Phloating on a cloud...
How often have you wanted to float away on a little cloud of your own? Well an exciting concept in relaxation, stress management and pain relieve has just arrived in Derry; Phloat, who promise to relax, revive and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul have opened their doors to those in need of a little TLC.
Pride of place is taken by the spa’s Floatation Tank, so in the interests of research we sent, LAURENCE McCLENAGHAN, along for a little soak.
Arriving at Phloat, in the middle of a industrial park, I’m convinced that an oasis of calm could be created in such a busy part of town.
But proprietor Paul Breen has achieved this and it wasn’t long before I am in full relaxation mode.
The soothing sounds echo in a serene environment which immediately put me at ease, which is handy as I’ve just dropped in for a bath!
The benefits of floatation therapy include relaxation the release endorphins, detoxify the system, useful in pregnancy (for the full nine months), increase creativity and imagination, increase circulation and energy levels, balance the left and right brain, improve concentration, an aid for addictions, phobias and depression, as well as regulate sleeping pattern. One hour of floation is I’m informed the equivalent of six hours of sleep.
Paul explains I am to be suspended in a weight free environment within the tank. The effects of a weightless environment include deep mental and physical relaxation. Blood flow to the body is unimpeded by gravity, therefore allowing toxins to be flushed away by the improved circulation, ideal for anyone suffering circulation related problems. The process also stimulates the release of endorphins (natural chemicals which cause a sense of relaxation and potent pain relief) which create a sense of deep well being, which lasts well after the therapy.”
“The bath is actually 50% Epsom Salt solution which is found naturally in many spa waters.
“Epsom Salt has been used for centuries to treat skin complaints and is used as a medicine. It is non toxic, it won't harm you if you swallow some; it has a salty taste. We use it for two main reasons. Firstly it raises the density making it much easier to float. Secondly it softens your skin leaving your skin soft and silky for days after your float. There is no chance of your body absorbing too much magnesium sulphate as your body expels the exceeds using its own natural filtration system. Research shows that up to 90% of people have magnesium deficiency and floating are the most natural way of redressing the imbalance.”
So the only question I have now is when and where can I get in?
Floating to music
The tank itself is, it must be said surprisingly spacious. Resembling a large Dr. Who prop, Paul Breen opened the door to show me the three tier cleaning system, as Paul explains: “Between each float session all the water is pumped through a filter which removes every particle down to 30 microns, which is smaller than the thickness of a human hair and too small to see without a microscope. But more importantly we add chlorine, just like in a swimming pool. Chlorine kills all bacteria, viruses and fungi very quickly.”
A quick shower and then I’m in.
Customers can choose to float in the dark and with or without music. As the first bars of Snow Patrol’s Chocolate echo in the tank I’m in and the door is closed, albeit with the light remaining on.
At first the experience is a little funny, Paul had explained he would be in the next room should I “run into any difficulty” but I think I can handle it. It takes a few minutes to stop drifting into the sides of the tank. When I do I notice that I’m completely floating except my posterior which is trying its best to sink me.
It is almost as if all the stress in my body has gone below the water, a few minutes later and I honestly felt as if that stress had drifted out into the bath.
Totally relaxed, yet not sleeping, I’m aware of how comfortable I had become. My breaths are long, deep and steady, I’m at the most comfortable I’ve ever been. The only relaxation experience which previosly came close was a hotstone massage.
Unlike that experience there is no intensity of joy though, just chilled breaths and thoughts.
It seems like only minutes has gone by from I got in when, with my arms folded behind my head I drift off into a semi-conscious state. I know where I am, what I’m doing but my body is just looking after itself. Yes I think, ‘This is what Yoda feels like.’
It felt like six hours before Paul knocks on the door to tell me my time was up. It had been 50 minutes and you know what it wasn’t long enough.
After showering the salts off, my skin did feel different, I had felt like I had slept for six hours, like I was placed in an energy tank rather than a floatation tank.
It’s a hard job but still someones gotta do it...
Based in 36 Northwest Business Park Skeoge Industrial Park Phloat also offers a highly experienced, fully qualified Chartered Physiotherapist, who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal problems, soft tissue and sporting injuries. Or why not treat yourself to the benefits of a Reiki session? This holistic treatment stems from ancient Japan and the benefits include physical, mental, emotional and spiritual harmony and well being.
SPECIAL OFFER
As a special opening offer, Phloat have reduced their prices to 20 per session with this cutting until Feburary 1st.
That means a reduced price of 33% when compared to the cost of 30 per hour and a quarter session. Simply contact Phloat on 71 358723 to book. Opening hours are from 6am until 9pm
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Weather for Derry
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 9 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 7 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
