Asheville flotation tank offers a trip to self-discovery

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Stillpoint_WellnessThe 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.

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

  • 1

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4 Comments

  1. Jenny Lumb June 18, 2013

    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.

    Reply
  2. David Bluth June 17, 2013

    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

    Reply
  3. BL June 17, 2013

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

    Reply
    1. Jason Sandford June 18, 2013

      The cost is about the same as a massage.

      Reply

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