A salt cave is one of the many therapies used by spas. Its use is said to promote healing due to the natural properties of the salt. These rooms can not only help alleviate allergies and asthma symptoms, but can also help you relax, reduce stress, and feel better both mentally and physically. They have been around for over 100 years and are popular in Eastern Europe. However, they have been gaining momentum in the United States in recent years in areas like New York, Orlando, Chicago, and Los Angeles, to name a few.
What makes it such a good therapy?
The key to this helpful therapy is additional exposure to the minerals found in the element, such as iodine, potassium, and bromide—things we don’t get enough of in our day-to-day lives. These minerals have a natural calming effect on the brain. Also, because salt is antibacterial and antifungal, the air in these rooms is much cleaner than normal air. As you relax and breathe in the clean air, your breathing will slow and deepen as your airways open. Experts say that after about an hour in one of these rooms, you’ll naturally feel less stressed, energized, and healthy.
There are some devices that can be used to control the concentration of the element so that certain conditions can be treated more effectively. For example, if you are being treated for a specific respiratory problem, the concentration may be set to a higher level. The element helps this type of problem by pushing water into the airways, which makes you slimmer and helps your body to eliminate mucus naturally. At even higher concentrations, the therapy has been shown to help with skin problems such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. However, be sure to consult your doctor before undergoing any type of alternative therapy for a specific medical condition.
How does it look?
A salt cave is designed to give you a different relaxation experience. Most of the rooms have a thick layer of salt on the floor. The walls and ceilings have the element incorporated in different ways, with some sliding down the walls or hanging from the ceiling, like stalactites. There are usually chairs or loungers to sit back, relax and enjoy the clean air. The room smells like the beach, and you will probably notice it on your lips. Normally pure and natural salt is used. Some places may use the rocky type, depending on the location.
You may be required to wear some shoe covers to protect your shoes and minerals. You can choose to wear the provided robe and booties. Most companies offer rooms for multiple clients at once, but some also offer private rooms and sessions.
It may be worth visiting a salt cave if you want a different type of natural relaxation therapy that can also help you with some common respiratory or skin conditions.