Floating relaxes body and mind

Floating (sometimes called float or flotation therapy) is a method of relaxation that’s already very popular in the United States. Invented by Dr John C. Lilly in the 1950s, in the last few years the trend has also reached Switzerland.

How does floating work?

If you’ve ever been to a spa you’ll be familiar with warm saline (saltwater) baths. The idea behind floating is similar. You can choose between an open pool or a type of covered tank. After showering, you lie in a bath of saline solution around 30 centimetres deep at a temperature of about 35 degrees that’s precisely dosed so that your body floats on the water. This floating creates a feeling of weightlessness. It’s important to really let your head fall, because only that way can your neck and spine really relax.

Recovering from everyday stresses

Competitive athletes use floating baths to relax their muscles: floating in saltwater helps reduce tension after heavy exertion. But it’s not just sportspeople who can benefit. The calm, darkened environment is a great place to get lost in your thoughts and recover from everyday stresses. Saline baths can also be very helpful for people with skin problems such as neurodermitis. The saltwater restores the moisture lost from the skin and helps accelerate the transport of minerals.

Relaxation and wellbeing

Did you know that under the Praevita and Optima supplementary insurance plans SWICA contributes up to 600 francs* towards preventive healthcare relating to relaxation and wellbeing? More information at: swica.ch/wellbeing

*Click here for details of the contribution.


08.12.2021