Keith joined us for his first float with us in October and kindly wrote this report on his experience. Keith has trained in medical microbiology, health counselling and is a modern day UK based Shaman. You can find out more about Keith and follow his updates on Youtube;
Float Glastonbury 3-10-2024
My first experience here: I’ve been to floatation pod and tank centres over a 20 year timespan. My first, in Amsterdam, was followed by floats in three venues in England. I’m a great fan of floats: there’s something about being perfectly warm, neither hot nor cold in any way. Added to this is being supported by the water, knowing there is nothing to do except be. Time purely for me.
As a retreat host who makes use of simple biomedical instruments to assess my participants before their retreat with plant medicines, I chose to measure my blood pressure, heart rate and blood oxygen saturation levels before and after. I will share the results towards the end of this report.
The reception room and my hosts put me at ease with their approach and the decor. It’s a converted building surrounded by the gentle Somerset landscape, with a direct view of Glastonbury Tor from the entrance.
I was given comprehensive instructions beforehand. The shower was in the pod room, next to the pod. I chose the dark room this time, which is what I’m used to. The pod is larger than the others I’ve been in. They are designed for two people who choose to float together, if desired. It was easy to get into, and it filled while I was showering, a method new to me.
Over a few minutes, the ambient light and sounds diminished to zero and I’m off! For me, the time flew by. They add more Epsom salts to the water than usual; 600kg rather than the usual 500kg. I had no need of ear plugs or the head rest. I felt like I was lying on a flexible membrane (actually the case, as the liquid has a meniscus, which is just that). The extreme comfort is such a blessing!
The hour flew by, from my point of view. I was aware of thoughts. At one point I chose to take myself on a shamanic journey: I eventually arrived in the void between galaxies. Then I returned my awareness to the pod. I find this utterly comforting and blissful. Having nothing to do is just wonderful.
In other floats, I used to be aware of drifting to one side, being bothered, and trying to move to the centre. I did no such thing here. My body became so still that, when I attempted to do some deep breathing, I soon gave up. All my body wanted to do was to embrace being still.
When the lights and the sounds commenced, very gently, I felt resistance to getting out of the pod. This is because, at other float centres, the temperature of the room is obviously colder than in the pod. I took the advice given, staying in the pod until all the liquid had drained out. I found this to be an unusual, interesting feeling. Getting out here, however, I was delighted to discover that I still felt really warm. Later on, I discovered this is because there is an infra-red heating unit suspended directly above where I was standing. Such attention to detail is so important with a float. There was no distracting noise at all during the entire experience.
I contrast this with the one in ****** I visited in 2023, where the hairdressers shop, part of their establishment, had the sounds of hairdryers and the smell of chemicals to accompany my experience. When I had dried and dressed, I returned to the reception room. I felt under no pressure to leave. I noticed my skin felt so very good. As a regular Epsom salts bath person, I was aware of the healing power of these Magnesium-rich minerals. Such a big dose left my skin feeling so nurtured and cared for.
Now to my medical observation results:
BP= blood pressure. HT=heart rate. SpO2=oxygen saturation level.
Before: BP 117/68 HT 68 SpO2 99%
Optimal blood pressure, heart rate lower than 72 is a good sign. Oxygen: the normal range is from 100% down to 95%, the higher, the better the oxygenation of the blood. 99% is excellent.
After: BP 107/77 HT 65 SpO2 97%
Luke explains that the float enables the body to release a lot of toxins. As we know, a relaxed state promotes well-being and catalyses healing. So, the lower SpO2 validates the body as having discharged carbon dioxide from out of the cells into the blood! The blood pressure remained optimal and the heart rate had dropped into an even more relaxed state. Excellent results!
I’ve saved the best until last: I was floating in Glastonbury spring water! Yes, one of the best water sources in the world is the only water used in their float centre. This is another reason why my skin felt so good: a complete absence of chlorine and other chemicals.
So fulfilling was my experience I paid for 12 floats in one go, which attracts a discount. They can be spread out over a year.
This is such a good way to ensure that inertia does not prevent me from missing out: I intend to have one a month for the year, beginning here in October 2024.
I highly recommend Float Glastonbury!
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