ABOUT

The origins of the sensory deprivation tank date back to the 1950s. While tanks have come a long way aesthetically, the original intent of understanding the mind and consciousness remain core to our approach at Vessel.

HISTORY

  • 1954

    In an effort to understand the nature of consciousness – specifically what happens to the brain when not reacting to the stimuli of everyday life – Dr. John C. Lilly creates the first iteration of his deprivation tank at the National Institute of Mental Health Lab comprising much of the same characteristics of the tanks we still use today.

  • 1960s

    Lilly has continued developing new iterations of his deprivation tank, relying predominantly on self-experimentation. Throughout this time Lilly presents seminars nationwide including Esalen Institute in Big Sur alongside the likes of Timothy Leory, Aldous Huxley, and Alan Watts.

  • 1968

    Lilly publishes his first book, Programming and Metaprogramming in the Human Biocomputer, documenting his research conducted at the NIMH discussing his invention of the sensory deprivation tank and investigations into the use of LSD. Lilly would go onto publish +10 more books on the subject.

  • 1974

    Lilly, together with Glen Perry, begin developing iterations of a mass-market deprivation tank.

  • 1980s

    Commercial sensory deprivation studios have opened throughout the country and the deprivation tank has become a prominent concept in pop culture, the movie Altered States is a particularly well recognized one.

ELEMENTS OF SENSORY DEPRIVATION

SIGHT

Tanks are designed to block out any and all light, but only at your choosing.

SOUND

Each tank is outfitted with recording studio-level sound proofing to eliminate outside noise up to 60dB. Vessel tanks do come equipped with speakers, for guests seeking an alternative to total silence.

GRAVITY

Each tank is filled with over 2,000lbs of salt water. To create a fully weightless environment, we maintain a salt content higher than the Dead Sea so floating will be effortless.

TOUCH

The salt water in the tank is heated precisely to 93.5° F (skin temperature) meaning you lose sense of where your body stops, and the water begins.

SCENT

We avoid harsh chemicals like chlorine in the saltwater opting for rigorous filtration process utilizing UV light, Ozone, and natural sanitizing agents.

It all happens in the tank. Vessel is home to 6 room-like tanks with 7.5’ ceilings These aren’t the pods, or coffin-like tanks you may have seen in the past.

THE TANK

Float Tank Tour - Home to Sensory Deprivation

BENEFITS

Epsom Salt Close Up

MIND

By eliminating sensory overload the brain can drift into theta-state –brainwave activity between half-awake and half dreaming - normally only available to advanced students of meditation. Studies show that individuals with a regular float practice notice decreased anxiety, depression, a decrease in cortisol levels (stress hormone) and improved sleep, in addition to therapeutic benefits to those diagnosed with PTSD

BODY

With your mind at rest, your body can focus on healing itself. The combined benefits of Epsom salts and weightlessness allow your muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissues a chance to rest and recover. By floating free of gravity, lactic acid passes out of the muscles faster, which reduces muscle stiffness and pain.

THE VESSEL APPROACH

We believe floating is a deeply personal experience. We consider our role as a guide to maintain a setting that is comfortable, welcoming, and open to deep reflection.

We’ve taken deep consideration to each element of the guest experience with us and continue to strive to elevate the practice of sensory deprivation.

Vessel Approach Gallery
Go Beyond Silence
Go Beyond Silence

If total deprivation isn’t your thing, we offer original in-tank sound baths and guided meditations to keep you company and help you let go.

Enhance Your Intentions
Enhance Your Intentions

Start your journey with a selection from our menu of adaptogens, tonics, and elixirs designed to help amplify your desired experience in the tank.

Isolate Together
Isolate Together

While floating is a solitary experience, reflecting on it doesn’t need to be. Book with friends and loved ones to share in post-float glow.

FAQs

  • We recommend avoiding caffeine and heavy foods up to three hours prior to your session. In addition, it’s best not to shave day of your float.

  • Nope! You’ll enter the tank in the nude so no need for a swimsuit and we have a full suite of Le Labo bath & body products for you here :)

  • Afraid not. It’s not allowed within NY dept of health code. It’s also not a great experience (trust us, we’ve tried it).

  • The water is cycled through our filtration system 3 times in-between each session and on the hour when not in use. The filtration process filters particles down to 1 micron in size (standard pool filters go down to 20-30, regularly) and uses germicidal UV light (UV-C), ozone, and H2O2 to destroy bacteria, viruses, pathogens, and other contaminants. In addition, the salt environment in the water (much like the Dead Sea) prohibits the growth of bacteria and fungi.

  • It’s up to you, but routine is key. A regular floating practice has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, heal strained muscles faster, and improve sleep.

  • Not at all. Many users are more comfortable with the lights on. We have a variety of settings for you to choose from.

  • Absolutely. Due to the buoyancy of the water, your body will be corrected with any movements. In addition, the water is less than 1.5’ deep.

  • All Vessel tanks are full rooms with 8’ ceilings (not the pods or coffin shaped boxes you may be used to seeing).