If you were to tell me to put in earplugs, get naked, and lie down in water in a dark room for 1 hour, the last response you’d get would be, “Sign me up!” But that’s just what I did when I tried float therapy at Ebb & Float in Columbus Ohio.
I’ve shared my love for Ebb & Float before, but now we are diving in deep.
Ebb & Float is one of the most calming, feel good, come as you are, places I have ever been. Kym + Rick, the owners, designed such an incredible space that I truly cannot put into words. When you walk into Ebb & Float, it’s not uncommon to feel your stresses slowly begin to melt away. You may even notice your shoulders drop slightly down your back, and your breath become just a little more centered.
My first experience at Ebb & Float was in the sauna – infrared and different than any sauna I’ve seen before. The reason I booked was because of all the benefits I had been hearing that infrared has on the body, especially those with weakened immune systems. (Me!) Plus the added benefits of whole-body detox and blood circulation – sold. I gave it a try for 20 minutes, and completely fell in love. I wanted to book a float session, but I’m not going to lie, I was scared shitless.
Floating is about doing absolutely nothing, and loving it.
Ebb & Float
The day of my float came, and though I was still scared, Kym took me through the most comforting and helpful tutorial for first time floaters. After she calmed my fears and closed the door, I got naked, put in earplugs – some of the best I’ve ever used! – showered, and stepped into the float chamber.
What is float therapy and why would anyone do this?
I sought out floating because I needed to pause – mentally and physically. Floating is great for stress reduction, aiding in muscle tension and pain, better sleep, and honestly so much more. The warm water has salt added to it, which is what causes you to float – science! – and the salt also gives so many of those yummy healing benefits. Yes, it’s dark in the room, though you do have the option to keep a dim light on. I recommend working your way to pitch black. This allows you to get the full sensory experience, and it is wild!
Back to my first time…
Ebb & Float has a handful of different floating tank options, from actual enclosed tanks, to a small open pool vibe. I favor the Wave Cabin, as it feels like a walk-in shower, so I don’t feel like I’m in a small space at all. For the first 10 or 15 minutes, I kept reaching my hands out to touch the wall and ensure that I was, in fact, still safe. Every so often my mind would wander and ask questions like, “Could an alligator be in here with you?” When my brain finally settled down, I was so blissed out I think I fell asleep. (Don’t worry, that’s safe!) When my hour was up, beautiful music slowly chimed into my room to let me know it was time to shower and get dressed.
After floating, you’ll be so zen. Be sure to give yourself time to sit and take in your experience.
As I said, Ebb & Float is absolutely beautiful. There is a small sitting room with loads of natural light and cozy seating that begs you to stay a while. After my float, I took time to try and make sense of my past hour – did I really fall asleep while in water? Were those thoughts my own? Did I connect to my higher self? What’s in the shampoo, my hair is so soft! I’ve learned that the answer to all of those questions is yes! (I still know nothing about the shampoo, and at this point I would like to keep it a mystery.)
Ebb & Float is a large part of my wellness routine.
Though I am currently not living in Columbus, any time I visit I am sure to book a sauna or float – if I’m short on time, I book a massage chair. I love the community that Kym and Rick have created, and the conversations that are happening because this space exists. Since my first sauna at Ebb & Float, I’ve gone back not only for services, but for incredible events as well. Sound baths, cacao ceremonies, healing circles, full + new moon ceremonies, and other small gatherings that have impacted my life in big ways.
Ebb & Float is the first place that I recommend to any friends living in or traveling to the Columbus area. You must go and experience this magic for yourself! My go-to is the trifecta: massage, sauna, float. Be sure to leave time for self reflection, or a conversation with Kym, to really get the full E&F effect!