CARMEL, Ind. -- The therapeutic merits of water and Epsom salt are in action at an alternative medicine center in central Indiana.

An oasis tank allows patients to float on top of 800 pounds of Epsom salt dissolved in a pool of water kept at 92 degrees at Stillwater Float in Carmel.

Flotation therapy is a buoyancy body trip in which patients said they reach levels of deep relaxation.

"It allows the body to really relax in no other way that I've experienced," said patient Tom Gould.

There is no gravity in the oasis tank and no stimuli. Proponents of the therapy said it cures ailments, at least temporarily.

Kyra Hilgenberg, of Stillwater Float, said the therapy provides for pain management, treats hypertension, insomnia and depression.

"I think the primary benefit is relief of stress, and we have a lot of stress in our lives these days," Hilgenberg said.

Flotation therapy is considered safe and Stillwater said it follows strict health and safety regulations. Chemicals and filtration help keep the water clean.