Epsom salt

What is it, and why do we use it?

Epsom salt – what is it, and why do we use it?

Magnesium Sulphate

The water in the float pod is saturated with over 500kg of Magnesium Sulphate, otherwise known as Epsom salt.

It is the high density of this Epsom salt solution which gives the buoyancy and feeling of weightlessness which is at the heart of the floatation experience.

Not ordinary salt

In the early days of the history of floatation Sodium Chloride was used, but ultimately it was found to be too irritant to the skin. Whereas Epsom Salt feels silky and luxurious on the skin, which can be one of the pleasures of floating.

Bathing in ‘Epsom Salts’ has a long history and many people believe it has beneficial effects. The informal name ‘Epsom Salts’ comes from its discovery in Epsom in 1618. It is claimed to have wide-ranging benefits from soothing aching muscles to aiding the healing of scar tissue.

Can it be absorbed?

Many people take Magnesium as supplements or creams, for its health benefits. Research has shown that Magnesium can be absorbed through the skin via creams. There is a helpful summary on the University of Hertfordshire website.

However, we do not make claims about getting benefits from absorbing Magnesium during a float, because this has not yet been scientifically proven. The team at LIBR are doing some research to establish to what extent we can absorb Magnesium while floating. We will be keeping a keen ear out for any developments with this.