The Benefits of Float Pod Therapy
Discover the power of weightless rest
Floating is a therapy that lifts away stress, tension, and fatigue. In a warm pod of highly saline, magnesium-rich water, your body feels weightless and supported while your mind settles into stillness. People often leave feeling calmer, clearer, and more deeply rested than they have in years.
What Happens in the Body
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Buoyancy removes gravity’s pull, decompressing the spine and joints.
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Muscles, tendons, and ligaments soften as tension releases.
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Circulation improves and blood pressure steadies.
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The skin soaks in soothing magnesium salts, which many people find eases aches and supports recovery.
How You Feel Afterwards
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A deep sense of calm and clarity
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Muscles lighter and less fatigued
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Sleep comes more easily
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Stress feels “dialled down”
The Science of Floating
A closer look at what research says about regular float use.
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Stress response: Research shows that floating lowers cortisol and dampens activity in the amygdala — the brain’s fight-or-flight centre — creating measurable reductions in anxiety.
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Brainwaves: EEG and fMRI studies show shifts into alpha and theta rhythms, the same brain states linked with meditation, creativity, and emotional regulation.
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Neurochemistry: Floating is associated with increases in dopamine and endorphins, both of which support mood and natural pain relief.
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Pain relief: Clinical studies have found floating helps manage chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and migraines, offering a safe complementary tool for relief.
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History and evidence: First pioneered in the 1970s by neuroscientist John C. Lilly, floatation research has grown steadily. Recent systematic reviews highlight its promise for stress, sleep, pain, and mental health support.
“Floating truly settles the brain’s fight-or-flight response, easing your body into a state of calm.”
Physical Benefits
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Relieves muscle tension and joint strain
Floating removes gravity’s pull, allowing the spine to decompress and tight muscles to soften. This takes pressure off the back, shoulders, and neck — common areas of stress and pain. -
Supports post-exercise recovery
Athletes use floating to reduce lactic acid build-up and inflammation. The combination of magnesium-rich water and deep muscular rest speeds recovery and reduces soreness after training. -
Improves circulation and cardiovascular balance
As the body relaxes, blood vessels dilate, circulation improves, and blood pressure steadies. Oxygen and nutrients reach tissues more effectively, supporting healing and resilience. -
Eases chronic pain
Research supports floatation therapy as a complementary tool for conditions such as migraines, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. By dampening pain signals and boosting endorphins, floating can provide relief where other treatments fall short. -
Calms fatigue and jet lag
The sensory rest of floating allows the body to recalibrate, easing the physical exhaustion of long travel, shift work, or prolonged stress.
Mental Benefits
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Profound stress relief
Floating has been shown to lower cortisol and quieten the amygdala, the brain’s fight-or-flight centre. This makes it easier to relax deeply and recover from daily stress. -
Improved sleep
Many floaters find they fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply after a session. Regular floating can help regulate circadian rhythms and ease insomnia. -
Enhanced focus and clarity
By quieting external stimulation, floating clears mental “clutter,” helping you think more clearly and concentrate better afterwards. -
Boosts creativity and problem-solving
The shift into alpha and theta brainwave states is associated with new insights, fresh perspectives, and creative breakthroughs. -
Accessible meditation
Floating guides even first-timers into states similar to experienced meditation, making mindfulness more approachable and effective.
“One float can reset your nervous system, giving your body and mind the chance to recover fully.”
Long-Term Wellness and Longevity
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Cumulative stress resilience
Regular floating trains the nervous system to enter parasympathetic “rest and digest” more easily, reducing the long-term impact of stress on the body. -
Sustained sleep health
With ongoing practice, floating can help re-establish healthy sleep patterns, which are essential for long-term wellness and recovery. -
Chronic pain management
Conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and recurring migraines may be easier to manage with regular floating, offering natural relief alongside other therapies. -
Emotional balance
Over time, float sessions can build greater resilience to anxiety, low mood, and burnout by lowering baseline stress reactivity and supporting positive neurochemistry. -
Athletic performance and longevity
Athletes who float regularly benefit from faster recovery and reduced injury risk, making training more sustainable and improving performance over the long term.
“Over time, regular floating trains resilience — your body learns to return to balance more quickly.”
Who Benefits Most
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Busy professionals needing recovery from stress, posture strain, and travel fatigue
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Athletes wanting faster recovery and focus
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Pregnant women (12–37 weeks) for weightless relief (with midwife/LMC approval)
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Chronic pain sufferers (migraines, arthritis, fibromyalgia, PMS)
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Poor sleepers/insomniacs seeking natural rest
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Frequent travellers/shift workers to reset body rhythms
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Meditators & creatives who want easier access to deep, clear states
For suitability and simple prep steps, see “Before You Float.” If you have specific health questions (e.g., recent chemotherapy, uncontrolled seizures, serious injuries, breastfeeding), please call us and we’ll guide you.
Floatation Therapy - Tory Urban Retreat
Floatation Therapy Testimonials
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... the studio was exceptionally clean and the staff went over the top to ensure my visit was perfect ...
I had the most wonderful experience at Tory!, The float tank was absolute heaven, and my massage was more than I could have asked for. The studio was exceptionally clean and the staff went over the top to ensure my... continue reading »
Winfrey
( Received: May, 2018 ) -
... . I had my first sensory deprivation chamber float and it was incredible ...
Had the most amazing experience at Tory Urban Retreat today. I had my first sensory deprivation chamber float and it was incredible. The staff were all incredibly helpful and guided me through the whole process!
Alec
( Received: March, 2018 ) -
... I felt a lot less stressed and looser after my float ...
I had the most amazing experience and wonderful service. I pinched a nerve in my back and I’m pregnant so was very uncomfortable upon arrival. The woman who greeted me was soo welcoming and lovely and very thorough with explaining... continue reading »
Chinney Yeap
( Received: January, 2018 ) -
... I left feeling so rested and ready to tackle the world ...
This was the most perfect way to spend my day off, I booked in and was a little nervous, I mean you're basically in a dark cocoon by yourself for an hour, I wasn't sure I liked myself enough to... continue reading »
Bekki
( Received: October, 2017 ) -
... felt so held and nurtured through the experience ...
First time in the float pod... felt so held and nurtured through the experience. Cruised through the weekend grounded in a stillness that was unshakable. What a resource.... I'll definitely be back for more time out and deep healing at... continue reading »
Grace
( Received: May, 2017 ) -
... what a luxurious experience ...
Had my first float last night. What a luxurious experience from the shower's Methven rain shower head and complimentary Sukin products to the amazing pod, and complimentary healthy beverage after. Awesome helpful and friendly staff. Highly recommend!
Rachael
( Received: February, 2017 ) -
.... your facilities and staff are amazing ...
Just had my 1st ever Float. Best experience ever! Loved it! Tory Urban Retreat your facilities and staff are amazing. I will definitely be back when ever I visit wellington and be telling everyone to go and experience your retreat.... continue reading »
Michelle
( Received: February, 2017 ) -
... something I will be eager to repeat ...
I couldn't believe such an oasis could exist within the hustling bustling cbd. But I was welcomed into a serene oasis and my enjoyment was seamlessly created by the staff, the interiors and the pod experience. I was apprehensive at... continue reading »
Tabitha
( Received: February, 2017 ) -
.... we will absolutely come back again ...
My boyfriend and I both did a float this morning for my 21st birthday and it was heavenly! The staff are so kind and friendly, they take such good care of you. We will absolutely come back again. Thank you,... continue reading »
Kezia
( Received: January, 2017 ) -
... I just had my first float and it was so fantastic! ...
Tory Urban Retreat is an absolute DREAM. The staff are so amazing as are all their services. I just had my first float and it was so fantastic! Would come here daily if I could.
Amelia
( Received: January, 2017 ) -
... first float totally made me feel totally zen ...
Calm relaxing space, helpful friendly staff and first float totally made me feel totally zen. I'll be back
Wiki
( Received: January, 2017 ) -
... Thank you so much for being wonderful ladies ...
Fantastic service and lovely people. Anatola was a beautiful host. Thank you so much for being wonderful ladies.
Nina
( Received: January, 2017 ) -
... I didnt really know what to expect but it surpassed all expectations ...
I did my first ever float ... it was such an amazing experience. the staff were all awesome and made me feel relaxed .. I didnt really know what to expect but it surpassed all expectations. you have to try... continue reading »
Linda
( Received: December, 2016 ) -
... i didnt really know what to expect but it surpassed all expectations ...
i did my first ever float ... it was such an amazing experience. the staff were all awesome and made me feel relaxed .. i didnt really know what to expect but it surpassed all expectations. you have to try... continue reading »
Linda
( Received: December, 2016 )