Healing Properties of Salt Caves
I once visited a salt mine in Wieliczka, Poland., but never dreamed I would find that same salt in Asheville, North Carolina where they have constructed a “salt cave” — a relaxation/natural healing room using 20 tons of salts imported from Poland, the Himalayas, the Dead Sea, and Thailand.
Salt lamps
“We could not survive without water and salt,” the staff reminded us as we entered the salt cave in socked feet and found comfortable spots on the gravity chairs and pillows scattered on the ground. Soon, the staff person would dim the lights and leave the ten of us there for a group salt session to relax and let the salt crystals do their work.
Natural crystal salt contains all the minerals and trace elements found in our body. By recreating the microclimate of the salt cave, complete with two trickling fountains of sole (pronounced so-lay) salt water and the temperature of the Polish salt cave, Asheville’s Salt Cave hopes to provide the same resonant vibrations that one would experience there.
Salt products for sale
A Salt Cave Session
As we sat there, breathing softly with our eyes closed and the sound of water and soft music playing, our bodies took in the microclimate through our respiration and skin. It is believed that not only does the purity of air in the salt cave have a healing effect, but its resonant vibrations also activate our self-healing and self-regulating powers. By absorbing the trace elements in the salt, our pH levels become balanced.
So, did it heal me? I can’t say. I was not there for any specific reason. I did not recall feeling any sort of health benefits when I hiked down into the Wieliczka mine in Poland, either. But I can’t say I didn’t benefit from it. Our bodies are complex machines.
My daughter exuberantly expressed that she felt better as soon as we finished our 50-minute session. If she could veg for a while in a salt cave every day, I think she would. I’d probably go for some of the massages and stuff instead. It was nice to relax in a calming room, though. I think we could all use a reprieve from the outside world to get a little salt fix each day.
What natural therapeutic channels have you explored?
Browsing The Atlas 
I think I would like that place.
I hope you get the chance to find out, Kelly!
I’ve always wondered about these salt lamps and accouterments that go along with it. So funny they have a whole set-up in Ashville! Looks interesting though, worth checking out. Thanks for this!
I’ve never really known what to think about salt lamps, but they’re pretty and seem so soothing. My mom has one. I’m not sure if she puts her hands on it or not, but I think you’re supposed to.
A salt cave seems so very Asheville. We did a series of float sessions in a sensory deprivation tank. We each had radically different experiences. Jenn fell deeper and deeper into the process with each successive trip. I got more and more restless and my brain just wouldn’t untangle. It was almost torture being locked away with my thoughts that long.
Fascinating! I think I’d like a sensory deprivation chamber. I like nothing more than to be alone with my thoughts. 🙂
“relax in a calming room” Good for mind, soul and body with or without the salt, Juliann. It’s always fun to see where your curiosity carries you. _Curt
Thanks, Curt. I never know where it will take me. 🙂
Such an interesting post, for me at least, because I am FASCINATED by this kind of thing! When we went to Sojo Spa overlooking NYC we tried to salt sauna rooms. I have to say I had the same experience as your daughter…although I was SUPER skeptical before going in, I felt SO much better afterwards. It was bizarre but definitely a welcome feeling!
I loved your post on that, Sarah. It made me want to go there and experience Sojo for myself.
I’ve been to saunas with salt rooms and although I never stayed long enough to start feeling the effects of it, the overall atmosphere and environment did make me feel more relaxed. It could just be a placebo effect, but hey, if you feel better or at least not worse, why not? Sounds like it was a fun experience. 🙂
That’s exactly what I think. The placebo effect can be just as powerful sometimes.
I keep seeing people write about the benefits of having salt in your bedroom for sleep etc, it’s fascinating and something I was not aware of until recently. I love salt on my food (I know, I know!) but haven’t considered using it in my home. I’ve never visited a salt mine but totally would!
Interesting… I’m more likely to surround myself with salt than to put it on my food. Haha. Surely, both things are good in moderation.