Spas, saunas, and swimming pools are only just reopening properly since the pandemic hit, but have you thought of trying flotation therapy?
Also known as sensory deprivation therapy, the idea behind floating in total darkness is to relax both physically and mentally.
Manchester’s Float Level opened in 2013 after founder Chris Fuller found trying the therapy in London had helped massively with his shoulder problems and he was inspired to bring floating to the North.
It has gone from strength to strength in that time and despite being closed for part of the pandemic has provided an alternative to those wishing to go to a spa.
Go with the float!
In the small quiet building, which is based a couple of miles outside of Manchester City Centre, Chris showed me to my own room which was complete with a power shower and isolation tank.
Just over half a ton of salt in the warm water kept me afloat and music soothed me into the situation for five minutes.
Over the next hour, I floated until I was unaware I was even there, drifting in and out of consciousness and at times felt as if I’d travelled into space.
When the music came on to signify the end of my float, I was more than a little crestfallen but certain that I’d be back to float my way to a clear mind once more.
“It would benefit pretty much anyone, but there are some people who just can’t switch off. Those are the people who need it the most.”
The thought of lying in a dark tank for an hour may conjure up images of the ridiculous Edina Monsoon in the 1990s sitcom Absolutely Fabulous but taking the plunge can be more beneficial than you may think.
Chris told MM: “I’ve got members who are in their 70s, members who are early 20s. The younger people are more interested in the meditative aspect. A lot of people do it for creativity – trying to start businesses. They go in there to try to think it all through.”
But older customers of Float Level often come for their physical health, of which floating can be a great help.
Chris said: “The older people come for arthritis and things like that. It’s really excellent for pain relief, such as chronic back pain. I have loads of people who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome. They find it gives them a real boost.”
Check out MM’s interview with Chris below where he explains more about the most socially distanced form of therapy ever and how Float Level strives to provide customers with the safest experience possible.
Float Level is open every day except Tuesdays from 10:00 until 21:00 (last float 19:00)
If you wish to make floating a regular thing, it is recommended that you go for the Platinum membership, which will entitle you to four floats a month at the best possible price.
Featured image credit: Jordan Lloyd Beck
