Have You Tried “Floating” In Boise?

When you hear "float" and "Boise" in the same sentence, you probably assume one is discussing a leisurely ride down the river on a raft or an innertube. One of the best things about living in Boise is spending the summer letting the current take you where it may. But there's a lesser known floating situation in town providing a deep relaxation unlike anything you've ever experienced. Flotation tanks are the latest in spa technology, but what exactly is a floatation tank and what does it do?

The floatation tank itself is an enclosed pod devoid of light and sound (once the door/lid is closed). There is a shallow depth of water saturated with Epsom salt, maximizing buoyancy so you can easily float, and is heated to skin temperature. This facilitates sensory deprivation. The science behind it is old, but spas dedicated to this practice have been popping up in recent years as our world gets crazier and we need an escape. During sensory deprivation the brain is supposed to enter a deep state of relaxation unlike any other.

It all sounds very weird, right? But it seems people who try this unique form of self care swear by it. There are at least two float centers operating in Boise right now: Stillwater Float Center and Reflections Float Center. Both have a 5 star rating on Google. One promising review of the experience at Stillwater:

I have always wanted to try a float tank, and I have to say... it was 100x what I expected. It was a truly transcendental experience that felt as if it was out of this plane of existence.
The facility was clean, modern, and very well managed. The staff was friendly and knowledgable.

Although expensive, this experience is 100% worth it, and something my partner and I will do again in the very near future. -Tom Guill

So will you be trying this out any time soon? Yoga and mediation just aren't doing it for me right now. Perhaps it's time to take a new approach!