1,000 pounds of magnesium: Portland therapist claims float tanks relieve pain and anxiety
Owners of a Northeast Portland business say the sensory-deprivation practice helps clients manage chronic conditions and sleep issues.
By Layla Petrov ·
A Portland business owner says lying motionless in a tank of salt water can lower stress levels and reduce physical pain. Dana Highfill, who operates Float North in Northeast Portland, argues that the therapy offers a tangible method for people to manage anxiety and chronic discomfort without medication.
The practice involves submerging the body in skin-temperature water containing nearly 1,000 pounds of dissolved magnesium. The high density of the solution prevents the body from sinking. Sessions usually last at least an hour, during which participants may turn off all lights and block out all sound to minimize sensory input.
Highfill, a massage therapist with 17 years of experience, explains that the physical environment helps the body repair itself. She states that the support of the water allows joints to open and inflammation to decrease. She also claims the reduced stimulation shifts the nervous system from a fight-or-flight response to a rest-and-repair state.
Nia Linbravo, a project manager who referees women’s basketball games four to five nights a week, began using the service after suffering from a herniated disk and sleep troubles. She also has diagnoses of depression and anxiety. Linbravo consulted her doctor before starting the routine and said the medical professional believed the strategy would be helpful.
Linbravo describes the experience as a release from physical tension. She notes that the weightlessness allows her to reflect and calm her mind. She said the water supports her body in a way that lets her simply let go of daily stressors.
Highfill addressed common misconceptions about the equipment. She noted that the tanks are larger than many people expect. A single unit measures eight feet long, four feet wide, and has a ceiling height of seven feet. The water depth is approximately 10 inches, which she says provides enough coverage for full body support without feeling confined.
Studies cited by the business indicate that float therapy can improve sleep quality and reduce pain. Highfill said most clients arrive seeking some form of relief, whether physical or mental. The business positions the treatment as a supportive tool for existing health care routines rather than a standalone cure.
