Places & experiences

Float therapy

ลอยตัวบำบัด

Float therapy means lying on your back in shallow, very salty water at skin temperature, in a dark and quiet tank or room, so that you float effortlessly.

IntensityGentle

Origin

United States

History

Developed in the 1950s by researchers at the US National Institute of Mental Health; commercial tanks from the 1970s

A session

Usually about 60 minutes in the water

Licence in Thailand

Not required

Where it comes from

In the 1950s, John C. Lilly and Jay Shurley at the US National Institute of Mental Health studied how people respond to environments with very little sensory input. Shurley built the first fully immersive tank in 1957, which used a helmet and breathing tubes.

In the 1970s Glenn Perry, working with Lilly, developed the horizontal tank without a helmet and began selling tanks commercially in 1972. Floating went through cycles of popularity and has seen a recent revival.

Researchers now prefer the term "flotation-REST" (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy) to "sensory deprivation", partly because the older term sounds frightening.

The principle

The water contains so much Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) that the body floats with the face above the surface. Water and air are kept close to skin temperature, and light and sound are reduced, so that the brain receives far fewer signals than usual.

With little input from the outside world, attention tends to turn inward, towards breathing and heartbeat. Researchers are studying whether this helps people relax and reduce anxiety.

What people come for

Deep rest away from light, noise and screens
Relax tense muscles
Take a break from stress or anxious thoughts
Explore a meditative state without effort
Try a new and unusual sensory experience

How it works on the body

Floating removes the effort of supporting the body and most outside stimulation; early studies suggest short-term relaxation effects.

A session, step by step

01
Preparation
Avoid eating a large meal just before, and cover small cuts, which can sting in salt water.
02
Shower
You shower before entering and usually put in earplugs to keep salt out of your ears.
03
Float
You lie back in about 25 cm of water; you can keep a small light on or switch it off, and open the tank or leave at any time.
04
Settling in
The first minutes can feel strange; many people focus on their breathing until they relax.
05
Shower and rest
After about an hour, you shower off the salt and take a few minutes to readjust before leaving.

Precautions

If you are afraid of enclosed spaces, choose an open pool or large cabin, keep the light on or the door open; you can stop at any time.
Salt water stings cuts, recent shaving and eyes; avoid touching your face with wet hands.
Mild side effects reported in studies include itchiness and dry mouth; one participant had a panic attack early in a session, which eased.
If you have a serious health condition (for example a heart or mental health condition), are pregnant or have open wounds, ask a doctor first; research studies excluded people with certain psychiatric disorders.
Choose a venue that explains how the water is filtered and disinfected.

Complementary practice: does not replace medical advice.

In Thailand

Float centres in Thailand appear to be a niche offering, and we found no Thai official source describing them. In the sources we consulted there is no licence category specific to float tanks; if floating is offered within a spa, the spa itself must be licensed under the Health Establishments Act B.E. 2559 (2016) by the Department of Health Service Support. Ask the venue how the water is filtered and disinfected and whether staff can be reached during your session.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drown if I fall asleep?

The water is very shallow and so salty that the body floats on its back; in research settings, staff could also talk to participants by intercom.

What if I feel claustrophobic?

You can leave at any time, keep a light on, or choose an open pool or room instead of a closed pod.

What does the evidence say?

Early studies show short-term reductions in anxiety and stress, but most are small or uncontrolled, and researchers call for larger trials.

Do I need to bring anything?

Usually very little. Earplugs are commonly used to keep salt out of the ears; ask the centre what it provides, and avoid shaving just before.

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