Always looking for weird and wonderful experiences, when I came across these I knew I wanted to go check them out. I was in Glasgow on the Saturday and booked the Salt Cave at Health Booster in East Kilbride for the Sunday afternoon and journey home.
We headed in, and before our trip there we were prepped to wear light coloured clothing as the salt will show on dark clothes, so got changed into the lighter colours. The room itself looked magical on entry, with the walls and roof covered in salt, and the floor was essentially like a big, grainy sand pit, parts of which were heated. We were advised to rub the salt over us, as it’s beneficial for many things – and for hours later my skin was so smooth, which was unexpected, as I had imagined it would dry my skin out.
We were in the cave for 45 minutes. There were 8 beds available as this was the communal option, although I’m sure there were private rooms too. There were private rooms available. 45 minutes went by so fast – after rubbing salt everywhere, I lay on the heated massage bed with a blanket over me – almost falling asleep! It was an amazing experience.
History of the Salt Caves
The use of salt for therapeutic purposes dates back thousands of years to ancient civilisations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Chinese. However, the specific use of salt caves for halotherapy is a more recent development. In the mid-19th century, a Polish doctor named Feliks Boczkowski noticed that salt miners had significantly better respiratory health than other workers. He attributed this to their exposure to salt dust in the mines and began using salt therapy to treat respiratory conditions in his patients. The first purpose-built salt cave for halotherapy was constructed in Poland in the 1980s. Since then, salt caves have become increasingly popular in Europe and North America, with many people seeking out this natural therapy to improve their health and well-being.
Health Benefits of Salt
The Salt Caves are said to have several potential health benefits. The salt in the cave is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help to improve respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies, and bronchitis. Additionally, spending time in a salt cave may help to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. Some people also claim that salt caves can improve skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of salt caves.
FAQ’s:
What should I wear to a salt cave session?
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is recommended for a salt cave session. You may want to wear something you wouldn’t mind getting a bit salty, as the salt particles in the air may settle on your clothing. You will be provided with shoe covers to wear inside the cave, so you don’t need to worry about footwear.
What can I expect during a salt cave session?
When you enter the salt cave, you’ll be asked to remove your shoes and put on shoe covers provided by the facility. You’ll then spend a set amount of time (usually 30-60 minutes) sitting or lying in the cave while breathing in the salty air. The environment in the cave is designed to be calm and relaxing, with low lighting and soft music playing. You may choose to read a book, meditate, or simply relax during your session.
Is there anyone who shouldn’t go to a salt cave?
Salt cave therapy is generally considered safe and non-invasive, but there are some people who should avoid it. Individuals with certain respiratory conditions or who are immunocompromised may want to consult with a healthcare professional before trying salt cave therapy. Pregnant women should also check with their doctor before participating.
Can children go to a salt cave?
Yes, children can participate in salt cave therapy. Some facilities offer special children’s sessions or family sessions where parents can bring their kids. Keep in mind that children may not have the patience to sit still for the full duration of the session, so you may want to bring some activities to keep them occupied.
How often should I go to a salt cave?
The frequency of salt cave sessions can vary depending on your individual needs and goals. Some people choose to go once a week for maintenance, while others may go more frequently if they’re trying to manage a specific condition. It’s best to talk to your healthcare provider about how often you should participate in salt cave therapy.
The website for the salt cave I attended is: https://www.healthboosterltd.co.uk/home
