“Experience the benefits of zero gravity. Effortless way to get rid of stress, tension & pain”
Within a truly unique environment free from distractions, discover the healing power of deep and profound calm. Welcome to the Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy by Health Culture, a holistically designed retreat where peace and tranquility unite to serenely rejuvenate your inner and outer senses.
REST THERAPY is an experience like no other with a wide-range of benefits for the mind, body & spirit including applications for health, personal development, spirituality, and well-being.
Dive into a feeling of complete surrender with this therapy, while mental and physical stresses melt away in the flotation tank.
For anyone with stress induced or related diseases, such as hypertension, ulcers, heart disease, and many others, the REST THERAPY offers a mental solution to the physical symptoms and goes after the problem at its source. By combating the stress, which is at the root of these issues, flotation tank helps to heal the body and the mind. Even more abstract mental issues, such as depression, psychological issues, even PTSD, have been shown to be alleviated in the tank environment due to shifts in brain chemistry.
Here, your muscles relax, your body heals. Pain, tension and stress are released. Creativity and energy increases. Achieving a feeling of weightlessness and deep relaxation that cannot be found elsewhere.
BENEFITS OF REST THERAPY
The presence of Epsom salts reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
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Our environment and lifestyle choices can cause damage to our skin. The UV rays, free radicals, pollution, stress, all lead to many skin related problems.
- So how does REST THERAPY help?
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Epsom Salts are great for your skin, hair, nails, and act as an exfoliate, Magnesium (commonly missing from our diets) is absorbed through the skin, while Sulfate eliminates toxins and heavy metals, naturally detoxing the body.
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REST THERAPY enhances the beautification of skin and hair due to the presence of Magnesium in the Epsom salt. Also, the gravity free environment helps slow down aging.
1 hour of REST THERAPY is equivalent to 4 hours of deep sleep.
- High-stress levels are the result of the fast paced lifestyle that people are forced to adopt, which ends up affecting our mind and body.
So how does REST THERAPY help?
- REST THERAPY alleviates stress and anxiety and increases mental clarity, motivation, and creativity.
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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 (the feel good hormone).
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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, REST THERAPY can help make up for any lack of sleep you may be experiencing.
REST THERAPY helps Speed-up recovery time after injury.
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Everyone experiences some degree of pain, either in the form of an injury or muscle related pain. But if it is long-term, it really hampers our work, sleep and daily routine.
So how does REST THERAPY help?
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REST THERAPY causes the body to release endorphins (the body’s own painkiller) and, in particular, beta-endorphins. These are more powerful than many prescription drugs. People suffering from migraine, back pain, arthritis, skin disorders, insomnia, PMS, Fibromyalgia and other ailments can find relief from regular REST THERAPY sessions.
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Bodies physically rest and recover more quickly during REST THERAPY sessions, up to four times faster, in fact. This means that you can train yourself harder and reap the benefits of slower recovery times with the use of a REST THERAPY. Water in the REST THERAPY has the added benefit of being saturated with Epsom salts, which have well-established healing effects, helping to draw out toxins and lactic acid from work outs, speeding up recovery time and allowing athletes to push themselves farther, faster, especially in conjunction with massage or other alternative medicine.
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REST THERAPY maximizes the benefits of fitness training, exercise, and workouts. Although exercise stimulates muscle growth, the growth occurs during relaxation, some 30-40 hours after exercise. The deep relaxation of REST THERAPY improves blood circulation, and accelerates the growth and regeneration of muscle tissue. Used by Olympic athletes and professional sports teams. REST THERAPY is a secret tool for performing your best. Also, your mental game is given a boost as brain waves slow visualization exercises are enhanced.
Instructions For First Session of Rest Therapy:
- New clients need to arrive 30 minutes before appointment time. (Those who arrive late will need to reschedule—this is to preserve the quietness and integrity of all our floats, which we start simultaneously.)
- Avoid shaving, tanning, waxing—or anything else that would increase the sensitivity of your skin. We provide Vaseline in each Pod Suite to protect any small cuts and grazes from stinging!
- Hair color needs to be “set” before coming in to float (your shower water is running completely clear). Please reschedule if it is not.
- We encourage clients to avoid caffeine for at least 4 hours before floating for the most relaxing experience.
- Females experiencing their menstrual cycle the day of their float MUST reschedule their appointment.
- Because floating is so relaxing, if you come on an empty stomach, you may be distracted by stomach grumbles. We recommend eating something small prior to your float but allowing at least 30 minutes to digest before your appointment.
Step 1: Arrive and change into the floatation costume.
Step 2: Then take shower and place your ear plugs.
Step 3: Step into the float tank and lay down on your back.
Step 4: You can close the sliding door, turn off the light and float.
Step 5: Music fades in 5 mins before the end of your REST THERAPY session.
Step 6: Shower relax in our lounge area with some tea and bask in your post-float glow.
Rest Therapy FAQs
The water is fully filtered 3 times between each float, passing through a hot tub caliber filter. The Epsom salts are a natural disinfectant and are at a super loaded amount. We are also required to put a minimal amount of a disinfectant (bromine) by Vancouver Coastal Health, however with that said, you will not smell like you just came out of a public swimming pool.
Being in the tanks is more like floating in outer space than being shut in a box. You’re always in control of your environment, and even people with extreme claustrophobia have reported having no problems with their time in the tank.
Every week we perform a very in-depth maintenance of our facilities focusing on our tanks. We add fresh epsom salt and water, with the entire volume being replaced over a period of 10 weeks. Between the super-concentrated salt solution, an approved oxidizing agent (bromine), a UV light disinfectant filter, and 10-micron cartridge filter, these are probably the cleanest recreational water sources you’ll encounter!
Don’t drink coffee for several hours beforehand (it can make your system jittery). Also, don’t shave or wax since the salt water can irritate your skin. Eating a light meal about an hour to 90 minutes ahead of time stops your stomach from sounding like an angry monster while you float. Other than that, there’s no specific preparation needed.
If you have longer hair, you may want to bring a comb. Also, something to put your contact lenses into while you’re in the tank. Other than that, we provide everything you need (towels, robes, earplugs, body wash/shampoo, blow dryer, etc.).
Please see our list of tips & best practices to help you enhance your experience in the tank.
We opened with 5 brand new Oasis float tanks at our Gastown and Kitsilano locations (expanding Gastown to 9 tanks in early 2014). Our location in Victoria uses 4 Genesis tanks.
Yes. Just follow the same protocol you would for a swimming pool.
Absolutely! There will be a womb within a womb! Floating can relieve a lot of the aches and pains caused by pregnancy. If you are in your third trimester or have any concerns, please consult with your physician before coming in.
Only one person per tank. We have many float tanks though, so bring your friends, family or loved ones to float alongside you!
Float House opened in May of 2013 as the first float centre in the Greater Vancouver area (and one of the largest in the world) in Gastown, quickly expanding to Kitsilano and Victoria.
You can get out anytime. There aren’t any latches on the tank doors and you control your experience, that said, the 90-minutes usually go by quite quickly.
No – your skin doesn’t even prune up. You do absorb a lot of magnesium from the Epsom salt which has oodles of benefits.
Nope. Some people fall asleep, but the water is so buoyant that you stay afloat. The worst that can happen is getting woken up by a bit of salt water in your eyes.
Floating has been around for over 40 years and has oodles of published research to back it up. No mumbo or jumbo here.
Health Culture books Rest Therapy Sessions in 60-minute increments. However, you are more than welcome to book a Session for more than one hour!
REST is perhaps the easiest pastime imaginable. However, there are a few ways you can prepare for the best Rest Sessions possible.
- New clients need to arrive 30 minutes before appointment time. (Those who arrive late will need to reschedule—this is to preserve the quietness and integrity of all our floats, which we start simultaneously.)
- Avoid shaving, tanning, waxing—or anything else that would increase the sensitivity of your skin. We provide Vaseline in each Pod Suite to protect any small cuts and grazes from stinging!
- Hair color needs to be “set” before coming into float (your shower water is running completely clear). Please reschedule if it is not.
- We encourage clients to avoid caffeine for at least 4 hours before floating for the most relaxing experience.
- Females experiencing their menstrual cycle the day of their float MUST reschedule their appointment.
- Because floating is so relaxing, if you come on an empty stomach, you may be distracted by stomach grumbles. We recommend eating something small prior to your float but allowing at least 30 minutes to digest before your appointment.
- There’s a lot of salt in our Rest pod. Thus, it is best to avoid wearing your “best clothes”.
- We provide shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, q-tips and complimentary flip-flops—towels are also offered as a complimentary perk, or for a minimal rental charge depending on location.
- We encourage clients to float nude for the greatest experience— room does have its own shower and changing area. Of course, feel free to bring a swimsuit if you’d like!
- Those under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not permitted to float.
There are many benefits of Rest Therapy—three of the most significant are relaxation, pain relief, and better sleep.
A summary of benefits, both Physical and Mental includes:
Physical Benefits:
- Deep Relaxation and Theta Wave Production
- Increased Blood Circulation
- Increased Healing Ability
- Pain Management
- Increased Immune Function
- Enhanced Athletic Training
Mental Benefits:
- Stress Reduction
- Increased Creativity
- Increased Sensory Acuity/Reaction Time
- Sleep Schedule Maintenance
- Feelings of Euphoria and more benefits!
We pride ourselves on providing an experience in which all guests can be comfortable experiencing Rest Therapy.
Guests are in complete control of their Rest Pod lid, which may be left open, partially open or closed. Each Pod features a multicolored LED light which is in the total control of the guest. A selection of music options—including the option to bring your own music are available for each session.
Each Rest Pod also features a 2-way intercom connecting to the front desk should you need help or have any concerns in your session.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask your Rest Consultant for assistance!
REST Therapy is safe for just about everyone! However, those with epileptic conditions or who have kidney disease (as the kidneys are responsible for processing Magnesium) should take extra precautions in consulting their physician before floating.
Yes! In fact, pregnant clients may experience some of the greatest relief from Rest Therapy—physically and mentally. The added weight and pressure on the mother’s body is likely to cause pain and discomfort, the weightless impact of Rest Therapy can provide much relief!
Many clients report a unique and memorable experience floating while pregnant.
Rarely, clients may experience nausea. This is typically indicative of a detox reaction responding to stress—which is often held in the stomach. Ultimately, releasing this stress is beneficial—thought it may be uncomfortable at the moment.
While this level of nausea is fairly uncommon, we do ask that guests exit the pod if they believe they may be sick. Rest Therapy is powerful; please remember to drink plenty of water after your session!
We encourage clients to relax and release any worries of dozing off while in the Rest Pod. Each Rest Pod contains just 10 inches of highly salinated water—thus, it is not required that guests know how to swim. This solution supports you no matter how you might toss and turn in the Rest Pod.
Though it is difficult to accidentally flip onto your belly in the tank, if this occurs, the extremely high salt concentration (1,000 lbs) immediately causes discomfort in the eyes, nose, and mouth.
The high level of Epsom Salts in each Rest Pod actually prevents the skin from wrinkling! It will, however, leave your skin silky smooth.