Float On

Float On Being in a float tank is like relaxing in outer space. WHAT IS FLOATING? History of Floating

So where did these crazy tanks come from? Did we invent them? Yes.
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Well, no. What actually happened is that in 1954 a neuroscientist named John C. Lilly needed to eliminate incoming sensory information to create a control group for his experiments. He ended up discovering that sensory deprivation has a load of benefits that far superseded whatever wild experiments he was doing. By the 1970’s, the tank’s design had evolved from Lilly’s original laboratory chambers

to the comfortable commercial tanks that we have now. This means you’re not submerged in the water with air tubes, you don’t have to wear a diver’s helmet with a black faceplate, and you don’t have to have experiments run on you. Benefits of Floating

Getting rid of all sensory input allows the ‘constantly-make-sure-you’re-not-dying’ part of your brain to chill out for a second, allowing the creative, relaxed part of your brain to come out and play. Without the constant pressure of analyzing the world around you, your body lowers its levels of cortisol, the main chemical component of stress. Your brain also releases elevated levels of dopamine and endorphins, the neurotransmitters of happiness. Not having to fight gravity lets your muscles, joints, and bones take a well-deserved break. Your body suddenly has loads of extra resources (usually spent supporting your weight, regulating temperature, and trying not to get speeding tickets), which it gets to focus on things like healing and resting. Without old-man gravity pushing you down all the time, your spine lengthens an inch, chronic pain is relieved, and your muscles get to fully rest. Unlike lying on a mattress, lying in water allows blood to flow freely all throughout your body. There’s no need to readjust your position to get comfortable. About 40 minutes into your float your brain stops producing its normal Alpha waves and starts churning out Theta waves. These are responsible for that ‘between-waking-and-sleeping’ state, and you make them naturally every night before you conk out. While it only lasts for a few sparse moments in your bed, you can achieve a prolonged Theta state in the tank, a state of consciousness that is usually only seen in children and people who have spent years practicing meditation. Even the magnesium-based Epsom salts we use in the tank are good for you. They soften and replenish your skin, and help counteract the magnesium deficiency that most of us have due to depleted magnesium levels in our soil. They’re also kosher, just in case you want to float in water that has been blessed by a Rabbi.

“Float time is the real-world Pokémon Center—walk in drained, walk out with every stat restored.”
07/24/2025

“Float time is the real-world Pokémon Center—walk in drained, walk out with every stat restored.”

“The same chemistry that once primed us to sprint from predators now surges when an audience takes its seats. Adrenaline...
07/23/2025

“The same chemistry that once primed us to sprint from predators now surges when an audience takes its seats. Adrenaline and cortisol surge, which sharpens our senses and boosts and alertness. However, these same neurochemicals also make our hands shake and corrode our ability to recall even the things that we have spent a good length of time memorizing.”

Read more about how floating can help at Float Tank Solutions.

Life is filled with decisions – some simple, others significant. The big ones, like choosing whether to change jobs, relocate, or navigate relationship challenges can often feel overwhelming. Floatation therapy can effectively reduce stress, quiet your mind, and foster greater creativity and clari...

A single float can make a world of difference.
07/21/2025

A single float can make a world of difference.

07/17/2025

That’s not exactly what we meant by going for a long float...

07/16/2025

The better you center yourself at the beginning of a float, the more
you’ll stay centered until the end.

07/14/2025

Explore your innerverse during a float session (no special suit
required).

The better you center yourself at the beginning of a float, the more you’ll stay centered until the end.
07/10/2025

The better you center yourself at the beginning of a float, the more you’ll stay centered until the end.

Last month we had the pleasure of visiting the amazing .center in SE Portland. They do amazing work offering services to...
07/09/2025

Last month we had the pleasure of visiting the amazing .center in SE Portland. They do amazing work offering services to trans, q***r, intersex and gender diverse people in our community. We dropped off some gift cards and were given a tour. Such a cool space!

This month we are hosting art creations by Martin Nelson. Nelson's psychedelic collages really set the mood before and ...
07/09/2025

This month we are hosting art creations by Martin Nelson. Nelson's psychedelic collages really set the mood before and after a float. For more from Nelson, visit on Instagram.

Reconstruct yourself in the eddies of a float tank.
07/07/2025

Reconstruct yourself in the eddies of a float tank.

We will be closing a little earlier this Friday.
06/29/2025

We will be closing a little earlier this Friday.

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East Portland, OR

Opening Hours

Monday 5:30pm - 1:30am
Tuesday 8am - 1:30am
Wednesday 8am - 1:30am
Thursday 8am - 1:30am
Friday 8am - 5am
Saturday 8am - 1:30am
Sunday 8am - 1:30am

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