Koan Float, floating & massage centre – An oasis of serenity
In Amsterdam’s bustling canal area, Koan Float is an oasis of serenity. This floating and massage centre opened in 1997 as the first of its kind in the Netherlands, so it has years of experience with the therapeutic effects of floating weightlessly in a warm solution of Epsom salt.
What is floating?
It’s like floating in the Dead Sea, but then in your own cabin of warm water. Because there are no external stimuli – no light, sound, changes in temperature, or sensation of gravity – it’s an experience of total relaxation and calm for body and mind.
Epsom salt
The water you float in contains 550 kilogrammes of Epsom salt. This is rich in magnesium, which the body needs to be able to function properly: it’s good for the muscles, nerves, joints and bowels. The magnesium is easily absorbed through the skin, and your body takes in exactly the amount it needs.
Proven positive effects
Floating reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol and boosts the production of endorphins, the feelgood hormones. It strengthens the immune system, is good for blood and oxygen circulation, lowers blood pressure, stimulates creativity, and improves learning and athletic performance. People who suffer from stress, or have sleep or concentration problems, find that floating helps them to relax and improves their focus. It also helps to relieve acute or chronic pain. People with conditions including arthritis, rheumatism and migraine experience lower levels of pain both during and after floating. These and other positive effects have been proven by a range of scientific studies.