The Salt Spa and Why You Should Try It
The History of Salt Mines
In 1843, a Polish doctor, Felix Boczkowski observed that salt miners at the Wieliczka salt mine, had a noticeably low record of respiratory conditions. His conclusion was that the dry salt particles that saturated the air in the salt mines, had a positive effect when breathed in by the salt miners, possibly a healing-type effect with respiratory-related illnesses.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is now the largest Underground Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in the world. Not only do they provide the natural microclimate of the underground salt excavations but they practice contemporary medicine as well.
According to the STA, Salt Therapy Association, "Dr. Feliks Boczkowski, who was not only a great doctor but also a very smart business man, founded and opened the first health resort facility at the Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland in 1839. He offered salt baths by utilizing natural brine from underground and mentioned in his book, that staying underground can be even more effective in asthma treatment than inhalations."
Today, people are creating above ground salt rooms in many countries. With people looking for natural alternatives that aid in positive well-being and good health, salt rooms and salt spas are now the trend.
Have you ever been to a salt spa?
The Benefits of Salt Spas
Having experienced a salt spa myself, I found it to be very relaxing and soothing, breathing in the salt particles. It felt cleansing and rejuvenating. To truly feel the long-term benefits, I believe it would be necessary to have multiple sessions. I would summize that those who would benefit most, would be those with breathing problems such as asthma, COPD, bronchitis, allergies, colds, sinus infections, and other breathing related ailments.
According to Saltrooms.com, "Inhalation of salt aerosol is clinically proven to cleanse the respiratory system of the human body and to speed up elimination of toxins. A salt aerosol rich in negative ions is proven to have bactericidal effects, cleansing microbial flora of the respiratory tract, slowing down bacterial growth and increasing resistance to respiratory tract diseases. This effect is used to treat asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, as well as frequent respiratory tract diseases in children and adults."
The Himalayan Salt Candle
While at the salt spa, I noticed the wall of salt candles on display they were selling. I made a mental note to research them when I returned home. They were advertised as air purifiers that work by emitting negative ions into the air and as light therapy devices that help to reduce stress and increase energy.
Searching Amazon.com, I found dozens of them for sale, and immediately began reading the reviews. Most of the reviews were very positive with comments that they improved allergy symptoms, made breathing easier, and even improved the health of pets. The buyers sounded like me, always on the lookout for a natural and healthy way to treat illnesses and stay promote well-being. I haven't purchased one of these candles yet, but I will.
Salt Spas
- Welcome to Williamsburg Salt Spa
"Our Salt Spa will leave you with a new discovered energy accomplished without medications through a natural healing process. Our goal is to present to all persons of all ages a more complete, holistic health benefit."
Countries with Salt Spas/Salt Therapy Rooms
According to Saltairtherapy.ca, "many countries, including Austria, Australia, Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Kirgizia, Italia, Romania, Russia, Poland, Slovenia, UK, and Ukraine among others have Speleotherapy clinics." This is an excellent website to read about the length of sessions and what to expect during a session. Below I have listed the Salt Spas/Rooms that I could find easily online in the United States.
Serenity Salt Cave in Nolensville, Tennessee
The Salt Suite in Delray Beach, Florida
Breathe Easy Spa, Richmond, Virginia
Williamsburg Salt Spa, Williamsburg, Virginia
Salt Escape, Plano, Texas
Build Your Own Salt Room
Want your own personal salt room? Go to Salt Chalet.com to get all of the details. Described as an excellent business opportunity or just a great way to improve one's health, salt rooms are gaining popularity across the world.
The News About Salt Spas
- Do salt rooms really help fight allergies? | abc7.com
Salt rooms, spas and caves are now popping up all over the U.S., but do they really work?
This hub is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians. The reader should regularly consult a physician in matters relating to his/her health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.
