Life. Its chaotic. No matter who you are or what you do, we all sometimes feel the burnout. Between work, health, life admin, socials, partner, kids – it’s just never ending.
EQ is the latest well-being centre that’s recently opened in South Melbourne that’s a circuit breaker to life’s craziness. There are no massages, or facials, instead a journey that mindfully teaches you how to welcome the chaos.
When I was told that each session goes for three whole hours, I became a bit anxious. What would I be doing for such a long time? Would I get bored? And the unfortunate but true confession – how would I survive without my phone?
To fast forward to the punch line- after a visit there, that attitude has turned on its end, and all I can say is – take me back!
We rocked up to the google maps address, which was a dingy back-alley way in South Melbourne. This random spot, and not knowing what to expect, impounded the confusion. When made our way up and as we entered the bright blue floor, it felt like walking into a scene from a willy Wonka movie. I sheepishly still had a coffee in hand, a bit embarrassed of holding my ‘toxin’ before entering a ‘detox’ zone. But with a no judgement, warm welcome by the staff, and calm chuckle as they settled us down, I was instantly relaxed.
While the miserable outside weather was pouring with rain, after finishing my latte, I sat cosily, sipping on nourishing lemongrass tea, while they explained what would happen.
First stop was sound and light therapy. We were taken to another Willy Wonka room in a dome shape with a phallic bright peculiar light in the middle. We were told to sit and look at the wall. Never in my wildest dreams did I think staring at a wall for more than 30 minutes could be so uplifting, captivating, and tantalising for the mind. This immersive therapy is a convergence of different sound waves of music, tones and vibration. It’s coupled with a symphony of dramatic colours of light to create a multi-sensory experience. Suddenly, in what felt like a minute, the session was over. And my mind was invigorated.
Next off, we moved to a new room where we lay down for a guided meditation. We were given earphones, and an eye mask, so we could listen, relax and immerse ourselves in our breathing. We learnt interesting and helpful techniques to calm our nervous system, focus on our mind, and be in the present moment. Not sure if you’re meant to doze off at the end, (oops) but this soothing, sedative experience allowed me to switch off from the world. A blissful moment of peace.
Meditation 
Wellbeing waiting room 
Sounds light therapy
Then the final part – hot cold therapy. This gorgeous room had a mix of everything. We sweated in the steamy sauna, got drenched in the cold pail shower, fogged up in the cloudy steam room and immersed ourselves in the soothing bath. Needless to say, cold therapy must end in cold – so naturally and notoriously, we endured the cold plunge. Knowledgeable staff guided us through the experience, allowing us to push ourselves to our limit, but only much as we felt comfortable. A lesson in mental endurance and in life. This went on several times on repeat, before I knew it, it was over. Rejuvenated and refreshed, it was time to switch back on the phone, and back into the world.
If you need a bit of reprieve from the chaos in life, to re-set your equilibrium, take a journey to EQ. In just a few hours it’s a huge dose nourishment, self-care and solace – for the body and for the mind.
EQ – 22 Kings Place South Melbourne, VIC 3205
Wednesday – Sunday – 9am – 8pm
