Portland Float Studio: Magnesium pools used to treat sleep and pain

Dana Highfill has run Float North in Northeast Portland for 17 years, using a method that relies on dense magnesium solutions to support client health. The studio offers a sensory environment where participants lie in water that is warm to the skin and saturated with nearly a thousand pounds of dissolved magnesium. The high density of the mixture prevents the body from sinking, allowing for a state of weightlessness during sessions that last at least one hour.

The lack of gravity is the central mechanism of the therapy. Highfill explains that the physical support allows joints to open, which she says helps reduce inflammation. She notes that the environment reduces stimulation to the nervous system, shifting the body from a fight or flight response to a rest and repair state. Many clients arrive seeking relief from chronic pain or sleep disturbances, conditions that studies have linked to improved outcomes through this type of floating.

Nia Linbravo, a women's basketball referee who works four to five nights a week, began using the therapy after suffering from a herniated disk and insomnia. She also holds a job in project management and previously served as a juvenile probation officer. Linbravo stated that the physical and mental demands of her schedule made it difficult to relax. She consulted her doctor before trying the float tank, and her physician advised that it would be helpful for managing her depression and anxiety.

Linbravo described the experience as a form of release, noting that the water supports her body while she lets go. She uses the time in the tank to talk to herself and reflect on her life, which helps her calm her mind and stay in the moment. For her, the therapy provided a space to manage the symptoms of her diagnoses while addressing physical pain.

Highfill addressed concerns that the tanks might be too small or confining for some users. She specified that a single tank measures eight feet long and four feet wide, with a ceiling height of seven feet. The water depth is approximately 10 inches, creating a shallow but dense environment. Participants have the option to turn off all lights and block out all sound, creating a void of sensory input.

The practice combines physical buoyancy with mental quiet. While the water handles the body's weight, the absence of light and sound allows for internal focus. Highfill's clients report that the combination of reduced physical stress and mental clarity helps them manage daily pressures. The studio continues to serve individuals looking for an alternative to traditional pain and anxiety treatments.