Sedona’s Rene Russell helps others reduce stress with her True Rest Float Spa.
In her quest to find a place or thing that could ease the pain of loss, True REST Float Spa Sedona owner Rene Russell found it in floating in a Pod (an extremely large tub with a lid) filled with skin-temperature water mixed with a conglomeration of 1,000 pounds of Epsom salts, 40% magnesium – a recipe that has more salt than the Red Sea and creates buoyancy like that of floating on air.
“I did everything I could think of to deal with the grief of losing my son,” said Russell. “Nothing worked as well as floatation therapy. You literally feel like you’re floating in space, you don’t even feel the water. This helped me to work things out in my head and because floating has been proven to reduce the stress hormone cortisol, it has helped release the negative emotions that I was feeling such as anxiety and depression.”
Though Russell and her husband were born and raised in Chicago, they visited Sedona often through the years and eventually purchased a summer home in the Red Rock Country.
“I love Sedona and have been coming here since I was a baby because my grandparents lived in Phoenix,” she said. “I even have a picture of me as an infant in front of the Chapel of the Holy Cross.”
The couple decided to make the move from Chicago to their Sedona home in 2007.
In 2015, Russell took the plunge and purchased the franchise for True REST Float Spa in Sedona. “Before that time, I would drive down to Tempe to float. That is where True REST Float Spa started. They have 50 franchises right now and eight are under construction. They are located coast to coast as well as in Canada.”
The salt and magnesium in the water helps relieve pain, especially arthritis, she says. “Also, floating helps me sleep better. I had terrible insomnia and absorbing the magnesium from the salt really helped.”
The near-weightless environment of floating allows muscles and joints to relax. Russell says it increases blood flow and helps repair muscle tissues. “It is especially beneficial for those with injuries or chronic pain. Some people have said it’s like floating in space.”
“I work with people to decrease anxiety and strengthen their nervous systems,” said Empowerment Coach and Perception Reflection owner Emily Wade. “True Rest Float Pods are the perfect place to find peace, whether you are a seasoned professional looking for your own self-care or helping a client find an opportunity for peace and quiet in their hectic lives.”
Each Pod contains about 180 gallons of water in a private suite, so a bathing suit is optional. Most people float for about 60 minutes, but two-and-a-half hour floats are available. Music also is offered. And, because of the high amount of salt, the float pod is a germ-free environment, said Russell.
True Rest Float Spa Consultant Karely Tautimer has worked at the Sedona location for almost a year. “This has really been an enlightening experience. The whole healing process is amazing to observe. I see people come in and they’re not in a good mood and then see them walk out with a big smile on their face. That’s my favorite part of my job. Everyone should try it at least once. It’s really helpful for pain and relaxation.”
Also available with each float is an aromatherapy 94% oxygen bar with six scents to choose from. “Clients can breathe for 10 minutes after floating,” said Russell.
The success of the Sedona location has inspired her to purchase another Franchise in Las Vegas. “My husband, Chuck, runs that location.”
Deb Schindele of Tribe Wellness Group says that True Rest Float Spa is an amazing “super” stress reliever. “It has been a life saver for me! I’ve been floating daily for several years. It’s become a non-negotiable part of my self-care.” QCBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN
The Sedona location for True REST Float Spa is located at 1910 AZ-89A, #101. For more information, call 928-284-8668.
Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: True REST Float Spa Sedona owner Rene Russell encourages clients to add floating to their self-care routine.
