Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Sonic Flow™ & Floating

I was curious about the purported benefits of 'floating' and sensory deprivation. I also wanted to know what on earth Amanda has been doing with her many Tibetan singing bowls. Just as well an event popped up for a 60-minute float pod at Palm Ave Float Club. Signed up for a 'Sonic Flow™ with Amanda Ling', and opted to float after the yoga session.

I don't do yoga and have no idea of any sort of flow sequences. I cannot differentiate between vinyasa, hatha or yin yoga. I only know that I must avoid bikram and all hot yoga sessions. So at this yin-yang hatha yoga session, it was more about getting in a light stretch before bed time, and hear Amanda's singing bowls.

It was still a full moon, so I guess a moon flow hatha sequence was apt. Lots of deep lunges. After the gentle stretches, Amanda put us in shavasana to the chimes of the bowls. I spaced out completely, only returning to awareness at the reminder chimes. Unlike anti-gravity yoga where I don't fancy lying down cocoon-like in the hammock and tend to skip that, this round on the floor, I had no idea how long we were in shavasana.

If you're curious about these Tibetan singing bowls and sound healing, check out Esplanade's 'A Tapestry of Sacred Music' this weekend. Shima Healing is conducting two workshops about it. It's complimentary, but an online registration is required to secure seats. The last update on Esplanade's event page mentioned that workshop is fully subscribed.


Put on the disposable foam earplugs provided, turned off the lights and hopped into the float pod. The float pod isn't scary because the cover isn't latched. I could pop it open at any point. Hygiene is good as the water is filtrated before each session, and everyone is requested to shower before getting into the pod. These are individual pods placed in individual rooms with attached shower cubicles. Remember that magnesium sulfate isn't sodium chloride. If you have open wounds, do not float. Also, bring a bottle of hair conditioner. Because, salt.

I don't meditate, but I've never had a problem clearing my mind when I need to. But I really enjoy solitude and alone-time. Hurhurhur. What I'm truly interested in, is how my muscles and eczema-prone skin would react to the Epsom salts in a full float. I already use Epsom salts to soak tired feet and in the occasional long baths. But I've never floated in a pod with 600kg of full-on magnesium sulphate. I had an intense krav maga class the day before. A light stretch tonight and a float felt fabulous. The salts seemed to have eased those miniscule muscle tears. I generally sleep very well, so I can't tell if the float made a difference to my quality of sleep. But at least I didn't wake up with sore muscles anymore.

4 comments:

b.muse said...

Ooh so cool! Shall check these out sometime too. Heh, I spot some cool leggings! ;)

imp said...

I finally got around to attending this new format session!

Leggings are sooo comfy.

D said...

Sounds interesting! I can see that this will be really therapeutic for people who are stressed out.

imp said...

D: the float seems to alleviate back aches the way swimming does too. Quite cool. I don't forsee myself doing it regularly but those salts are so good for my eczema prone skin. So if i can't get to a beach, i'll go for a float.