Float tanks in Portland hold 1,000 pounds of salt to relieve pain

Float North, a wellness center in Northeast Portland, operates float tanks that hold nearly 1,000 pounds of magnesium dissolved in water. The facility owner, Dana Highfill, says the dense solution prevents the body from sinking. This physical support is the core mechanism of the therapy, which she has practiced for 17 years as a massage therapist.

The tanks measure eight feet long, four feet wide, and seven feet high. The water inside is only about 10 inches deep. Highfill notes that many clients expect a small, confining space. She explains that the larger dimensions allow for full bodily support. This setup helps open up joints and reduce inflammation, she says.

Nia Linbravo, a women’s basketball referee, began using the service after dealing with a herniated disk. She also works in project management and previously served as a juvenile probation officer. Linbravo stated that her busy schedule made it difficult to relax. She consulted her doctor before starting the sessions. Her physician suggested the therapy could help manage her depression and anxiety.

Linbravo describes the experience as a form of release. She said the weightlessness and water support allow her to let go. The tank provides a space for her to talk to herself and reflect. She uses the time to calm her mind and stay in the moment. The sessions typically last an hour or more. Users have the option to turn off all lights and block out sound.

Highfill explains that the therapy reduces stimulation to the nervous system. She says this shift moves the body from a fight or flight state to a rest and repair state. Most clients come to the center seeking relief from physical or mental tension. The combination of physical support and sensory reduction is the primary benefit she observes.

The water is kept at skin temperature to enhance the sensation of floating. Highfill notes that the physical component provides immediate relief. Clients feel as if gravity is turned off. This lack of pressure on the body is the key element of the treatment. The center serves as a dedicated space for this specific type of therapy in the Portland area.