Euphoria Float Spa — Local services in Northampton

I wrote this review a year ago...

Today I used a Groupon for @euphoria.float.spa in @nohomass. Even though I HATE baths, am claustrophobic and get motion sick I thought this would be a great idea. The atmosphere at Euphoria is everything you want in a spa setting: Feng shui, calm music and very clean. The attendant that checked me in was very friendly and her instructions, while importantly lengthy, very clear. You shower, and immerse in the private tank 'denude'. I chose to have calming music play as I thought the silence might be too much for my first go with a float. You can choose to be in absolute darkness or use the LED lights. I tried both and each had their own benefit. Trying to Zen-out, I braved-it and turned off the lights after situating a neck pillow behind my head. It was surprising how high above the water I felt. I really shouldn’t call it water since it is a very dense solution of water and magnesium (epsom salts). It was tricky for me not to get saltwater in my eyes, but the woman that checked me in was very helpful in pre-advising me on how to handle this situation. I did become a little claustrophobic because the temperature of the air and the water are similar in temperature to human skin and this humid atmosphere closed in on me. Plus, the ceiling is very low above you in the tank. As I felt squeezed, I took a deep breath and exhaled as long as I could. I did this repeatedly. As you can probably tell, the hour was mostly excruciating for me due to my own neuroses and my delicate dance with motion sickness.

While I was not able to let my mind shut off due to my growing queasiness and paranoia, there were a few stretches of time in which I was able to find peace in this activity. The sense of zero gravity is something that I have never experienced. I am a person that tends to have joint pain and floating in the tank took the pressure off most areas that tend to be aggravated by daily life. As I lay in the tank, struggling to relax, breathing deeply and trying to let the force of gravity take control of my tense muscles, I felt in a way that I had never felt before. In all honesty, as I lay there in the dark, quietly floating in what I can only describe is as “warm liquid space”, I felt like a marshmallow in a 1960’s Jello mold. (As you can probably guess: I have an aversion to Jello. But yet, I braved on...) This mental analogy was not helping matters, but I fought the urge to jump out of the tank and convinced myself to let go as much as possible.

When the light turned on in the tank indicating that my time was up, I bolted out of the enclosure and into the shower. I scrubbed the liquid salt coating off of my hair and body, and tried to breathe away the nausea. Even though I was able to stabilize myself in the tank and feel almost completely still, I did at times feel as though I was floating on a raft in a warm pool and this increased my vertigo.

As I left, the lovely hostess that had checked me in, gave me a thumbs up tipping her head to one side as if to ask me if I had enjoyed my float. I gave her a thumbs up and a small smile. I felt terrible and didn’t want to have to get into a long conversation about something completely out of her control. She was so nice after all… Over my drive home and the next 45 minutes or so, I continued to feel sick, but I got a burst of energy and went on a photography adventure of Downtown Holyoke after a lovely lunch at the Bistro at Gateway City Arts. By 5:30pm, I was home again and a sense of relaxation overcame me. My float experience was a challenge, but I think the session did provide some physical benefits. For people who are not claustrophobic, get creeped out by bath tubs and do not get motion sickness, I highly recommend giving it a shot especially if you have joint pain. Also, sometimes it helps to push yourself to try new things even if it might be uncomfortable. Learning only happens when there is discomfort. #trynewthings #floatspa...

Cute, clean, and relaxing. Yesterday was my first time trying this floating experience. Overall it was enjoyable but not sure I would do it again.

We were given a rundown on the process and what to expect but the employee spoke a little too fast so I was glad there was all the information posted right inside the room! They have hair bands for those with longer hair, combs, make up remover wipes, shampoo, body wash, and conditioner. You have to shower before and after so those items were useful. They also provide ear plugs and petroleum jelly to protect any minor cuts you may have. Although I suppose you could use the petroleum jelly as a moisturizer, it would be nice if they also had a different type of moisturizer available to use after the float/2nd shower.

I was hoping I would be able to fall asleep but it took my longer than expected to go into full relaxation mode. Water was perfect temperature. I had experimented with different hand/ arm positions and in doing so, got some water in my eye which was very unpleasant. Thankfully they provided a spray bottle with water for that exact reason.

For those who may prefer some sensory stimulation rather than total deprivation, music was an option. I needed it to turn it on to be able to relax. Because I had the ear plugs in, I had the volume up louder which caused vibrations in the water that I liked. The music was relaxing but it would be great if you were able to somehow connect your phone and play your own music or other type of audio of your choice. It would also be nice to be able to customize the experience even more by perhaps choosing the color of the light for the tub, ability to adjust Jets for slight/ gentle water movement , or adding a scent like lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint etc. 🤷🏻‍♀️

I definitely had a very restful...

I workout hard and have a stressful job and wanted a form of relaxation and stress relief.. I was a little skeptical of my first float not knowing what to expect. From the start to finish the staff guided me through the process which helped my nerves tremendously. Firstly, I’m ALWAYS cold and was pleasantly surprised when I was hit with the warm salt water air upon entering the room. Made me feel like I was getting ocean action in dead of winter! The water acclimated to my skin temp and was comfortable, I not once felt like i had to submerge my body for warmth. The tank had a blue hue and soft music that helped keep my nerves in check to start.. I ended up turning off all lights and music to really get that disconnect from all senses. It definitely worked seen I dosed off for a solid period of time! I don’t recommend a swimmers cap as I ended up removing shortly after entering, I just couldn’t stop the water from trickling in around my ears and the noise was distracting. Upon exiting they provide necessities for a complete shower. Overall, the float was extremely relaxing and a form of meditation; my body felt refreshed and my injured shin soreness improved immediately. Staff is welcoming, informative and helped me get comfortable prior to and after. Spa was clean and had a nice soothing aroma. Definitely plan to float routinely for my body,...