I read the article in the Sept. 7 edition of the Daily Herald: “Provo float spa offers new relaxation therapy.”

I congratulate the new business called “True REST Float Spa.” It is beneficial because clients can literally float their worries and pain away. It is ironic that I can’t swim, but I enjoy the hot tub and spa at the Snowbird Resort, so I welcome the news of the new spa in Provo.

As the article noted the word “REST” in the spa’s name is an acronym for “Reduced Environmental Stimulus Therapy.” It’s sort of unique that clients float in “pods” consisting of purified water and an incredible 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt to keep them afloat. It relaxes the muscles and joints and is so calming it has even been compared to a “brain massage,” too.

Such types of therapies have been around for centuries. However, this one looks as if it has real promise for success. Centuries ago, a man named Johannis Klepius was born in Germany and migrated to the United States and thought he had the elixir of life. He didn’t. Despite his experiments in chemistry and alchemy, he died in the year 1708 at the young age of 41.His own death more of validated that he was a fraud. He claimed to be a Rosicrucian, and many people are confused by that term, too. The term has been corrupted into a quasi-religious correspondence course, when its original real honorable objective was to “study, acquire knowledge, and heal the sick, free of charge.” Most REAL Rosicrucians of the 19th century were real medical doctors such as Dr. Paschal B. Randolph, MD; Dr. Albert G. Mackey, MD; and Dr. William Wynn Westcott,MD, the latter being in England. All three of them believed in the virtues of “water” aiding the human body, along with fresh “air,” and as the article in the Daily Herald noted, clients of the Provo spa can even choose to keep “soft light on,” to avoid being claustrophobic. It was also noted that it may take clients “a few tries” before they truly relax, and get away from their own thoughts and worries.

Again, I congratulate the new Spa and wish it much success with its new relaxation techniques. It’s a case where valid science meets reality; and has many valid health benefits arising from it.

— James Marples, Provo