Air ten times purer than the outside air, minerals that are healing components used in the treatment of allergies, sinus infections, asthma, skin conditions, hypertension, weakened immune system and stress related conditions, a salt spa…the “not so new”, new, spa trend.
Salt therapy has a history spanning back to ancient times, but this healing, all natural, therapeutic spa idea took off in Wieliczka, Poland where salt mines were prevalent and the unique qualities of the salt and minerals within the salt were first put to use for modern healing. Salt contains elements essential to life, minerals that we need. Beginning in the 16th century, salt was mixed with other products to help cure diseases and as time went on, the necessity for salt for medicinal purposes. Today, Wieliczka, Poland is the home of the one of the largest and most extensive salt spas in the world, 135 meters underground.
How does salt therapy work? When salt particles are inhaled, the tiny particles travel to the lungs where the minerals break down to help support the body’s immune system, thinning the mucus (gross!) and reducing inflammation! Salt therapy works differently for each person, where your body needs healing, that is where the salt particles travel to.
Located in Forest, Virginia, right outside of Lynchburg is such a spa – London’s Salt Spa. Upon entering the welcoming front lobby, guests are lead to a room that has been transformed into a complete salt cave. Salt blocks cover the walls, floor to ceiling, and salt pebbles layer the entire floor of the cave. You are transformed into a soothing, calming atmosphere of healing. Comfortable reclining chairs are available for relaxation and it is recommended that guests lay back, relax and let the minerals work their “magic” for at least a 45 minute session. It might seem like quite a different spa experience at first, but the results are almost immediate-breathing is better, head is clearer, stress is relieved and aches have gone away…just by sitting there!
One of the most common types of salts at London’s Salt Spa is Pink Himalayan Salts. Pink Himalayan Salt contains over 84 minerals help keep the cave’s air 10 times purer than the outside air. Some of these minerals include: calcium, copper, magnesium, zinc, selenium, lithium, iron and iodine, all with numerous health benefits.
Pink Himalayan Salts can be used in many different ways. Use the crystals to gargle with warm water and sooth a sore throat, mouth sores or bathe in them for skin issues. Salt sticks can be helpful with insect bites, fever blisters or even acne (just wet the stick slightly and rub it on your problem area…then let it air dry!) You can even use the salt blocks for a deodorant or to help with eczema or psoriasis. Salt scrubs help remove dead skin and relieve dryness, leaving your skin feeling smooth and silky (and is also a great natural cleaner for silver and gold).
Aside from London’s Salt Spa’s Salt Cave, London’s Salt Spa offers massage sessions in another salt covered room with glistening smooth salt bricks on the walls, memberships, group packages and a wide array of salt products to take home with you to continue your healing experience.
After London’s Salt Spa’s owner, Debbie Naff’s husband and son received such an incredibly healing reaction from a salt spa they visited on vacation, Debbie decided to research what it would take to bring a salt spa closer to home. Large salt blocks were shipped from Poland to Forest, Virginia where salt spa specialists carefully and strategically placed each stone to create a salt cave….and the rest is history.
Visit London’s Salt Spa in Forest, Virginia on 6152 Thomas Jefferson Road or online at www.londonsaltspa.com. Call 434-525-7727 for appointments