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Float House
J
ust float. That’s the message from Andy and Mike Zaremba, brothers who saw the benefits of float tanks also known as sensory deprivation tanks. That’s why they created Float House and are witnessing the positive benefits clients are having. The popularity of floating has caused the expansion of Float House to nine tanks in Gastown (the largest float operation in the world) as well as a Kitsilano location and a Victoria franchise. It’s an interesting concept: crawl into a tank filled with 10” of water and 900 pounds of Epsom salts heated to about 93.5° F (the same temperature as your skin), close the lid and float on the salt water in complete darkness and soundlessness for 90 minutes. “In our society we are regularly overstimulated,” Mike said. “There are stressors constantly bombarding us. In the tank, you eliminate all physical sensory input and can reset.” The brothers explained that the tank is ideal for those under stress or mental strain, those in need of physical recovery after extensive exercise or injury, people dealing with chronic pain from arthritis or surgery and those who are looking for a deep meditative or creative boost. “You aren’t distracted in the tank, your body has no pressure points,” Andy noted. “So you’re in complete awareness of your mind and thoughts. It can lead to more time in the Theta brainwave state.” Theta state occurs just before falling asleep and is also achieved and prolonged in states of deep meditation by experienced meditators. Being in the tank allows you to enter into theta and maintain that state longer even for non-meditators.
“90 minutes is to achieve a circadian rhythm cycle,” Mike said. “Sometimes it can take up to 45 minutes to get into Theta. Then, because you’ve experienced a natural cycle, you wake up feeling well rested, energized and not groggy. Very peaceful and light.” At 90 minutes, underwater speakers play a soothing soundtrack that increases in volume to help you wake up more naturally. “We provide everything people need to do their float,” commented Andy. “From private rooms with body wash and towels to vanity areas with products and blow-dryers. We also have a lounge to relax in after your float.” The concept of sensory deprivation has been part of human kind for millennia be it in caves or temples. The brothers describe their business as a more contemporary and refined version of that experience. “It’s an oasis in a very busy, energetic city,” said Mike. “I believe it brings balance without pharmaceuticals. It’s a way to hit that reset button for your entire Being.” Coming out of a float leaves people in a calmer, relaxed, yet more aware state. “Your senses are heightened,” Mike noted. “You become more aware of the world around you, yet better able to manage what comes at you.”
“I believe it brings balance without pharmaceuticals. It’s a way to hit that reset button for your entire Being.” ‒ Mike Zaremba Float House
“I feel like we opened a flood gate,” Andy added. “We spent a lot of time educating people on Facebook and everyone was really intrigued. Now we’re amazed by the number of people who are aware of floating.” 662 Herald Street Vancouver, BC TEL 604.253.5628 1926 W 4th Avenue Vancouver, BC TEL 778.433.3166 WEB floathouse.ca
PHOTO: Brooks Corning Vice-President Robert (Bob) Ross | Right: A workspace solution by Brooks Corning
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