Let’s Get Deprivated

My first experience in a deprivation tank

We made the appointment that morning.

I went with my sister-in-law who has been staying with us for a few weeks in transition from living overseas for several years.

The first-time experience fee was $69 — $20 off the regular price. It was a quiet weekday afternoon and all our kids were at a nearby day camp, so we were looking for a way to decompress. We thought we’d give it a shot.

Here it is — the tank

Before we entered the spa area, we watched a slightly-ironic stick figure video about the science behind the treatment, information on salt content and the claimed benefits — including pain reduction, anti-inflammatory properties, anxiety-reduction and more. I know salt water, salt baths, salt saunas and caves have a variety of benefits, though how meaningful or measurable, I don’t claim to be an acolyte.

The video answered most of our questions except one. Are we supposed to go in naked?

As far as I know, the answer is yes. Or at least, that’s how I rolled.

So you get in the small tank room and suddenly you’re alone with a giant tank of salt water (1000 pounds of salt in each tub, to be exact). I was under the impression that the tank would be emptied and…