Salt is one of the most versatile compounds in the world. It’s what makes food taste great, it helps us rehydrate after a workout, and, along with a lime, it helps make the tequila go down smoothly (but if the tequila goes down too smoothly and too often, see our earlier point on rehydration). Salt also is used in, you guessed it, salt therapy, which is becoming an increasingly popular natural medicine here in Central Ohio
So, what’s a salt cave?
While salt tends to get a negative connotation in medicine and heart health when you overindulge, salt caves (a.k.a. halotherapy) offer numerous health benefits through salt’s antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
You’ll sit in a room surrounded by thousands of pounds of Himalayan salt boulders in the walls and salt granules beneath your feet. Aside from being an aesthetically relaxing room, you’ll also inhale and absorb the micro-sized salt crystals that are all around you. These crystals can help absorb allergens, toxins, and foreign substances, which are then cleared from the body.
Salt caves are able to help cure a wide variety of chronic health issues such as asthma, respiratory infections, and skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
What to expect
The following rules apply to most salt caves:
- Bring clean white socks with no colors on the bottom
- Be odor free. Do not wear strong perfume, cologne, or arrive smelling like smoke.
- Turn off your cell phone
- Wear comfortable clothing in which you can relax (i.e. keep the 3-piece tux and stilettos at home)
- Hydrate before and after your session, as some participants experience a slightly dry throat, nasal drip, and/or coughing during or after the session
Where can I find a Salt Cave?
1. Tranquility Salt Cave
30 Dillmont Dr, Columbus, OH 43235
With a room lined with over 10,000 pounds of salt boulders along with salt lamps and string lights, it’s nearly impossible to not find peace and tranquility during a halotherapy session here. Carry all of your stressors with you and let the soothing salt do the rest.
More info here.
2. Sweet Dreams Salt Therapy
218 W. Main St, Plain City, OH 43064
Sweet Dreams’ high tech approach to salt therapy is sure to bring you relaxation and better health, as their state-of-the-art salt generator quietly monitors the room’s salt concentration to ensure you are receiving all the incredible benefits of halotherapy.
Discover more here.
3. Hocking Hills Serenity Salt Cave
690 Old McArthur Rd, Logan, OH 43138
Inside the Serenity Cave, you’ll find yourself surrounded by massive Himalayan salt rocks weighing upwards of 350 pounds. All the salt in the cave is sourced directly from the Himalayas, containing 84 trace natural minerals that are easily absorbed by the body.
More info here.
4. Haven Spaces Salt Room and Infrared Sauna
230 E Broadway, Granville, OH 43023
Enjoy all the benefits of halotherapy while relaxing, meditative music plays. For your comfort, there are massage chairs, cozy blankets, and warm salt stones available as well. The only problem is forcing yourself to leave once your session is over!
Find more info here.
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
