Well Being Magazine

The Salt Cave EXPERIENCE

Ever dream of lying on a sunny beach and breathing in the smell of salt air when a cold or sinus infection has you stuck inside feeling miserable? Well, you aren’t alone. Since ancient times, healers have recommended salt inhalation for treatment of the respiratory system and other health problems. While people once used natural salt caves to reap the benefits of a high salt-content environment, today there are salt rooms (called caves) throughout the U.S. and around the world, designed for the express purpose of delivering salt therapy, also called halotherapy (from the Greek, Halo).

THE BENEFITS OF SALT THERAPY

The ways salt therapy may benefit you physically and emotionally are wide-ranging.

• Salt levels affect our cell activity, energy and blood sugar levels.
• Inhaling salt particles may reduce inflammation and mucus in the lungs, improving respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies, bronchitis, sinus congestion and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

“Breathing in salty air “decreases the thickness of the mucous, allowing the body’s innate clearing mechanisms to sweep away the secretions, improving drainage and diminishing bronchial sensitivity.” ~ Dr. Joseph Marino, medical director of Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital in New York (U.S. News & World Report, 09-13-2017)

• Scientific studies show that people with asthma and other ailments breathe easier after halotherapy.
• The calming and detoxifying effects of halotherapy can support the immune, nervous and lymphatic systems.
• Additional benefits include reduced stress and headaches, increased energy, and better sleep patterns.
• Salt ions purify the air, may increase lung capacity and reduce physical ailments for adults, children and athletes.

A study published in the May 2017 Pediatric Pulmonology found that children with mild asthma who went for two halotherapy sessions per week for seven weeks gained greater improvements in their bronchial hyper-reactivity.

• Skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes and rosacea can also be improved with halotherapy.
• Table salt, sodium chloride, is dehydrating, but pure mineral salts have natural moisturizing properties and support the skin’s water balance and barrier function by attracting moisture to the skin.
• Minerals are necessary for cell function and detoxification, so mineral salts have strong rejuvenating properties.

Jill Clark, of Soul Synergy Center in Flowood explains some of the benefits her clients have relayed to her after a salt cave session.

“Our clients come out of our salt cave describing the experience as heavenly, relaxing, and amazing!” notes Clark. “Some people fall asleep and others tell us that they use these sessions as their personal time to unwind and reflect. Some of the most raved about sessions are the salt cave sessions which include foot reflexology and when a customer enloys a salt cave session following a massage. People tell us they are sleeping better and breathing easier, which makes all of us at Soul Synergy Center very happy!

WHAT IS THE SALT CAVE EXPERIENCE?

Designed to simulate the environment of Himalayan salt caves, commercially built salt caves or spas feature literally tons of crystal salt rock, a dim glow provided by rock lamps, reclining chairs and soothing instrumental background music to enhance relaxation. Meanwhile, during a session, a machine outside the room (called a halogenerator) grinds dry salt and pumps micro particles of it into the air. The pure environment is precisely balanced with 40 to 50 percent humidity and kept at 68o to 70o F. Since salt tends to bring water out of the body’s membranes, it’s wise to replace fluids after a salt cave session by drinking water, using a saline mist for your nasal passages and lubricating drops for your eyes.

The average salt cave service costs $25 to $45 and lasts 45 minutes. Salt beds or booths only require 15 to 20-minute sessions as the salt concentration is higher.

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