Have you heard of halotherapy? From the name, most wouldn’t guess that it refers to the medicine and therapy of salt, but it is taken from the Greek word for salt, “halos.” Although it seems like a new fad, halotherapy has actually been around since the 12th Century when European monks would grind salt rocks together for patients to inhale and notice a remarkable respiratory improvement. The first salt chambers were built in the 1960s in Europe as respiratory hospitals and have since then become popular across the world, including the United States.
We have our very own salt cave here in Louisville.
Kim Rash is the owner of the Louisville Salt Cave and has spent her life studying therapy and holistic treatment. After seeing a salt cave in Asheville, she decided to get serious and build her very own five ton Himalayan salt cave right here in Louisville.
No pun intended. This salt cave will aid in respiratory health, but it's also just an amazing place to visit just for the experience of being secluded in this beautiful, glowing salt cave. While the cave might look too mystical to be a real treatment, it is salt's drying effect that may help clear the body's bronchial secretions. This is a great city to build a salt cave, since a majority of us suffer from allergies in Louisville.
It's easy to forget you're in a business in the middle of Louisville when relaxing in this salt cave. The glowing salt crystals and ceilings make for a very therapeutic retreat.
Lay back in the provided lounge chair and breathe in the salty air. Let your body relax as you meditate in this salt cave illuminated by soft, pink light. This salt cave was constructed out of five tons of 250 million-year-old salt imported from the Himalayan mountains. Listen to the gentle music being played over the speakers, chosen to help you reach optimum relaxation.
Well, they have to be covered in clean socks, but it's still fun. Since we don't have a beach here, this is a great substitute for the relaxing sand and salty waves.
The sessions of 30 to 45 minutes are communal, so you enter with a group. Many people meditate and there's even a session offered that includes a guided meditation over the speakers rather than music.
Check out their salty products when you've finished.
The Salt Cave offers many products to buy in their store that are supposed to help with various ailments. Some enthusiasts of holistic medicine may find their products useful.
The Salt Cave is located at 9800 Shelbyville Rd #200, Louisville, KY 40223 and sessions start at $25 for 30 minutes. If you enjoyed this article or have visited the salt cave before, let us know what you think in the comments below or on Facebook!