Floatation Tank | Sensory Deprivation Tank | Isolation Tank » Blog Archive » Putting Epsom salt in your bathtub does not a floatation tank make

I just came across an article called “How To Create Your Own Flotation Tank” at www.ehow.com/PrintArticle.html?id=5105871. I wanted to take a minute to explain why putting Epsom salt in your bathtub is not an effective alternative to the floatation tank. Here’s what the article says:

Flotation tanks were first used after WWI to treat shell shocked soldiers. The salt content helps to calm the nerves by stimulating the bodies endorphins. Flotation tanks are expensive to have made, but there is a way to create your own flotation tank without all the costs.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need

6 Pounds of Epsom Salts

Step One

Before starting anything, rinse the entire body off with warm water, making sure to get rid of any dirt, body oils, or skin care products.

Step Two

Shut the bathroom door, as well as any windows.

Step Three

Run a warm bath, ideally the temperature should be around 84F, give or take a couple of degrees.

Step Four

While running the bath water, pour the epsom salt directly under the running water.

Step Five

Turn the bathroom lights off, and try to block any light from entering the bathroom. Also get rid of any surrounding noises. Noise cancelling earphones or earplugs may be helpful as well.

Step Six

Settle in to the bath, until the water is at the upper neck or right below the ears. Soak in the bath treatment for about 15 minutes.

- end of article -

The Problem With Creating A Floatation Tank In Your Bathtub

Epsom salt is the primary component in a floatation tank, but 800-1000 pounds of dissolved Epsom salt is used in a floatation tank. Claiming that 6 pounds of Epsom salt is just as effective as 800-1000 pounds is just silly. You need 5 pounds of Epsom salt per gallon of water to create the zero gravity effect of a floatation tank.

To elaborate on the zero gravity effect of a floatation tank, 800 pounds of dissolved Epsom salt will cause you to float like a cork, and the constant pressure of gravity is momentarily suspended. This has a healing and stress reduction effect that a few pounds of Epsom salt in your bathtub can never approach.

Fortunately, you don’t have to buy a floatation tank to experience the benefits. You can just visit your nearest floatation center and compare that experience to sitting in your bathtub. If you want to make the comparison even more striking, try a floatation tank on a day when you’re particularly stressed out, or when you’re experiencing muscular pain of any kind.

Categories: Floatation Tank
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