Why Your Spa Should Consider Float Therapy

Origin & Evolution of Float Tanks

The first float tank was developed in 1954 at the National Institute of Mental Health by physician and neuroscientist, Dr. John Lilly. It involved a patient being completely submerged and suspended in 160 gallons of water heated to 94.5 ° F. ⁵ During suspension, the patient wore a mask that supplied air and blacked out all light. Though this experience sounds anxiety-inducing, Lilly’s studies revealed the quite the opposite. The patient achieved deep relaxation, and flotation REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy) was born.

Over the years, flotation therapy became more commonly offered to patients and clients by medical and wellness professionals. Float tanks have changed in design, too! Eventually Epsom salt was used to allow the body to float, so complete submersion with a mask was no longer required. These tanks evolved into the float pods used in spas today.

Offering the same relaxation benefits as traditional float therapy, dry flotation is the latest innovation. Rather than floating in a pool of warm water, clients float on a pool of warm water.

How Clients Can Benefit from Float Therapy

According to the latest research by Arizton Advisory and Intelligence, the mental health market will reach $200 billion by 2027. Consumers are increasingly adopting stress management programs as they become more aware of the symptoms stress causes. By managing it, they know they can increase their ability think clearly, get better sleep, and enjoy life.

And let’s face it–everyone suffers from stress. It’s probably the number one reason why clients visit your spa. So by complementing your services with float therapy, you can make a bigger impact on your guests’ overall wellness. And it’s not just speculation. Research indicates that float therapy is a very effective tool for stress management.¹^{, 2}

Whether you offer autonomous services or utilize flotation during body treatments, your clients will notice an improved sense of well-being. Dry flotation, in particular, provides more versatility and greater access for clients.

With dry float therapy, you can enhance body treatments by turning a traditional esthetic service into a holistic experience. Guests can enjoy the emotional ambience of water, heat, and soft light as you perform a wrap. Additionally, as they’re embraced by a sense of weightlessness, the pressure of gravity is taken off muscles and joints, temporarily reducing soreness.^1,3

With brief assistance from non-licensed staff, your guests can enjoy autonomous services, too. A great option for clients who are short on time, booking a series of dry flotation treatments is convenient. There’s no need for them to undress or get wet. It can be done during the lunch hour!

Autonomous services are beneficial for everyone, but athletes may find them uniquely helpful for performance. Relaxation allows them to acquire greater self-control and the ability to relax in any situation to regain “centering.” A lucid, relaxed mind allows them to maintain focus.⁴ Along with benefits for the mind, there are positive physical aspects as well. Float therapy promotes rest, a fundamental element the body needs to regain energy to recover from an injury.

How Spas Can Benefit from Offering Float Therapy

Aside from witnessing improvement in your clients’ overall well-being, spas can benefit from the potential revenue boost that float therapy brings. Float therapy can help your business increase its income by:

- Acquiring new market segments: men and women of all age groups who don’t ask for a massage, but who are looking for effective and versatile relaxation solutions.
- Building the loyalty of your existing clients: by offering your treatments on dry flotation bed, you'll be able to maximize their effectiveness and transform them in an actual spa experience.
- Earning recurring revenue with autonomous treatment packages for stress management and athletic performance goals.

The Nuvola Dry Flotation Beauty System can be used in treatments and for autonomous services. Plus, there's no need for a large dedicated space!

When choosing the best flotation system for your spa, one important thing to consider is that dry flotation is suitable for virtually everyone, and it's especially appealing to guests who wish to avoid enclosed spaces.

If you’re interested in offering the benefits of float therapy to your guests, we encourage you to contact our equipment specialists today.

Contact us for more information about Dry Flotation.

1. Bood SA, et al. Eliciting the relaxation response with the help of floatation REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique) in patients with stress related ailments. Int J Stress Manag. 2006; 13(2): 154 -75.

2. Dierendonck DV, Nijenhuis JT. Floatation Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (as a stress management tool: A meta analysis. Psychol Health. 2005; 20(3): 405-412.

3. Kjellgren A., Lyden F., Norlander T. Sensory isolation in floatation tanks: altered states of consciousness and effects on well-being. The Qual Report. 2008; 13(4): 636-56.

4. Norlander T., Kjellgren A., Archer T. The experience of floatation-REST as a function of setting and previous experience of altered state of Consciousness. Imagin, CognPerson. 2001; 20: 161-78.

5. “The Isolation Tank Experiment.” The John C. Lilly Homepage. JohnLilly.com. John C. Lilly Research Institute. Accessed August 15, 2022.

Universal Companies is proud to have a team of experienced spa advisors on staff and welcomes you to consult with our professionals about spa products and supplies, including ingredients, equipment, and retail. Dedicated to the success of spa professionals everywhere, we're grateful to be recognized with the American Spa Magazine Professional's Choice Award, Favorite Distributor of the Year for many consecutive years. (Thank you!)

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