A salt cave is one of the many therapies that spas use. Its use is said to promote healing due to the natural properties of salt. These rooms can not only help relieve allergies and asthma symptoms, but they can also help you relax, decrease 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 such as 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 that we don’t get enough of in our daily lives. These minerals have a natural calming effect on your brain. Also, because salt is antibacterial and antifungal, the air in these rooms is much cleaner than normal air. As you relax and breathe 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 will naturally feel less stressed, revitalized, 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, thus thinning it and helping your body naturally clear mucus. In even higher concentrations, the therapy has been shown to help with skin problems like 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 rooms have a thick layer of salt on the floor. Walls and ceilings have the element incorporated in different ways, with some falling down the walls or hanging from the ceiling, much like stalactites. There are usually chairs or lounges for you to sit back, relax, and take in fresh air. The room smells similar to the beach, and you will probably taste it on your lips. Normally pure and natural salt is used. Some places may use the rocky type, depending on the location.
They will likely ask you to wear some shoe covers to protect your shoes and the minerals. You can choose to wear the provided robe and booties. Most companies offer rooms for several clients at the same time, but some also offer rooms and private sessions.
A salt cave is worth visiting if you want a different kind of natural relaxation therapy that can also help you with some common respiratory or skin conditions.