History of a Natural Salt Cave-Asheville Salt Spa Saltasia Wellbeing offers Halotherapy

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - May 22, 2013 - PRLog -- It is believed that thousands of years ago, people have already used caverns for therapeutic purposes. In the 1950’s, Speleotherapy became very popular in Europe . Speleotherapy is also known as Subterranean Therapy or Cave Therapy. People reported better health after staying in the underground environment for a longer period of time. It is the unique microclimate of clean, unpolluted and allergen free air that causes physical comfort and supports healing. Temperatures around only 44-50 degrees Fahrenheit and almost 100% relative humidity are responsible for ultra clean air. Even though the air is saturated with 100% relative humidity, the absolute humidity is low, due to the cool temperatures. When the cold air enters the respiratory system, it warms to around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit and the relative humidity drops to about 20%, withdrawing water from cells around the air passages. This makes breathing easier because the mechanism reduces swelling of the mucous membrane. Most caverns that are being used for Speleotherapy today are old mines where in the past ore, coal or salt was mined. In Germany for example are 12 mines that are currently used for Speleotherapy.  
Let’s take a closer look at salt mines.          When over a Century ago a Polish Physician who treated salt miners took notice of their good respiratory health and strong immune systems, he linked the worker’s health to the salt environment. He began treating his respiratory patients by sending them in the salt mine to breathe this therapeutic microclimate and found health improvements. Shortly after he documented his findings, therapy centers and hospitals in other natural salt mines/salt caves around Europe were opened and some are still operating today. One of the most famous salt mines is located in Wieliczka, Poland. Impressive rooms carved of salt are open as a museum to the public and a part of the mine is used as therapy center. Another interesting salt mine is located in Soledar, Ukraine and is visited by people from all over the world to receive Speleotherapy. Temperature and humidity vary in the different salt mines but the most important and therapeutic factor is constant in all salt mines, which is a beneficial concentration of dry salt aerosol saturating the air of salt mines. The salt particles are 1-5 microns in size, small enough to enter even the smallest parts of the lungs. Salt acts as anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterium, cleaning the respiratory system of inflammation and mucous, opening up the sinuses and enabling better breathing. People suffering with symptoms related to Asthma, Allergies, Hey Fever, Colds, bronchitis, compromised immune system, insomnia and stress can find relief with Speleotherapy.

In 1980, salt mines and their climates were being scientifically studied. As a result, scientists were able to recreate the therapeutic aspects of a naturalsalt cave microclimate in specially designed rooms above ground. This new therapy became known as Halotherapy. Off course it is impossible to re-create the complex natural microclimate of salt mines as a whole. However, Halotherapy Rooms come pretty close to its original. Walls and floor of Halotherapy Chambers are decorated with salt to provide a unique and relaxing ambience and for the purpose of climate control and as sound barrier. Dry salt particles are produced by a device called dry salt Halogenerator and are crucial for the recreation of a salt mine environment. Humidity (30-55%) and temperature (68-75 degrees Fahrenheit) are controlled to ensure best performance of the salt and for best physical comfort. Halotherapy has become known worldwide due to its benefits. For both, Speleotherapy and Halotherapy 2-3 weeks of daily treatments are recommended for best results.  For more information, visit  http://www.SaltasiaWellbeing.com.
Disclaimer:

The information in this article should not be considered medical advice. The information in this article is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure any ailment. Always consult with your physician before taking any products or following any advice you have read in this or any other article.

About the Author:

Ines Clark is the Owner of Saltasia Wellbeing - The Salt Spa of Asheville. She is a German trained Physical Therapist, NCBTMB certified Massage therapist and is interested in natural healing methods.