Have you ever heard of float therapy? I was skeptical but after a blissful hour at Balans Organic Spa on Newbury Street, I’m now a believer!
As someone who has struggled with anxiety since childhood, I’m always on the hunt for new ways to help manage my panic disorder. The idea of being alone in a sensory deprivation tank absolutely terrifies me! But the float suite at Balans is more like a luxurious bath tub with a glass door, dimmable lights, and a rainfall shower.
What is float therapy?:
The idea behind float therapy is simple. A large tank with 10 inches of water is heated to body temperature and saturated with soothing Epsom salt. The Epsom salt allows you to be completely buoyant and relaxed while absorbing high levels of magnesium. In addition to being beneficial for those of us with mental disorders, floating is believed to help relieve symptoms associated with things like high blood pressure, spinal injuries, and migraines.
Once I saw the spacious suite, rather than a black pod, it was easy to jump right in! After showering, I gingerly climbed in. Luckily, the timer light stays on for 6 minutes; important since the salt makes the floor extra slippery. I left the glass door slightly open because I was really nervous about feeling claustrophobic. I really thought I would hate floating. I’m not going to lie; it was weird at first. There’s plenty of space but it’s hard to turn around or sit up because it’s so buoyant! Once I got used to the sensation of being weightless (thanks 35% salt content) and put the inflatable neck pillow on, I took some deep breaths and relaxed. Music really helped. Balans’ tank has underwater speakers so I linked up one of my Spotify playlists.
Honestly, it’s a hard experience to describe. It’s like being suspended in that moment right before you fall asleep…for an hour. An idea that’s been slowly formulating in the back of my mind came roaring to life while I floated. I felt tranquil but also recharged. When the light came back on to signal the end of my sixty minutes, I actually groaned! I did not want to get out! I finally emerged, covered in white salt, strangely invigorated. Rinsing off in the shower, with Maria Akerberg organic products, I felt calm and truly happy. It was incredible! It felt like the post-workout high I get after a hard barre class. That night, I slept better than I have in months and my skin is still baby soft.
I can’t wait to book my next float. I think it will be the sort of thing that I save for really stressful weeks when my anxiety rears it’s ugly head so much that I find it hard to breathe. Float therapy seems like pushing a Reset button on my system that I didn’t know existed. I’m officially a believer!
Balans Organic Spa
617-424-1500
216 Newbury St, Boston
Disclosure: I was invited to Balans Organic Spa to experience their Float and organic facial on November 3rd. The opinions here are 100% my own.
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