The Enchantment of Salt Caves
- Dec 4, 2016
- 2 min read
Today, I will guide you through this fun and exciting new adventure!
Let's start with a little history and the benefits of salt caves! Dating back thousands of years, people of the Himalayas would visit the local salt caves for healing purposes. The 84 pure minerals and trace elements found in Himalayan salt are thought to help improve ailments, such as respiratory, circulatory, and skin issues, stress/anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disorders, and weakened immune systems. By inhaling the salt, it loosens up mucous within the cilia of our bronchial tubes. And by just being present, Himalayan salt is thought to release negative ions that neutralize free radicals. The experience is compared to the chemical reaction people have when ocean waves crash on their feet.
Now, time to start the journey! My curiosity compelled me to make a reservation at the Serenity Salt Cave for my birthday. As I drove about 15 minutes down Nolensville Road from Nippers Corner, I found it tucked away in a little building. I was greeted into a warm and inviting atmosphere where Himalayan salt lamps and other goodies abound. Once in the cave, I stepped through the salt like I was trudging toward my beach cabana and I chose the chair I wanted for this delightful treat. Ah, now I was cozy and comfortable draped with a blanket and soothing music. But as the session progressed, I started having trouble with my asthma. I opened my eyes to a room full of thick fog. The ionized salt. Since the door was only steps away, I focused on my breathing and calmed my nerves. When the session was over, I walked in a daze back to the front and bought 3 more sessions. Since that journey, I've been back for my second go-around. And the next day, I had a little pep in my step! Was this from the mysterious salt cave or was this just my mind playing tricks on me?
According to a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial published at the US National Library of Medicine/National Institutes of Health, aerosal halotherapy (salt therapy) can be considered a viable adjunct, albeit not a replacement, to conventional medical treatment for a particular group of disorders. See the research here.
And, continue the history here: Alexander the Great's horse found one of the largest Himalayan salt caves!
*This is an informational blog only and shouldn't be construed as a substitute for medical examination, diagnosis, and/or treatment, and that you should see a medical physician, chiropractic doctor, or other health care specialist to address concerns that are outside the massage therapist's scope of practice.
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