Sometimes the new year doesn’t bring you all the things you expect. For me this year started with some sudden and unexpected, heavy-duty stress. I spent a good part of my break dealing with this stress, and so when break time was up I was relishing the prospect of getting back in to the clinic and back to work.
And what fantastic timing I thought, when I remembered that the end of last year I had booked myself a float in the floatation tanks at the Low Tox Fox in Somerville for the afternoon after my very first day back in the clinic! Joy!
For those of you who haven’t heard of floatation tanks, they involve immersing yourself in a tank full of 35 degree water containing over 300kg of Epsom salts. The active ingredient in Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, so a float is a lovely way help the body absorb some magnesium. I have heard of floatation tanks and was keen to see what all the fuss was about, given I regularly recommend and prescribe magnesium to my patients.
I’m well aware of all the health benefits of this magnificent mineral. Poor sleep? Try some magnesium. Achey muscles? Hit up that magnesium. Restless legs giving you grief? You guessed it. The stuff is so great it’ll even help you poop. And anyone who’s been to see a Chinese medicine practitioner will know that’s a quality we value highly.
I’ve long espoused the benefits, and have always found it fascinating the way the body absorbs magnesium most effectively transdermally (via the skin). Epsom salt baths and magnesium oil spray are great ways of getting this lovely stuff in to you.
Fortuitously, I had booked this float at just the right time. When I was in dire need of some de-stressing. The idea of immersing myself in a tank and letting my stress float away was highly appealing, although having never been before I didn’t quite know what to expect.
Stepping in to the tank felt like stepping out in to space, the interior was a deep almost blue-black, with tiny silver sparkles, and the water was warm and comforting. As I orientated myself and lay back in to the water I enjoyed the feeling of weightlessness, realising I could float easily and effortlessly. Gentle music heard through the water helped me gently drift away. I found the chatter of thoughts begin to still, and gradually came to a sense of peace and surrender. The events of the week became easier to look at. And I knew all would be well.
The expression, ‘do something today your future self will thank you for’ was strong in my mind after that experience. It was just what I needed at that time. I’m very glad I had made the appointment for myself (thanks past Anna! You nailed it!). I can see the experience of the floatation tanks as being something I will include in my regular self care regime, and will definitely be recommending it to others in the future.
Anna is available for consultation at Mornington Chinese Medicine on Monday and Saturday.
To book please call us on ph: 5973 68786