Asheville flotation tank offers a trip to self-discovery

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The flotation tank at Still Point Wellness on Central Avenue  near downtown Asheville is intimidating.

It’s big, big like a bank vault. There’s about a foot and a half of 94-degree water inside, water that has so much salt in it that a floating body becomes super buoyant. A big door closes off all light and all but the faint sounds of an air vent.

That’s all, but I was hesitant. What if I got scared or disoriented? Not to worry, advised Corey, Still Point’s warm and welcoming spa manager and therapist. He pointed out a big  handle on a wall inside the tank, within easy reach. (The tank is something like 8 feet wide by 10 feet long.) Leave the door open a crack if you’re not sure, or just open the door and get out if you need a break.

The only experience I’d ever had with a sensory deprivation tank was the one I had watching William Hurt’s exploration as a character in Altered States. Pretty freaky stuff. Would I get lost in some wild hallucinatory haze? Would I come out a changed person?

Corey talked me calmly through some of those fears, advising me to relax, clear my mind and focus on my breathing. My friend Blake, who told me I should check out Stillpoint, also described to me his own experience, which he said was both relaxing and invigorating. And yes, he did have a vision or two. Nothing scary. Just more of some of what his mind had already been working over for awhile.

So in I went. My first float lasted about 90 minutes, but felt like just five. Inside the tank, I grew highly aware of body aches and pains, as well as the loudness of all the thoughts bouncing around inside my head. I concentrated on breathing, turning down the chorus of voices. My time was up just about the time I felt I was quieting inside. Sitting in Stillpoint’s little waiting area with a glass of water, I stared at a soothing tank full of brightly colored fish and gathered myself. I felt fuzzy-headed and incredibly relaxed.

And I couldn’t wait to get back inside the black, blank tank.

4 Comments

Jenny Lumb June 18, 2013 - 9:36 am

I love that you are bringing Asheville’s attention to Still Point Wellness and their floatation tank. I’ve gone twice now and had great experiences both times. I highly recommend it anyone who wants to slow down and tune in.

David Bluth June 17, 2013 - 9:36 pm

I agree with the article. The float-tank was an amazing experience. I utilized it very creative visualization while training for a marathon. Truly a remarkable experience

BL June 17, 2013 - 4:28 pm

Just yesterday I was wondering if there were one of these around. How much does it cost to try it?

Jason Sandford June 18, 2013 - 6:22 am

The cost is about the same as a massage.

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