E.S.T. The common design used since the 1970's has been an 8x4 ft. “tank” resembling a washing machine lying on its side. Newer models look like space capsules or even clamshells. All of the designs have evolved to make the “public tank” consumer friendly. Our spa was created to ensure the most complete comfort for the floater. Its spacious bathtub base is 8x4 ft. Insulated walls covered in rustic cedar are built around the spa. The float room looks similar to a sauna. You can enter and exit the float room standing. Compared to the float tank, it's less exotic, less foreboding and more inviting. In the float spa there are 750lbs of Epsom salts dissolved into ten inches of water. When you lie back in this mineral bath you will float like a cork. Because your whole body will be fully supported, you'll be able to truly let go and deeply relax.

The float room is designed so that it is not airtight. To keep the float spa's air fresh, an air circulation system brings air in from outside the float room. The air vents are located at the door end.

Like the Dead Sea, the salt solution does not support life. It is virtually sterile. However, after every float session we run a spa filter and an ozonater/ultraviolet light for further purification.

Many people have some fear or concern before they use the float spa for the first time. Common fears are being alone in the dark, drowning, not having enough air, or feeling claustrophobic. The fears are usually based upon the thought that you won't be in control of the situation. However, in this situation, you are totally in control. You can go in and out of the float spa as you please. You can use the float room with the door open or closed. The float room's light and sound system are easily within your reach from the reclining float position. There is no particular way to use the float spa that is more correct than another. Just make yourself comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What effects does the salt have on my hair and skin?
The Epsom salt solution seems to be beneficial to the skin and harmless to the hair. Magnesium sulfate is known to relax and soothe tired muscles.

Do you wear anything while floating?
Since floating is a private experience most people don’t wear anything. What you wear would probably be a distraction. Imagine it as similar to getting into your bathtub.

How do you keep the water clean?
Like many commercial pools or spas, we run a spa filter. While the filter runs an ozonator provides further purification. When a person is in R.E.S.T. the filter is off. We run the filter after every float session. The spa filter is cleaned after every 15 floats. A bromine sanitizer is used regularly in smaller amounts compared to a conventional spa because the Epsom salt solution does most of the sanitizing work. Like the Dead Sea the dense salt solution does not support life. Fresh filtered water is added as needed.

Can I eat before I R.E.S.T.?
You can eat. If you eat a heavy meal you may spend time listening to your digestive tract. However, if you're hungry, you may spend time listening to your digestive tract. Moderation is best. Also, caffeinated beverages ingested within four hours of your float session will most likely interfere with your ability to relax.

How long do people float?
An hour of R.E.S.T. is the standard, though people do float for shorter periods of time. Others prefer to float for two or more hours.

Do pregnant women float?
Yes. The reports from pregnant women have been enthusiastic. Please check with your doctor or midwife before floating

Can I use the float spa while menstruating?
Yes, if your menses is not heavy and you use a tampon.

Can two people float together?
We don’t recommend it. R.E.S.T. is intended to be a private experience.

Is it dangerous to fall asleep while in R.E.S.T.?
It is safe to sleep while floating. Some people use the float spa for sleeping. The dense salt solution would make it difficult to roll over. If you did manage to roll over, the salt in your eyes, nose or mouth would quickly wake you up.

What will it be like for me?
Floating is a very individual experience. Many people have observed that every time it’s a little different. The most common reports are that one attains profound peace and relaxation, mental clarity and enhanced creativity.

Will I feel claustrophobic?
Some people have fears before they R.E.S.T. for the first time. Common fears are based upon the thought that you won’t be in control of your experience. At Still Waters you are in complete control because you can go in and out of the float spa or float with the door open or closed. Your float session is in a spacious room, not in the commonly used “float tank”. The spa’s light and sound system is within your reach while you are in R.E.S.T. Your float guide can answer specific questions or make suggestions to ensure an enjoyable experience for you. Just make yourself comfortable. It’s common for any lingering fears to dissolve during your first float.

Do I need to float more than once?
You will undoubtedly benefit from one R.E.S.T. session. Research has shown that the benefits are cumulative and long lasting. The more you float the more you benefit.

Is there a best time for R.E.S.T.?
No. This is a matter of personal preference. The best way to find out is to float at various times throughout the day.

Will I be able to resume daily activities soon after R.E.S.T.?
Yes. It may be good to plan your day so you don’t have to rush off into busy activity immediately after R.E.S.T.

Is there anyone who should not float?
We don’t recommend floating for epileptics not medically controlled, for people intoxicated with drugs or alcohol or for those with infectious diseases.

Can children float?
Yes. A mother sat in with her ten year old son. He sleeps with a light and was reluctant to float. Moments after entering the float spa he swayed and played, fascinated by his “super unsinkable” body. Five minutes later he turned off the music and the light and soon said “I feel unusually peaceful”. Afterwards the boy asked if he could float again sometime.

We hope this orientation has been helpful to you. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us
Sincerely, Teresa & Dan Oved