What it is: Just as the name suggests, the salt cave is a room — kept at a comfortable 70 degrees — with walls covered in imported Himalayan rock salt. Comfy, reclining chairs sit in a beach-like, salt-covered floor and gentle spa music plays in the background. Lighting is lowered during the 50-minute cave session with glimpses of faux starry skies twinkling in the ceiling.
How it feels: Imagine one of your best naps in years. You probably won’t immediately feel any strong physical sensations, but the atmosphere and breathing the light salt air (in addition to being caringly tucked into a zero-gravity chair) can lull you into a restful state. Although there is room for up to 10 people in the cave, this is quiet time, so no chatting. Nap, meditate and breathe.
But what does it DO? Salt therapy, popular in Europe for decades, is believed to clear toxins, pollens, viruses and other pollutants from the lungs and nasal passageways, detoxifying the respiratory system. Studies have explored the benefits of salt therapy on conditions like acne, arthritis, sleep difficulties and weakened immune systems and many believe that regular salt treatments are helpful for allergies, asthma, and other respiratory ailments. The deep relaxation definitely relieves stress and helps calm frazzled mom nerves.
What to know: 5 Star Salt Caves and Wellness Center in Washington Park offers salt cave sessions $35 for 50 minutes. Reservations are recommended. 5starsaltcaves.com
