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Welcome to the Pacific Crest Clinic, home to one of the Lower Mainland’s only commercial floatation tanks! Whether you’re a first time floater or have experienced a session before, there’s space here for you to slip into the Epson salt filled waters of our Samadhi tank, relax, and rejuvenate. On our website you'll find floating related videos, articles, and links. If you have any additional questions and/or would like to book a float, you'll find contact details on the About Us page.
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History of Floating
The floatation tank was pioneered in 1954 by physician John C. Lilly. Lilly developed the concept during his research into the effects of sensory deprivation. Since their inception, floatation tanks have been used for relaxation, meditation, and to treat a variety of health related ailments ranging from chronic pain to recovery from injuries. Professional sports teams such as the Dallas Cowboys, sprinter Carl Lewis, and artists like John Lennon, Joe Rogan, and Robin Williams have all enjoyed the benefits of floating.
The Tank
The tank is roughly 7’ x 4’ x 4’. The water is approximately 10” deep and contains about 800lbs of Epson salts. The water is kept clean and bacteria free by the salt and through filtering and ozonating the contents after each float. We do not use chlorine.
What to Expect
While some people fear the idea of floating in darkness, the vast majority of users report highly favourable experiences. Upon coming to the clinic we ask users to fill out a brief medical form. Entering the tank with any open wounds is not permitted for sanitary reasons. We require all floaters to shower before and after their sessions. While the salt tends to make peoples’ skin feel softer, we recommended that jewellery be removed because of potentially harmful effects to certain metals.
Most people let their arms float at their sides or place them behind their head. Initially, there may be some movement in the tank until the water becomes calm. We offer and recommend ear plugs to guarantee silence in the tank and to prevent water from entering the ear canals.
Most people float for an hour but some individuals prefer longer sessions of up to two hours. We also suggest that people leave some time after their float to sit quietly for five to ten minutes and enjoy some space as they re-enter the world of sights, sounds, smells, and sensations.
If you’re worried about feeling claustrophobic, the door can be left open, although doing so for more than five to ten minutes will result in the water temperature dropping. Also, the door is easy to open and there’s a light inside the tank for those that would prefer not to be in darkness. In order to feel more relaxed we’ve seen a couple of floaters come with a friend whom they ask to sit outside in the waiting room. Alternatively, couples sometimes come and one person floats while the other enjoys a massage.
Floater Journals
First float. It didn’t take me long to quiet my thoughts and focus only on my breathing, and from there I slipped into about the calmest state I’ve ever experienced. Just myself and my breath. At times I tried to control visualizations but felt that came more easily if I just let go and let my mind take me where it may. There’s so much happening out here...! I have half a mind to climb back in. Yes, yes, yes. – Laryssa
So relaxing! Just floating away, up, in, out, wherever...time goes by quickly in there...a treat for myself. – Harry
Thank you so much Susan, my first float. Wow what an experience! My initial feeling was tensing up but a few minutes later I said to myself “I am not going to drown, just relax and enjoy the hour. It’s yours. Be peaceful and be in the moment. My shoulder was tensed but I focussed on relaxing the area and felt good. After the shower I feel great...rejuvenated. Thanks again, I will surely enjoy another one. – Renuka
When you fully let go of all mental and physical restraint, you float off into another level of consciousness. It is relaxation and oneness of mind at its maximum. – Dave
Today was my first float ever. At first I feared the darkness and enclosed space. After five minutes I closed the door but kept the light on in the tank. I have never felt so relaxed in my life. Four times...for a couple minutes each time, I went “somewhere else” deep inside myself. It was a good place to be. Each time I “came around” it was a little less harsh than the last time. I can absolutely see how repeated floating can be extremely beneficial. I learned things about myself today. Cool. – Emma
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