How Floating and Massage Can Enhance Your Daily Life
Pairing floating and massage regularly can make a significant difference in how you feel every day. But why is this combination so effective? We’ll explore why these two distinct practices might just be the perfect self-care routine to include in your life.
What is Floating?
If you're unfamiliar with floating, let’s break it down for you. Floating involves immersing your body in a tank filled with water and about 1,000 pounds of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt). The water is about 10 inches deep and kept at body neutral temperature.
Our sessions last 75 minutes, though some prefer longer back-to-back floats. The float tanks or cabins are designed to block out light and sound, creating a calm, sensory-deprived environment, perfect for deep relaxation.
If you’re curious to dive deeper into the practice of floating, learn more here.
Why Should You Combine Floating with Massage?
Despite being two very different treatments, both floating and massage induce relaxation in your body. Floating, for example, allows your senses to take a break from the constant stimulation of the outside world, helping your body to reduce the stress hormone cortisol. Lower cortisol levels promote healing and regeneration, giving your body a chance to recover.
Floating also allows your mind to disconnect from stressors like work, family, and daily pressures, providing a mental reset. Both floating and massage are backed by science for their numerous benefits.
Now, imagine you’ve just completed a 75-minute float and step onto the massage table. In a tranquil space with soft lighting, your body is already in a deeply relaxed state. This peaceful atmosphere sets the stage for even more relaxation, allowing the massage practitioner to work effectively on your body.
Together, floating and massage help regulate blood flow and release endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain relievers and mood enhancers. This combination can help clear mental fog, ease anxiety, and lift your mood, leaving you feeling lighter and more energized.
Should You Float Before or After Your Massage?
Experts recommend stepping into a float tank before a massage because magnesium plays a key role in relaxing muscles. By floating first, you allow your muscles to fully relax, making it easier for your massage practitioner to target deeper muscle layers. This allows them to work more effectively and address tension points with minimal effort.
If you often deal with sore muscles or tension, floating first can help ease these issues. It also detoxifies the body, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to take on your day with renewed energy and a peaceful mindset.
In conclusion, while we think floating before a massage can offer the most benefits, it ultimately depends on your personal preference. Either way, combining these two practices is a great way to elevate your self-care routine!
