Sensory Deprivation ‘Float Therapy’ Arrives in Moncton
MONCTON- The downtown region welcomed a new wellness centre on May 8. Utopia Float & Wellness opened its doors at 171 Lutz Street, steps from Main Street.
Owner Myriam Levasseur, who is originally from Dieppe, says that float therapy will be the primary focus, with other services offered in the near future. She recently purchased the business from previous owners who operated it under a different name.
“The first thing I opened was float pod therapy and we have two float pods. I also have six offices to rent, and am looking for massage therapists, acupuncturists, physiotherapists, or any wellness practitioner that would fit well in my centre’s environment.”
Float therapy involves floating in a sensory deprivation pod that is soundproof, lightless, and filled with Epsom saltwater.
“The water is about 35 degrees Celsius, around the same temperature as our bodies, with one thousand pounds of Epsom salt per pod. The high concentration allows your body to float to the surface without sinking at all. It gives you the feeling of zero gravity- a bit like astronauts.” Says Levasseur.
The sensory-deprived environment of the pods promotes deep relaxation and can reduce anxiety, it can also benefit those with sleep disorders.
“You only focus on yourself and how you feel in that moment. That mindfulness helps you fall into a meditative state which can improve sleep quality.”
Additionally, float therapy is effective for easing muscle and joint pain, as weight is relieved from the body while floating. The large amount of magnesium within the Epsom saltwater is also absorbed into the body which soothes muscle tension.
Levasseur says she has heard positive feedback on float therapy improving the lives of those who use it.
“A lot of people come in and feel great after. I know a lady who used to come when the previous owners ran the centre, she eventually stopped taking her pain medicine because float therapy helped so much with her joint pain.”
Utopia Float & Wellness is Levasseur’s first business endeavour and says it is the perfect fit for her interest in health and wellness.
“I’ve always said that one day I want to have a wellness clinic and help people with their wellness. It just so happened that two months ago word got out that this place was closing and looking for new owners to take over the business. So I said here’s my chance, it’s already here and beautiful inside.”
Levasseur is currently finishing her dietitian internship and in six weeks will begin taking on clients at Utopia Float & Wellness as a dietitian candidate.
“I completed a degree in kinesiology, just to find out it wasn’t really what I wanted to do for a full-time living, so I then took my degree in nutrition. As a dietitian candidate, I still have all the same rights as a registered dietitian, as long as I tell clients I’m a candidate, but am not officially registered until I pass my exam in October.”
Cortney Ellis is a Huddle contributor covering Moncton. Send her your feedback and story ideas: [email protected]