Weightless in a Manawatu pod

Black, shiny and looking like they could have arrived from Mars, floatation pods have landed for the first time in Manawatu.

The pods are just over 2 metres long and almost as wide. They will be filled with 30 centimetres of skin-temperature water and almost half a tonne of Epsom salt.

Blocking out all five senses, and creating a feeling of weightlessness, the pods claim to be the ultimate form of relaxation.

Beauty salon Studio 31, at Coleman Mall, Palmerston North, shipped the pods from the United States, a feat that was neither easy nor cheap, but owner Wendy Newth has no regrets.

‘‘It was about $75,000 all up, for two pods, but it’s so worth it.

‘‘I had my first float about two years ago and have been obsessed ever since.’’

Newth said interest in the new treatment had been incredible. ‘‘We’ve got 150 pre-booked sales and that’s only our existing customers. There’s nothing else like it. A one-hour float is just as good as four hours’ sleep.’’

It is claimed floatation therapy is an option for pain and stress management, that it offers relief from chronic joint pain and improves the quality of creative work.

Invented in the 1950s by American scientist John Lilly, the devices were known as sensory deprivation pods.

Floatation therapy is not new in New Zealand, but there’s only eight places to float nationwide.

There is also limited New Zealand research into its effects.

Overseas, more comprehensive research has been done. In 2015, a dedicated floatation therapy laboratory was set up in America and in Sweden doctors could refer patients to undergo floatation therapy.

The pods at Studio 31 are being installed by a specialist from Singapore. Newth hoped they would be ready next week.