All Aboard for the Re-launch of Well-being Centre

The installation of a floatation tank – the only one in Gloucestershire – will help mark the radical new look of Stroud’s Cotswold Health Centre.

Owner Dan Gerrard has completely revamped the building, above Mann Jewelers in George Street, and is set to unveil the new floatation tank in early August. The Centre, which was established in 1994 and which has recently moved into the centre of Stroud, now provides a wide range of alternative and complementary therapies, and is fast becoming Stroud’s most popular therapy Centre. “We now have over 30 practitioners at the centre, and there is still space for more”, said Dan, who has really turned the centre around since taking over in 2009.

What is Floatation Therapy?

Floatation therapy is essentially spending an hour or so lying quietly in the dark, suspended in a warm solution of Epsom salt, about 10" deep, and so dense that you float effortlessly, while some gentle music helps you to relax. In short; it’s complete mental and physical relaxation.

Floatation therapy was developed in 1954 and has many benefits. Owner Dan Gerrard explained: “In the gravity-free environment the body balances and heals internally as all the senses are rested. Research has shown that floating measurably reduces blood pressure and heart rate whilst lowering the levels of stress related chemicals in the body as well as absorbing magnesium from the Epsom salts. Old injuries and aches, (especially backache) experience relief as floating helps blood circulation”.

Floating is used widely in the treatment of stress, anxiety, jet lag and to improve concentration and creativity, which is not surprising given that one hour of floating is said to have the restorative effects of 4 hours of sleep!

Owner Dan Gerrard explained: “During a float, you produce slower brain-waves patterns, known as theta waves, (normally experienced only during deep meditation or just before falling asleep). This is usually accompanied by vivid imagery, very clear, creative thoughts, sudden insights and inspirations or feelings of profound peace and joy, induced by the release of endorphins, the body’s natural opiates. Depending on your own journey through life, a float might provide an hour of total physical relaxation - or a profound healing experience, emotionally and spiritually transforming. Floating can be a wonderful aid to opening doors into your inner world, gradually allowing access to those deeper levels at which real changes take place”.

The Cotswold Health Centre only has one float room which has its own shower and changing area and is completely private while you enjoy your hour of complete bliss. Surprisingly, even after an hour in the water, your skin does not wrinkle because the water contains high salt levels and doesn’t rob your skin of salt, (which is what causes wrinkling). Rather, it leaves you skin soft and silky. If you fancy a float, all you need is an open mind and a tired body! They provide everything else: towels, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and a hairdryer.

A single session costs £40, but on your first visit you can take advantage of an introductory package of 3 sessions at £20 each.

To book your float or for more information contact the Cotswold Health Centre, 8a George Street, Stroud. (01453) 767600. www.chchealth.co.uk