Float Matrix
Categories: Health and Medical, Beauty and Spas [Edit]
Neighborhood: Nob Hill815 Hyde St
(between Bush St & Sutter St)
San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 292-4490
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- By Appointment Only: Yes
15 Reviews for Float Matrix
One of Float Matrix's Favorite Reviews
The most amazing experience I have ever had!!!! This place has truly changed my life. From the very first day this place opened I met Kane, such an intelligent and nurturing man, I was instantly soothed even before I got into the tank. I have floated at least 7 times since then and love every moment of it. My evenings at Float Matrix have truly become a sacred time for my body and my soul. Let me tell you, this is the REAL "me time"
I recently had the pleasure of trying one of the meditation CD's Float has available and WOW. I feel I reached the deepest meditative state I have ever been in. It was wonderful to be softly guided along while my body was completely relaxed.
I would also like to put it out there that there has never been a time when I heard outside noise while inside the tank. If possibly this was a problem in the past, fear not for it is no more.
Not only do I recommend Float Matrix for relaxation, I also urge people to use floating as a tool to work through difficult times in life. It really allows your mind to truly think things through without influence. Without resisting to have a similar story to other floaters out there, I have to say if it starts to sound alike it is because it is completely true. Yes, it really is this good!
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The tank experience was very interesting. I think from reading the information on the web site I was prepared for it better than I thought I was. The time in the tank wasn't an issue for me as I thought it might have been. The water was so dense with medical grade Epsom salt that I felt more like I was lying on a couch that supported every part of my body rather than floating. The darkness took a little getting used to. After a few minutes I could only tell if my eyes were open or closed by being physically aware of them. For me the most difficult part of any meditation is to stop my internal dialogue and to clear my mind. I have to keep doing it throughout the time as the thoughts just start up again and again. Concentrating on my breathing is my best way to do that and that is what I did. It worked well. There was nothing dramatic about the time in the tank. No hallucinations or out of body experiences. But, more like a very deep state of relaxation. When the hour was done I felt relaxed and refreshed and laden with salty residue. After the shower I felt good and somewhat normal at first. But the further I got from the experience the better I felt. I felt very awake and alert, my thoughts were clearer, I felt lighter, more aware myself and the world around me and generally at peace. Much the same as I have felt after really good meditation experiences, which I haven't done in several years. Overall the experience was very good and I am very glad I did it. I am looking forward to doing it again. I am told with floating that the experience is one that you can build on and I am interested in seeing what exactly that means.
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Wonderful oasis of calm in the city. We enjoyed our float sessions and the nice atmosphere. Highly recommended.
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For what it is, it's really great. And that to me means utter relaxation. I'm a little dubious on some of their wild claims to cure various diseases or whatever, but if you want to completely chill out, shut out the world and rejuvenate it can't be beat.
The chamber itself looks like an oven, which is sort of creepy to crawl into for the first time, because you aren't sure if they are going to cook you up or not. I've been twice and haven't been boiled yet, so I can recommend.
The dude who runs the show there is totally cool as well. Very, very nice and good natured and can take some ribbing about the whole mystique of it all, and that scores big points with me.
As much as I sort of thought it was going to be lame, I've been talking it up to everyone and I've gotten them some business and I'll be back again myself. Bring on the dark, black oven!
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Definitely to be tried at least once. I'll bet you'll be back though. I left as relaxed as I am after a massage, but a little "differently relaxed" - if that's possible. After a massage, my body feels rested and my mind feels groggy, like I just woke up. But at the end of this experience, I felt mentally relaxed. Like I rebooted my brain and was starting fresh. I thought I heard some noise (talking, radio) during the experience so it wasn't as quiet as I had hoped, but I might have been imagining it too. I will go back again for the utterly relaxed feeling I had when I left.
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As a Chiropractor, I am always looking for a ways to help my "over stressed" patients relax. My recommendation is to do a course of floating at Float Matrix. The isolation from all stressors allows the floating individual to enter a peaceful state where the mind can function freely. Some people find relaxation, some are able to find solutions to problems they could not solve while under stress. As the body relaxes it secretes less "stress chemicals" so the muscles as well as the mind relax. People are able to hold thier adjustments longer and have increased function mentally and physically.
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I leave more relaxed than I do after a massage. Heaven.
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Superb. A transformational experience, and something that anyone who enjoys sauna, hot tub, massage etc., owes themselves. Floating has now been pushed to the top of my list of relaxational therapies, and I look forward to my second float!
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If you've always wanted to try sensory deprivation flotation, this is the place to begin your journey.
Float Matrix has a great central location (great for destressing after work) and a warm, clean, spa-like environment. Kane, the proprietor, not only gives a great and thorough introduction to floating, he is practically a spirit guide, helping you get the most out of your experience.
This is certainly not for everyone, and I'm not sure how often I could take it, but if you need a concentrated dose of relaxation, meditation and focus, try it out.
One improvement though - the tanks aren't really as soundproof as you might want them to be, and there is some hall noise that could impede your inner journey. Maybe they should put up more "SHHH" signs.
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I had a great overall experience at Float Matrix. The facilities were top notch and the float itself was enough to warrant a 5 star rating. However, hanging and talking with Kane before my float and after made sealed the greatness of the experience. Much continued success!
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You gotta try this at least once in your life (and the first time is invariably the best).
Ever since I saw altered states (William hurt/ken Russell directed) I have been intrigued by isolation tanks (and a few other sensory enhancements) and a present of a few 'floats' from my fiance was a perfect opportunity.
The tanks at float matrix are horizontal (not like those that hurt studies in AS) and very clean and comfortable.
And Kane is the quintessential spiritual guide, both in preparation and post-mortem (should you have the inclination to discuss the wonderful experiences).
I am fairly new to the experience, but relish those occasional moments of unusual perception during each float. And have found it immensely relaxing and calming, both during, and after the experience. It is akin to walking on cushions and occasionally heighten sensory perception for a few hours after.
I was slightly concerned about being Claustrophobic but this was not an issue in the slightest.
Due to travel and work commitments I do not float as much as I would like, but i am certainly looking forward to my next one.
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(post presented by owner for your convenience)
--What is Floatation?
--Floating is a concept developed by John C. Lilly and the NIMH. You float in 800lbs of Epsom salt saturate in warm water in a climate controlled environment with light and sound attenuated out. This creates a unique environment where the body experiences weightlessness as you float effortlessly and the Epsom salt relaxes the muscles.This is the deepest state of relaxation ever researched.
--Why would I float?
--The environment created has many benefits. Stress has been researched as the leading cause of ALL diseases and relaxation is quickly surfacing as a natural remedy either complimentary to other treatments or by itself. It is a natural alternative to medication for stress, anxiety, depression, pain, sleep disorders, habit breaking and many more. These are the therapeutic values.
--Why else would I float?
--Relaxation sharpens the mind, and the mind is our tool for perceiving our lives. When one feels that they are in control of their lives, their life experiences are much richer. When your mind is focused, it has the capacity for greater problem solving, enhanced clarity and awareness, creativity and much more.
--Still not enough?
--When your body goes into deep states of relaxation, anything that you focus on is imprinted into your subconscious. This is much like hypnosis but much deeper and you are conscious and in control. If you repeat statements like, "I see the positive in all situations" it will become part of your life experience. Rather than seeing all the things that you don't want, you see that which you do. Many in our culture would have you focused on the negative, but there is a growing movement to show people how they can better their world with tools that put them back in charge of their experience. We also provide life enhancement programming using the latest technologies. Programs include but are not limited to, Public Speaking, Motivation, Quitting Smoking, Weight Loss, Youthful Vitality, Personal Magnetism, Dream Play, and much more. This the next generation in personal empowerment.
--EVERYONE emerges feeling refreshed, invigorated, tranquil, and Confident.
FAQ: What if I am Claustrophobic?
This is a very common concern. What is important to know is that you are always in control of your experience. You can get in and out at any time, there is a light if you prefer, as well as the door can be propped open if you wish. You can also listen to soothing sounds or music, but I sense that most will find this distracting to the peaceful experience.
FAQ: Will I hallucinate like floating is portrayed in the movies?
Chances are no. Not in the sense of psychedelic hallucinations, at least. What floatation does is allow the body/mind an environment for hyper-processing. Since we translate our experience into memory through our senses, some are visually oriented and therefore do "imagine" seeing what they are processing. Some are audio-oriented and therefore will hear their processing and some are kinesthetically oriented and will tend to feel their processing.
It is truly amazing, that someone who sees their processing will know they "imagined' it, yet someone who hears their processing assumes that it was outside noise although it is silent when they emerge.
May your world be blessed with abundance, may your body support you with youthful vigor, and may your mind flow with golden wisdom.
(keywords: massage, sauna, healing, meditation, isolation, sensory, entertainment, relaxation, relax, tension, anxiety, yoga, vacation,self realization, illumination, light, healing, medical, water, float, peace, love, spa, relax, relaxation, acupuncture, alternative, holistic, deprivation, wellness, unique, idea, ascension, cheap, affordable, free, salon, parlor, gentle, breath, breathing, life, visitor, tourist, sleep, jetlag, De-Stressing, Pain Relief , Physical Restoration, Self Healing, Depression, Anxiety, & Fear Elimination, Weight Loss, Drug Addiction, Super Learning, Business Professionals, Athletes and Entertainers, Parents and "Expecting", Holistic Practitioners, Spiritual Seekers, harbin hot springs, wastsu, zen, colonix, rolfing, Prayer, Floatation, Consciousness, Alternative to Medication, Alternative to drugs, massage, yoga, retreat, spa, health, fitness, well being, Stress)
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An great experience that everyone should have. Probably the best way I know to get away from everything and relax. Kane, the owner, is also very knowledgeable in everything that has to do with floatation. Check it out if you have a chance.
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Fantastic experience!!! Floatation therapy is a great way to help anyone relax and unwind. The one and only Floatation center in San Fran - this place is great, the ambiance is very tranquil and peaceful. I'm a brand new mom, who also works as a night nurse at the hospital, so this place has truly been a blessing, I only wish I could float everyday for as long as I want- i can never get enough of that "Calgon-take me away" feeling.
This place is for everyone!!!
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What a trip.
I think the conversation I had with Kane (proprieter) was itself almost worth the price of admission. He's just an interesting guy to talk to, and gives off the vibe that he is very passionate and believes very strongly in what he's doing, and I respect that a great deal. I got the strong impression that he just has good intentions in general, and I really like that in a person.
The place has a funny feel to it...the building should be depressing, but something about Float Matrix's space just cancels that all out...it's a very soothing environment, but you can't quite put your finger on why. You just feel like you're in a good place. I'm not one to talk about spaces having energy, but this place...that's the only explanation I can come up with.
It really is almost like a spa. The shower facilities were clean and pleasantly lit, with all organic wash products supplied, and there were washcloths, towels, robes, and slippers provided for the process.
The tanks themselves were extremely clean, and disposable ear plugs were provided as well. The experience....well, they say it's different for everyone and that it's best not to go in with any preconcieved notions, so I'll leave that for you to discover on your own.
Highly recommended. Whether you're a strict scientific/intellectual type who's just interested in relaxation and the research-backed physical properties of the tanks, or you're a more spiritual/intuitive type who's interested in the much documented mental and spiritual benefits of floating, I think you'll find that floating will be able to provide you with either or both of those, and perhaps more importantly, a new understanding of and appreciation for the opposite side of things, and a new sense of balance. And isn't that what life is all about?
I can't wait to go back...
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