It’s almost time to float.
Saltwater State College, 2100 E. College Ave., will hold grand opening tours by registration on June 29 and 30 for its facility offering floating and massage services.
So, what is a float room?
Owner Sarah Manzoni explained that the private room holds a tank — 6 feet tall, 8 feet wide and 4 feet long — like a large, enclosed bathtub. It has 12 inches of water, heated to 93 to 95 degrees, but with about 800 pounds of pharmaceutical grade Epsom salts dissolved in it. Then, for 60 minutes, you lie back, float and relax, let your mind wander or just fall asleep. Lights and sounds can be controlled from inside the tank and music fades in to let you know when time is up.
‘Most feel refreshed, like it was the best nap of their life,’ Manzoni said. ‘Others will notice that the world is more vibrant. Letting your body experience reduced sensation can lead it to be more responsive to the world around.’
Before you float, there is a bit of paperwork to fill out to make sure it’s right for you. Patrons shower before getting in, to keep things clean, and after to wash off the salts. Afterward, you can enjoy a cup of tea, get a massage or just go on with your day. Saltwater will offer a variety of massage services.
The tank is also filtered and the room sanitized in between each guest
In addition to relaxing, Manzoni said floating also helps with issues such as chronic pain, pregnancy symptoms and sleep quality.
‘I’m also looking forward to floating regularly myself,’ she said. ‘I experienced such pain relief for my headaches and shoulder pain when I floated in the past.’
Manzoni is a licensed massage therapist and has a degree in athletic training. She has worked in various professional settings, and after she tried floating for herself, decided to bring the service to the State College area.
The response has been positive.
‘I’ve had people say they have been traveling to Bloomsburg to float and are grateful for something local finally,’ she said. ‘I am truly amazed by how positive the response has been. I cannot wait to hear the stories from guests on how floating has helped them.’
Grand opening tours are filling up fast, she said. To participate, schedule online at www.saltwaterstatecollege.com. Those who take a grand opening tour will have the first opportunity to schedule services.
In addition to single 60 minute floats, Saltwater also will offer memberships for one or two floats a month and float and massage packages.
