This is a brand new business, and is the first float spa in the Harrisburg area. The closest one to Harrisburg for a long time was Hagerstown, MD, and while I badly wanted to give it a try, the distance was prohibitive. When I heard Dissolve was opening in Camp Hill, I couldn't wait! I found a Groupon deal, and booked an appointment for their 4th day open...on 5/20/16, I went to my first ever float.
I called Dissolve ahead of time, to see if they had a fridge...I had a party I had to go to (5/20/16 I was celebrating a personal milestone), but didn't want to cancel my appointment due to the food I had to pick up. They don't have a fridge, but were able to help me out. This is above and beyond the expectation of customer service...so even before I walked in the door, I was impressed by this new place.
From the road, this building is very plain and not really welcoming. I am guessing that is something on their "to do" list. When you walk in the door, that impression completely changes. The lobby area has glowing salt lamps, a clean, spa like feel, and immediately creates a feeling of peace.
My float experience:
I was shown into a bright clean private room with a shower (with shampoo/conditioner and shower gel on the wall), and the big float pod. A thick, plush robe was hanging up on the door, I was given towels, a set of earplugs, a spray bottle of fresh water, a small pool noodle to use behind the neck for support if needed, and instructions. I was told to lock the door from the inside, put in the earplugs (they are easier to put in while your ears are dry) get a shower and wash my hair. Be CAREFUL when leaving the shower, as the floor is slick. After my shower, I climbed into the float pod...a roomy "tub" with a lid, filled with body temp (or maybe a little warmer?) water HIGHLY salinated with Epsom Salts. The pod has a blue light inside, the lid can be closed or left open, and there was meditative music playing, which I could turn off if I chose. If someone chooses, they can wear a suit to float, but most just go naked. (The room is totally private, and locked from the inside..so why not?)
I sat in the tub and then laid down...and floating was immediate. There was NO effort involved...just put the small pool noodle behind my neck, pulled the lid down and turned off the light (my choice). At first the light from the outside room was seen around the gap between lid and tub. The outer room apparently had lights on a motion sensor though...so when I opened my eyes a few minutes later, it was totally dark..but I could reach up and lift the lid, and the lights came on immediately, so it was not as anxiety causing as I expected. I allowed myself to float, and was amazed at how it felt.
Unlike floating in a pool, there was no effort or thought involved in floating in this water due to the salt. I was completely held up, and there was no pressure on my joints. I had pain relief for the first time in a long time, especially in my back. When I noticed muscle tension, it was because I was still actively tensing those muscles, not trusting the water. When I was able to let go, it was soothing.
I left the music on. With earplugs in, it was muffled but still relaxing, similar to the music I'd hear while receiving a massage.
Being without distractions is a really unusual experience for me. I wasn't connected to my phone, my email, my watch...I was just in a comfortable water, not too hot or cold, weightless and relaxed. When the 60 minutes were over, the pod played a recorded voice letting me know my time was over. I got up and showered, dressed and felt good.
Lessons learned: I have two more sessions to go. Next time I will arrive 20 minutes before my float time, and leave plenty of time afterwards to enjoy the hot tea Dissolve offers post-session. I will bring my own shampoo/conditioner and shower gel (just because I prefer my own products..but the stuff provided was fine.) I made the mistake of having plans right after my float, so I wasn't able to enjoy the relaxed feeling..I had to dress and rush out.
Staff was warm, welcoming and so happy with their new business. I look forward to going back and continuing to work on meditating, and being able to disconnect from my fast paced world for a little while. My back and neck anxiously await the next time I could be weightless and pressure free. This is a unique addition to our area, and I'll be back. read more