The holidays really put us through the ringer! Just before the madness of Thanksgiving began I was lucky enough to visit MIZU Integrative Medicine Clinic + Float Center, and try JJ Watt and Stephen Curry’s “go-to” therapy: Floatation Therapy. Apparently, Stephen Curry has his own pod and floats every day before a game!
About Floation Therapy:
Floatation Therapy, also known as Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST), has been shown, through clinical research, as a means to induce deep relaxation, promoting meditation, reducing stress hormone levels, relieving joint and muscle pain, and reducing blood pressure.
The Pods:
Each floatation pod, resembling a sleek, futuristic spaceship. is filled with a highly saturated solution of magnesium sulfate salt and water, causing the body to naturally float and the musculoskeletal systems to decompress, relax and stop fighting gravity. MIZU offers three private suites; each includes a state-of-the-art floatation pod, a shower, and a changing room, ensuring all patients have a secluded, luxurious experience.
My Experience:
I was welcomed into a tranquil and visually pleasing environment. Co-founded by Drs. Hannah and Mahyar Badrei, the duo has taken all five senses into consideration with the MIZU experience. The decor, use of color, music, scents and tea offering from the lobby to the rooms are designed to relax the mind and body based on scientific findings.
After a quick intro I was taken to my private room. Each room has a vanity/ change room, and shower that connects to your private pod room. The pod was so much larger than I expected (my photo above doesn’t really do it justice). In fact, when I was first reading the float guidelines they mentioned something about claustrophobia but seeing the pod in person I couldn’t see the concern. The lid is also adjustable and you can enter and exit the pod at any time if necessary like a bath tub. I posted on a mini tour of Instagram Story and then proceeded to prepare for the 60-minute float. The preparation consisted of a pre-float shower, putting wax in your ears to prevent the water from entering the ear canal ( swimmers often do this ). A calm, automated female voice through a speaker announced my session was to begin and to enter my pod.
When I first stepped into the pod and sat down I could tell the water had a very silky consistency but I had a moment of doubt “am I really going to float? Like, above the water with ease?” As I lay back my body was smoothly elevated to the surface (I’m only in 10 inches of water here), I was actually floating.
“Ok,” I think, “I’m here for 60 minutes, I supposed to relax… relax… I focused on the soothing music playing (which you can opt to turn off).
I felt like I was in zero gravity, I was actually. I was very futuristic feeling. For the first 10 minutes, I was too excited about the zero gravity thing that I kept floating myself around the pod. I reminded myself, you’re here to relax and restore your body! Chill! They say it’s fairly rare to fall asleep on your first try. About 30 minutes into my session I was on the very edge of sleep. Somewhere in between a dream and consciousness thought I came up with some genius idea that I can no longer remember. Darn!
60 minutes later the same calm voice informs me my session has come to an end and to make my way out of the pod. As I open the lid to my pod the lights to the room came on and I took another shower to get the water off. Mizu has everything you need, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, blow dryer, comb, hair elastics, makeup remover. Everything you need to continue your day.
When I was ready Dr. Hannah Badrei had tea ready for me in the lobby. We sat and chatted over two cups of MIZU’s special tea blend about floatation therapy benefits, how she was inspired by the Japanese lifestyle and culture and MIZU’s unique concept.Drs. Hannah and her husband Mahyar Barre Badrei utilize evidence-based general medicine services combined with research-proven complementary therapies that improve both body and mind. Additionally to floatation therapy, they offer preventive care, wellness exams, chronic care management, herbal medicine, acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, and nutrition medicine.
I certainly recomened it for any one who is very active, experiences aches and pains, reduce swelling, is looking to lower blood pressure and mental relaxation. Hey, if it’s good enough for Watt and Curry… sign me up.
PRICING:
RECEIVE 20% OFF 3 FLOAT PACKAGE (A $54 SAVING) THROUGH DECEMBER 25th!
| Introductory Float | $95.00 |
| 1 Float Session | $120.00 |
| 3 Float Package (Non-transferable and for individual use only) | $270.00 |