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Space Time Tanks
Rating Details »
Neighborhoods: Lincoln Park, DePaul
2526 N Lincoln Ave
(at Lill Ave)
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 472-2700
2526 N Lincoln Ave
(at Lill Ave)
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 472-2700
- Nearest Transit:
-
Fullerton (Purple Express, Brown, Red)
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
- Accepts Insurance:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
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36 reviews for Space Time Tanks
I'd been meaning to go for a couple of years now, but the idea always seemed abstract - it was there in the "List of things I want to before I die", but you never really tackle that list, y'know?
But this Saturday I decided to. And I'm glad I did. I went in expecting a somewhat shady setup, and an environment that, while acceptable, wouldn't be the cleanest. But right from the lighting and the mood, to the really clean rooms and pods, to the nice explanation they give you for first timers, I already had a good feeling getting into the pod. I'd read that I should take earplugs, but I forgot, but they provided them in there, which I though was a nice touch.
If you haven't experienced flotation before, I highly recommend you do it. At first my instinct to always be in control kicked in, which meant I was tensing my back and neck, and worrying about things, but five minutes in, I started relaxing, and just lay back. And stopped thinking. And two minutes later it was over.
I kid, because it had actually been an hour, but because you lose sense of time in there, I really felt like no time had passed, which means I either dozed off in there, or was well and truly in some zone.
Just be careful to not rub your eyes and get some salt in there. That'll sting. But besides that one hiccup, it was great. I literally went straight from here to the windy city rollers opening game, where some organizational snafu meant we were lined up in single digit weather for 25 minutes for will call tickets! While the last minute ticket guys bought theirs faster! And I would have been mad, except I didn't give a fuck. I was happy. That's what space time tanks will do to you.
Having never been in a sensory deprivation tank, I was unsure of what to expect from this experience. I went out of curiosity. It was interesting but I don't think I will ever do it again.
The place was nice and clean and the people were friendly but I think the experience was not for me. I found it dis concerning to have no idea how long I had been in there and to open my eye to darkness so dark it was as if my eyes were still closed.
All in all the reasons people go to sensory deprivation tanks were the very reasons that made me uncomfortable. It was good to try and if I were to recommend a place to go it would be here.
Also I recommend the ear plugs. I did not use them and had salt coming out of my ears for a day or two after.
I've gone once. It wasn't enough, but it was enough to tell this is a class experience and a clean establishment. Being a suburbanite it's always tough deciding to drive back to Lincoln Park just to go to the Tanks, and the cost and parking situation doesn't make it easier, either. But we will go back.
Summary: I do wish that there were more tanks in the area closer to me, more competition, better parking and prices. But I suppose this is one of those extreme niche specialties that you feel lucky to have at all. I have to give them 5 stars for being the only flotation tanks in the Chicago area still in business. (there was another place in Arlington Heights that failed, I believe)
I've been intrigued by floating in these tanks ever since Ab Fab... My SO decided we should do it, so we did.
if you go once and think you're going back, they have packages where you can buy 5 for $125, and you can mix/match that as gift certificates and share with friends. So after our first visit, I just bought a 5 pack and we went back another time a few weeks later (otherwise it's $40/hr)
Visit one... we showed up, it was quiet... the guy was helpful and showed us what to do.
Sat in the tank. It was verrrrry relaxing. He said he'd knock after an hour when I was done, but I kept wondering "will I hear it?" and maybe that kept me from relaxing totally...
Visit two... could have been better, but I'll go for a third ..
My ears do a funky popping for a good day after visiting... The first time I had vertigo for hours, it was a funny feeling like I was floating over the world. The second time my ears would just pop for a good day or two every time I opened my jaw.
Despite my annoying second experience, I'd maybe go back. The fears of being claustrophobic and what not are easily overcome once you get in and actually realize you're in total control.
it's definitely I'd recommend everyone try at least once!
I first heard about these from watching the Simpson's.
"Look Daddy! A whale egg!"
So of course when I found out about this location completely randomly, I decided I needed to try it completely randomly.
And I'm glad I did. I convinced a friend to go into this whole new agey shenanigans with me, and we hit the tanks. You enter and take off your shoes. And relax. Just relax. Forget EVERYTHING. Then you're lead to your own private room, and told the directions (strip, get in tank, relax, et cetera). Their website describes a lot about the tanks themselves better than I could. I'd say the worst part about being in the tank, was that sometimes a random condensation drop would fall on your face as you're in mid-pace of being separated from your body and floating in the womb of the world, and it brings you back to an annoying reality.
After an hour someone comes and gently taps to let you know its time to come out of the womb. You shower off, and get dressed, and then proceed to move like a sloth into the world again. (If you need it, there's a hair dryer in the small bathroom off the waiting area.)
This extreme-relax type atmosphere and experience is different for everyone. Some are freaked out, and some love it so much they go and buy their own whale egg for their house.
For me, it was like I was high as a kite and a little touched-in-the-head. We rode bikes there, but neither of us could take the reality of having to figure out the mechanics of riding just right then. So we walked down the street to get something to eat. I stared at the menu smiling and just agreeing to everything. Beer. I needed beer. I actually apologized to the waitress for being so spacey and weird.
I'm glad I tried if, if for nothing more than to say that I had. I'd go and try it again sometime if it came up, just to say I've done it twice.
When my friend told me about Space Time Tanks, I was little unsure. I figured I was on vacation, though, and should try something new though. As soon as we walked in the door, I felt at peace. The lobby was decorated nicely, and there was a very relaxing aura. It smelled nice and the lighting was perfect. I was still a little nervous about the light/sound machines and flotation tanks because I didn't know what to expect, but I already felt relaxed just by being in the lobby.
The light/sound machine was a bit weird at first. Very psychedelic! I didn't go deeply into it, but I definitely felt more and more relaxed. I only did it for 15 minutes because there wasn't enough time to do more, but I had no concept of time anyway. An hour could have passed for all I knew!
By the time I got to the tanks, I was extremely relaxed. I loved that they used Aveda products. I have to admit that as soon as I got in the tank, the relaxation was gone. I'm slightly claustrophobic, and the complete darkness and new experience made me freak out for a few minutes. Eventually, I got used to everything and was able to relax more. Once again, I had no concept of time or anything from the outside world. (Except that, for whatever reason, I had Journey stuck in my head!) I knew I was awake, but I couldn't tell if my eyes were opened or closed. It was without doubt one of the most interesting experiences I've had... Most importantly, I was *extremely* relaxed after everything. The way I see it, it's like yoga - it's a little weird/uncomfortable at first, but you feel AMAZING after! (Except there's less work involved!)
The guy who worked there was very nice, and as soon as I got back to where I was staying, I looked up flotation tanks to see if there were any near where I live. There is one two hours away, and I am going again. I will definitely return to Space Time Tanks whenever I go to Chicago. Next time I'll try the other services as well. I'll also recommend that everyone I know float at least once, if only for the experience!
Just do it! it is worth it. I am willing to try anything once and this was well worth it. I had to wait in the lobby for about 30mins for my room to be available but I did not mind that at all. People say this place is full of hippes which I think is stupid. The guy I met was a younger guy who was just chill and nice toned. He wasn't all decked out in a tie dye shirt and had hemp around his neck.
My experience was great. I was not able to tell if I was alseep most of the time or just really into it. I think I fell asleep at some point which was nice. It is a little weird at first, but that passes. Two thumbs way up.
Float in darkness. This is possible at Space Time Tanks Flotation Center. The center houses flotation tanks - about 8 feet long, 4 feet wide, 4 feet tall, filled with 800 lbs. of Epsom Salt, dark, and silent. This type of seclusion sounds kind of scary at first - but it feels like you are at peace with yourself. Nothing bothers you while you are inside the tank, all you do is float. The darkness and silence help you organize your thoughts and make you think clearer.
Each tank is located within its own room - so privacy will not be an issue. In the room is a shower, tank, and chair. You get naked, rinse off, and step into the tank and close the door. You will effortlessly float when you lay down on the water (because of the Epsom salt, also Epsom salt is good for your body).
When I was floating, the first thing I noticed (and kind of bothered me for a bit) was the silence. It's sad to think how I got scared of the silence - I live in a noise polluted city - on top of that I live next to the el, literally. When I got use to the silence, I started to think about my stresses and suddenly those stresses were not as important - they went away. I immediately thought of solutions and "workarounds" for the problems of my life. I cried, laughed, smirked, and took a nap (don't worry, you cannot drown in the tank - its only filled with up with about 15 - 2o inches of water, plus you cannot flip over - the tank is not that big for one to flip over).
After 1 hour of floating ($30/hr or $40 if you forgot your student id), the receptionist at the center goes into the room and knocks on your tank - you knock back to ensure her that you are awake. I felt so relieved, energized, enticed, and laced with life when I got out of the tank. I never felt this type of feeling before - it felt as if I was born again. I plan to bring some friends over to share this experience with them.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/31/2008
An unexpected experience.
After my experience in the sensory deprivation tank, I felt rejuvenated,… Read more »
SpaceTime Tanks
Relax and rejuvenate float and get a Massage.
Flotation tanks are a great way to get into a instant Meditative
state.First your shower then you get into the tank
naked "yes i said naked" the air,water with tons of Epsom salt
everything is set to a normal body temperature.A float last 1 or 2 hours.
Time fly's while you are floating.A good idea if you don't like water in your
ears is to bring your own ear plugs. They give you a throw away pair to
use.I have yet to get a massage here yet but I'm sure it would be a
great combo..... cheers
I would highly recommend floating to anyone. Even if you just try it once...
I'm a skeptic by nature and I'm definitely not a touchy-feely, love your brother type. But no matter. STT is a bit hippiesque, but once you get past the decor, you are in for an experience.
The staff, I must say, while being the "hippy" type, are some of the damn nicest people I've met. So I won't hold their patchouli against them.
The rooms themselves might seem a bit weird at first, there is the tank on one side, a shower area at the end (you'll want to shower after--trust me) and a chair, hooks for your clothes, etc.
Strip down, and climb in the tank. The water is kept as close to skin temperature as possible and the water is super-saturated with epsom salts to create a neutral buoyancy... it takes no effort whatsoever to float. Once you close the door to the tank, it's pitch black, warm, and quiet. Just you and your thoughts. It takes me a good 10-15 min to settle in, but then it's just peaceful and relaxing... I stretch my muscles and pop joints I didn't know pop... and just try to zone and clear my mind of all thoughts. Easier said than done, definitely, but eventually, I go into a relaxed state I've never experienced outside the tank.
Before you know it, you'll hear a gentle "knock-knock" on the tank, to let you know your time is almost up... you then get out, and shower... to get the salt off. Get dressed, and go... careful driving home, if you're like me, you'll be relaxed like a jelly-fish!
A couple of tips from my experiences over the years:
1. Bring your own soap/shampoo.
2. If your ears are sensitive to water, bring ear plugs.
3. Cuts will burn at first (from the salt) but overall, the salts seem to make my skin feel much better after.
You might try it and find that it's not for you... but then you'll at least have tried something new. And you might try it and find a new way of relaxing that can't be beat!
The first time I floated at STT I was 17.
42 now, so you do the math.
Back then, you could catch Bily Idol swangin' out with his wangin' out from the tops of the Aragon Ballroom while the trendsters and metroid-sectionals were still swimming in their daddy's nut sax.
And a float was a mere eight bucks.
Pushing fifty big one now -- that is unless, o course, if you borrow someone's student ID and evil eyeball the help out of daring to ask your age.
Heh -- silly wabbit.
The tanks are oldy moldy now, and the sound proofing is dull. The plastic liners make the entire experience and ode to the olfactory sense of tank stanksation.
I could hear the EL screech above me.
Plus, there was a funk growing in the shower stall and the wood planks looked alive with microbic beings.
Hey, who let Bukowski into this review?
Or wait, maybe that was the fungi toying with my head . .
Tanking used to be an awesome experience for me. I'd get in, breath, listen to my eyes open and close, rattle off a few quatum physics equations and a cure or two for the rarest forms of cancer. Then I'd fall into a deep, snow white sleepathon until the gentle rapping announced my time was up. I'd get out, sit in awe and watch the fishes play, drink good tea and feel like I'd just returned from a 3 day weekend at a spa -- spine fully realigned.
Not so much anymore. Now it's a stinky ick experience of cash money rip-off-ed-ness in a hood turned too good for even itself.
Henny way -- take the tanks, please. Replace 'em for future world models. Get some decent tea and filtered water while ur at it for the wait room.
And pass me a big, 200lb box of epsom salts, some ear plugs, and a claw foot tub.
Look Madge! She's soaking in it!
You can get a very good idea of this experience by reading the other reviews, of course. I want to add that I read in their literature that 50% of people try it once and never go back and the other half really benefit from it and will do it again.
I was in the former camp. I couldn't really relax and started making grocery and other lists in my head. Also I was very aware of a pain in my neck and wanted to make an appointment to get it massaged as soon as I got out. So I got out early because I couldn't turn my list-making mind off.
I did feel very relaxed driving home though, smiling at people who cut me off etc,, and I noticed that the pain in my neck had disappeared.
My friend has been trying to get me to "float" for over 10 years. I finally did it and brought my boyfriend along.
They take you to your own private room where the 8x4x4 sensory deprivation tank is, along with a shower. You shower before and after you float. The tanks 10 inches of water is set to 93.5 degrees and is filled with 800lbs of Epsom salts. When you're ready to go, put in the earplugs provided and get in! I took me about 30 minutes to really just let go and relax, I think I actually fell asleep for a few minutes. I thought maybe I would be claustrophobic, but the only time I got up and cracked the door open was to get some air because I was a little warm. I think I enjoyed it more than my boyfriend. He was too busy playing around in the water that he didn't take advantage of just letting himself be. He also kept his eyes open the whole time......who relaxes like that!! He got out early because salt water dripped into his eye from the ceiling......serves him right! haha
I recommend going at the end of your day because you are so relaxed you can't do much afterwards. They say a couple hours of floating is equivalent to 8 hours of sleep. We both still felt extremely relaxed the next day. The salt also makes your skin feel so good. I had a fresh cut on my finger and when it first touched the salt water it burned for a little, but that cut healed quicker than normal and there's no scar.......amazing! The only downside was that I couldn't get the smell of that place out of my hair for a few days.
Space Time Tanks is the longest running flotation center in the world and the only one in the Midwest.
It costs $40 for an hour float and $30 with a student I.D.
I floated here a few years back. First, sensory deprivation is not really what you get. More like sensory sensitization. When's the last time you clearly heard your own heartbeat? The sound of air in your own lungs? The sound of your eyelashes blinking? Yeah, hop in the saltwater tank, close the door and get ready to become aware of your own physical self in ways you take for granted.
You pay for a set time of floating- all the salt guarantees you'll be extremely buoyant- nobody could sink in there no matter what! When your time's up, an attendant will come and knock on the door to let you know. I found myself distracted for the first part of my float worrying I'd doze off and miss their knock. No problem there- once you get acclimated inside there, the softest sound from outside will get your attention! Too, small water disturbances tended to float me over into the wall of the tank, so I learned to keep really still and floating in the middle- extremely relaxing!
The overall effect for me was most pronounced upon leaving the tank. The whole process is very much like being birthed- you have limited sensory input for a while, you get to know the sounds of your own physical self, and then the time comes and you crawl out of your wet dark womb and into the harsh lights and sounds of the real world. Thankfully they leave out all the blood and mucus, and the space itself is really mellow.
So yeah, I was completely un-like myself on the drive home- not an aggressive bone left in my body. If somebody wanted to walk up and rob me, there would have been little I could have done to stop them!
So Yelp's got me thinking a trip back is over-due. I don't normally get too into this granola-y kind of touchy/feely stuff, but the float was fun and I swore I'd do it again someday. You should do it too.
Floating : It's like falling out of the womb when it's over. I couldn't believe how relaxed (and yet tripped out) I felt. In a good way of course! My fiancee had to ditch out on the tank early because he had motion sickness and the feeling of "I think I'm moving, but I'm not really going anywhere" made him a tad queasy. And he added the tank had a small fraction of light coming in and he was having some heavy visuals from back in the day when he took hallucinogenic drugs. :)
My ear plugs refused to stay in, but I think without them in - it made my experience even better! I hate those buggers!
I couldn't keep track of time and I kept hearing things, perhaps thoughts in my own head or someone messing with me outside the tank. Everything was definitely ENHANCED and I was really in tune with myself. I feel as if I sound like some new age hippie... but I'm not.
It did, however, take me somewhere around 15 minutes to get comfortable and relax once I laid back and began to float.
The owner is extremely friendly, gentle and calming. I sat in the waiting room thirty minutes after my "floating" session ended because I didn't want to face the city again.
Oh, if only I could afford this more often. If you are in school, Use the student discount! It's more affordable that way!
OK.. You have to do this... Do the float! This experience was amazing. If you have something that you want to confront with your self try this... It helps clear your mind and rest your body.. Just do not get the salt water in your eyes it's distracting. (a plus for the good smelling shampoo in the shower.)
PS. if you are a student you get a discount.
My friend has been going to see Russ (I think) for a few months for massage and she RAVES about him. I was complaining about my tight shoulders and neck enough to annoy her and she insisted I make an appointment, right now. I was being a baby that day, so I had her do it. Russ wasn't available until Friday (It was Sunday) and I didn't want to wait that long so she inquired and got me an appointment the following night with...uh, the other guy. Matt? Dan? I don't know.
My appointment is at 7:30 and I get there early because I never have any idea how long it will take me to drive somewhere and this somewhere happens to be right in the DePaul clusterfuck neighborhood, in that 70s neo-futuristic strip mall that you always see but never imagine entering. I remove my shoes at the entrance upon request, fill out a form, and settle down with my book to wait for Le Masseuse.
The place is really "homey", not glitzy, not sleek, no. It's like getting a great fucking massage in your Aunt Barb's family room. BUT the guy was Great! He worked me all out, was nice to talk to and very knowledgeable about his trade. He even went over the hour time set when I asked him to do my head and face.
And now I can walk around all sleek and smooth again. No more robot moves from angry muscles for me!
A few years back before getting my own tank, this was a regular part of my life. Once a week, I stepped down into the basement and waited my turn whilst watching a huge fish tank. Sometimes there was light music or the lingering smell of incense. At other times, the lulling 'bluubb' and gurgle of the tank and its beautiful fish were enough to set the stage.
Each tank is housed in its own room, with a chair, rug, shower, earplugs and toiletries. Some float nude, but I chose a bathing suit. After crawling through the door at the foot of the tank, one sinks into either comfort, quiet and suspended space/time -- or panic and internal noise. Either is okay. I can't recall whether or not there was an ability to turn on music in these, but I never used it..preferring the sound of my heartbeat and breathing as tools to take me out of my mind. When your time is up, there is a gentle tap on the unit to alert you and one then showers off the Epsom salt which accumulated during the float (rather a pain since I had really long hair at the time). Another slight inconvenience is that one had to go to the loo in the lobby to use the hair dryer, but it was rarely a conflict or issue.
Courteous and purposeful, the delivery mechanism for this tactile yet lofty experience meets its goal.
There's only one place in Chicago to get free of gravity and give your body an extremely deep rest. The first time I floated at SpaceTime, I emerged from the tank invigorated. I felt like I was half the weight I was when I got in - it was like walking on a cloud afterwards. Also the colors were richer. That was back in '99.
In 2001, I returned to SpaceTime in excruciating pain. I have a pinched nerve in my lower back that was causing sciatic pain so bad I couldn't drive or sit. I took the CTA to SpaceTime in the hopes of getting some relief from the unrelenting stabs of pain. I had barely slept in days, so I was looking forward to being in a dark place so I could rest. I came in walking like a petrified zombie, but within 45 minutes, all of my muscles were completely relaxed and the stabs of pain had stopped! I'm deeply grateful to SpaceTime for providing an oasis for urban dwellers. Floating has made such a positive impact on my health and well-being that I compiled all the best info on the subject at http://www.floatforhea....
Just went last week, and had a really relaxing experience. Very peaceful entry, and the front desk person was very nice. After the intro speech about what to expect, I showered and got in the tank. I thought about how I had read that the tank smelled like pee. And I gotta say, if I didn't have experience with being near salt water before I might think that. But that smell you smell in the tank is just the smell of salty brine. So get over it and just let your cares drift away. I didn't use the ear plugs, and have had no ear problems. In fact, my ears felt cleaner after the soak. I stayed in the full hour, which felt like maybe a half hour. Didn't fall asleep. Just drifted and listened to the rhythm of my breathing. Felt so good. Definitely going back!
I guess I just enjoy my senses too much, because I just couldnt get into this and got out after 30 or 40 minutes. Too warm, too humid, and I was too restless. I enjoy sights, sounds, etc.
When I got out, the girl working there never asked me what was wrong and didnt seem to care. She was chatting away with her friend and I stood there for 5 minutes and she still didnt stop to see if I had a question (why else would I be standing in front of you like that?). I went to the washroom, dried my hair, and she was still chatting away, until finally I had to interrupt her. I don't think she cared much about how anyone's experience there was.
It wasn't my thing, but I would still recommend people try it for the experience.
After the last experiences I decided to try the other services they offer. I called in the afternoon and got booked for just 2 hours later. For right around $100 I enjoyed a 1 hr massage, 30 minute light sound rem sleep therapy and a 1 hr float. All 3 were amazing and even better when put together. I have now been there 5 or 6 times and today when I went back most recently I had the best float I have had yet. I love how the tanks are filtered out and cleaned after each use I never find any surprises. I love the Aveda Shampoo and Conditioner and the Whole Foods body wash. The float today I brought in 2 friends from out of town both of which had moments of self discovery and total relaxation during their floats. Again a place I will come back to for a long time to come.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/22/2009
Ok, I did this for the first time the day after Obama took office. coming off the bliss that was… Read more »
ATMOSPHERE: (3 stars) The front room is nice and relaxed, but the floating rooms could stand to be upgraded, just a little bit. The experience is still definitely worthwhile though, if you like floating.
SERVICE: (5 stars) The desk attendants are always friendly, and the massage therapists are awesome. I especially recommend Katherine. She's the best!
PRICE: (4 stars) Pretty reasonable. I recommend the package of 5 floats for $125. You pretty much get the benefits of a full body massage, without paying the full price.
If you've never floated before, it's definitely something to try. And they have some of the best massage therapists (I know of) in the city.
The facilities could use an upgrade. The office is in the basement, in fact, you have to step down into it like a sunken living room. There's a sign at the door that asks you to take your shoes off and turn off your cellphone. Fair enough. The decor in the lobby is shabby chic 1980's style and the smell of musty water permeates the office.
Each tank room has a shower, shampoo/conditioner and a towel for you to use. The rooms are bare bones, clean but semi-uncomfortable (read: a lawn chair, old rug, old towel, bad lighting, drywall dust on the floor... ). Last time I was there it was cold outside and nearly as frigid inside the tank room. Once you get into the tank though, you're golden because each tank is heated. Upon exiting the tank, the attendant will turn on the heating lights to warm up the room. I'm not sure why they don't do this prior as well.
The experience of floating is a must for anyone who is stressed out and looking for peace. I've never been so relaxed! At first I was terrified that I would panic in the enclosed space but believe me, it's bigger than you think.
Since this is the only facility in Chicago, I will continue to go here. Who knows, maybe the next time I go there will be some improvements on the aesthetics..
Wow. So so so cool!
I had a great experience floating. I would highly recommend it. The atmosphere of the place is really chill, which immediately gets you relaxing. The first few minutes in the tank I had a lot of fun getting used to the water and feeling around the tank. The way you float is completely different from the way you float in regular water. It's lots of fun.
One of the coolest things I experienced is a complete relaxation. I had no thoughts and no feelings. Really. I'm normally one of those people who thinks about everything all the time, but my head felt completely empty.
For a lot of the time, I couldn't tell if I was sleeping or awake. It was great. I didn't want to get out. I'd highly recommend trying this out!
I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about the whole "floating" thing. I really did like it, but it's taken me a few weeks to establish that fact. When I first got in the tank, I actually started to have a mini panic attack, which was a bit surprising b/c I never have those. It took me about 20 minutes to completely relax, but once I did, I definitely felt like I was floating. And it was sooo peaceful, except when I would hear the el go by.
The only downside is that even when you shower afterwards there and at home, you are still finding salt in crevices.
Kind of an odd place in an odd building. I always feel a little apprehensive walking into this building. Once you walk into Spacetime Tanks the creepiness lifts a little.
The floatation tanks (like a large rectangular box) are filled with water and epsom salt to the point that you float, no matter what. You climb in close the door and float in complete silence and darkness. I'm not sure if it provides all the benefits they say it does, but it is very relaxing.
Each tank is in it's own private room with a shower for before and after floating. The rooms seem pretty clean.
Not recommended for people who don't like dark enclosed spaces.
The idea of a floatation tank (a.k.a. sensory deprivation tanks) is something I had wanted to try for a long time, I just didn't know where to go to give it a go. A friend gave me a link to this place and I thought I'd file it away for the future. But aggravated muscles in my right leg and foot, my shoulders, and my back that just were not responding as well as I'd like to massage therapy made me willing to take the plunge.
It's located in the basement level of that '70s sort of Logan's Run-looking mall on N. Lincoln, free parking is available in the back. The front desk guy looked like a platinum-blonde version of Ashton Kutcher. I don't really like that there was incense burning in the waiting room... incense just stinks to me, and therefore, I don't find it particularly relaxing. The waiting room and front bathroom look like they were recently updated (in fact the bathroom looked like it wasn't quite finished on the tile work), with nice leather couches and a fish tank and minimal New Age-style decor.
I had some tea and water, and at least I didn't have to wait long to be escorted back to one of the "tanks". The tanks are in individual rooms with teak floor coverings and a shower area. They provide free earplugs, which I would recommend using to both keep the water out of your ears and to help the "sensory deprivation" part of the experience. After they explain the process to you as a first-timer, you close the door, get undressed (you can wear a bathing suit if you like), have a quick shower, get in the tank, and close the door. The tank is about 8x4x4 and is lined inside with plastic/rubber, and yes, there is an air system inside.
There's about a foot of water inside, and dissolved in the water is approximately 800 lbs. of Epsom salts. I will say that the smell of the salt water and the rubber was a bit weird, kind of a briny smell, like being at an aquarium. The water and the air inside the tank is kept at 93F degrees. The salt ratio in the water means that the human body floats like a cork. Unless you're like me, that is, and have some junk in the trunk, a bit o' booty. Then your butt tends to rest a little lower, like just barely against the bottom of the tank. I wouldn't even have even noticed... until I'd been in there a while, and thought, "Hmm, is my butt getting hot?" Apparently, the heating unit for the tank that keeps the water warmed is in the middle of the tank. Not brilliant placement, IMHO, because no matter where I moved to, eventually either a buttcheek or a hip was feeling warmish, and that distracted me enough to not be able to completely let go.
But my mind emptied out, I was able to fully relax, and it was a ... funky experience. Now, I did manage to have some moments where I could see people talk about loss of self-awareness, etc. There were some moments where I felt I was spinning off into nothingness, or floating away, weightless. I was aware of my own breathing, and focused on nothing. Occasionally, random bits of music would go through my mind. I couldn't quite get relaxed/mindless enough to nod off, like many people do (apparently the buoyancy created by the salt means it's supposed to be extremely difficult to create drowning conditions).
After a while, I was too distracted by my overheated butt, and I think because my butt was a bit hot, it made be feel a bit chilly in other parts of my body (despite everything being 93°F). So I got out of the tank, about 5-10 minutes before the guy would've come and knocked on the door.
I'll admit that I went in to the experience with the same skepticism that I approach any new "healing" endeavor, but I'll say a few things about the tank:
1) I really did feel completely relaxed afterwards;
2) my skin has felt awesome for three days after (midwinter dryness gone, very smooth);
3) certain muscle aches completely disappeared, at least for a few hours;
and 4) even my tinnitus (ear ringing) lessened for a few hours after the "float". (It's not cured, no, but I was grateful for even a couple hours relief.)
When I went in to see my body worker on Saturday, one of the things she was going to work on was the muscles in my right leg, which had been tight as a drum, and my calf and ankle had been distractingly painful as of late. You could bounce quarters off my calves, and not for good reasons! I know the causes - posture, how I'm sitting, etc. - but have not been able to fully correct it. She was amazed at the difference in my leg muscles. "I can't remember the last time your muscles were so pliant," she told me. There's no other reason to explain how my muscles could've relaxed so much, so chances are very good that I'll go for a repeat visit to the floatation tanks before my next body work session, although instead of going the night before, I'll go immediately before, to maximize the benefits.
Price is $40/hour, but you can get an online coupon on their site good for $10 off a mid-week (M-F) float.
The first time I went I had a full on auditory and visual hallucination that was out of this world! I've not had anything else like that happen when I've floated after that, but it is still so amazing. It's the place I try to get to when I meditate, but it happens so easily and effortlessly and is sustained for a long period of time in the tank. I've come up with really great ideas in the tank, and I think that because of how still I can get my mind I am able to really manifest things in there! It has not happened only once, where after a float I picked up large pieces of business within a day or two. It's a great space to do positive affirmations and influence the sub conscious. Plus the owner is a trip! Love having tea with him after a float and talking with him about his experiences: healing vortexes, out of body experiences, and all...
An AMAZING experience! If you have not been here yet, you are doing yourself a great disservice! I went in slightly-skeptical & walked out a lifelong convert who's been floating ever since (more than a decade now). You will not be disappointed. The experience is worth every penny.
hello god is that you?
in complete isolation as your body floats on a bed of warm saltwater to match the environment of your mother's womb you hear only your heartbeat and the sound of air entering and leaving your body.
why did I say to that on yelp? is there life after yelp? why did my yelp hoodie shrink, when i used cold water to wash? if i farted right now would it kill me?
yes the questions to life tend to dominate your thoughts, sometimes in life you need a moment to yourself, and with places like this you get a chance to talk to you, and only you without the chatter and noise of your plants and nosy neighbors.
give yourself a break today and say hello to you.
I received a gift certificate for my birthday to try out the sensory deprivation tank. It sounded quite interesting, so I thought this would be a very relaxing experience. At first, I really enjoyed it. I admit, as everyone else does, that it takes a bit to get used to, or to 'let go'. My biggest complaint with the tank- I felt as though as soon as I was relaxing, the heater would stop, and I would start to freeze. Of course, the heater would then kick in to maintain the optimal temperature. Then, I would start to relax again and drift off in to slumber, only to be pulled back into the feeling of cold. This yo-yo exposure went on through out my entire session. Unfortunately, my experience didn't let me relax as much as I would have liked. On the upside, my skin was really soft after floating in all of that salt concentrated water.
Great experience. The sound-prof\of could use a little bit more work though.
Last month I went to the first of three, hour-long sessions in deprivation tank. Ever since I discovered LSD in high school and watched Altered States (shortly after), I've longed for the chance to spend time "floating." I called on a thursday and made an appointment for the next day. "Is this your first time floating?" Yep. "Don't shave, eat like you're going to work out, and don't drink anything for (I forgot how many) hours before your session." No problem. I got off work the next day, kind of jittery and excited about this new experience that was about to happen. Oh, and I was really thirsty so I had about a cup of water. I get to the Space Time Tanks, located in a old strip mall that's sunken, garden apartment-style, into the ground so it's very dark and secluded and there's no street noise at all. The sticky smell of incense permeates the atmosphere of this old-hippie-den of a waiting room, complete with semi-religious nicknacks, a plasma ball, predictable cheesy new age music and a large fish tank full of tropical fish. The man at the desk is young and calm in a yoga instructor kind of way. I sign in and excuse myself to ditch that cup of water. Yogi explains the situation in the private room I'll be in. Eh, the faintest smell of port-o-let kind of kills the relaxed vibe, but I figure I'll get used to it shortly and put it out of my mind. The room consists of an open shower directly in front of the 4' x 4' x 8' tank. Opening the door to the tank (which I notice has some stress fractures on the wall beside the door, a bad float?), the swami explains that there are 800 lbs. of epson salts for perfect buoyancy. The air and water temperature is the same as your skin, so you don't get cold or hot or notice the difference between your skin and the surrounding atmosphere(!). It is pitch black and dead quiet. You basically become a suspended brain. He leaves, I strip, shower and crawl into the tank, trying not to notice how much the two fans in the back of it (where my head will be) look like the huge, dark eyes of some bio-mechanical creature emerging from the still, black waters of this primordial cave. It kind of smells like pee in here. I hope it's just the epson? The door (which, by the way, weighs maybe half a pound) eclipses the soft light of the room and I find myself in a comfortably humid fiberglass womb. Okay, first, get comfortable. Sitting in the water, it doesn't feel much different from a tepid, foot deep bath with some grit and oil floating around. Is this really going to suspend me? Laying back into it though, totally weird feeling. Instant floatation. I get used to this sensation slowly, imagining that this is what it must be like in the Dead Sea. Guy said it might be hard to relax your head, that you have to let it just fall back. I do this, a weird kind of trust fall, you don't really want to completely submerge your face in epson salt/possibly pee water. But that's easy. The hard thing, really, is relaxing your neck. Just letting it kind of fall, like you have bad posture or something. It took me quite some time to figure out how to do that, being that it's something I've never had to do. Relaxing, my body slowly flowed out and became one with the water and air. The only weird thing is that your breathing slowly drifts you around the tank and occasionally you lightly bump into a side. In a deprival situation, this is the equivalent of being smacked in the face by an unseen hand. Oh, and it's not remotely claustrophobic (unless you're claustrophobic, I guess), it's vast and close at the same time. What I imagine floating in space is like, minus the lack of oxygen, subzero temperature and scorching solar winds, of course. Okay, I'm finally totally relaxed and comfortable, lying there with my eyes open, staring at a blank night sky. I start doing some breathing exercises to get in the zone. The next thing I know, I'm in the dusty streets of Jerusalem (the Dead Sea thing, maybe?), watching Jesus beating a donkey. He's just totally flogging the shit out of it. What the fuck, Jesus? That's no way for Jesus to behave! And then there's this little boy and he's crying, "Jesus! Stop beating that donkey! You're hurting him!" Jesus pays no mind, he just goes on thrashing with a switch, a disinterested, far away look on his face. Cut scene to amorphous, flesh-eating, multi-eyed, winged things that merge into each other and are snapping bones and rending meat in their otherworldly maws. Their eyes turn to me and oh god I have to pee! I snap out of the hallucination/dream, realizing that my eyes are still opened, the only sensation is my swollen bladder. I guess that's why they told me not to drink anything. When "having to pee" is the only thing you can feel, it's the only fucking thing you can concentrate on. I floated there, trying not to notice this burning urge, which, of course, never works...(continued)
I've been "floating" for a long time and love it. My husband, who was a skeptic, finally floated for the first time and was amazed that his perpetual back pain was relieved afterwards and remained that way for 3 solid weeks! I like the new furniture that their lobby has (less hippie, more modern) and I know from experience that the mildly unusual smell that's sometimes in the tanks is the smell of the Epsom salt and not something "icky." This is one of the coolest places in Chicago and I highly recommend trying it! If I didn't go to float regularly I think my road rage would be out of control. :)
A floatation/sensory deprivation tank where you float in a few feet of warm salt water, in darkness for an hour. This is not for the faint hearted or those with a closed mind...definitely not for those that are clusterphobic. My first experience here was pretty cool. As I floated around the tomb-like tank my thoughts drifted to the universe and I felt peaceful and calm. For a while I felt as if I was floating in outerspace, my only complaint was that I kept bumping into the walls which would bring my thoughts back to where I was...this universe. I wish the tank was a bit bigger. However, it was a nice experience and when I left...driving home...I really noticed the change in my thinking process....from not being aware to being aware. A calmness and a relaxation that is hard to describe unless you've floated before. I didn't turn on the music (rare for me) and the lights of the city were much brighter than before I entered the tank. It's 40 bucks for an hour and well spent. You can float naked or with as much clothing as you like. I recommend floating in your birthday suit. Great meditation place. It beats yoga.
