Speleotherapy – The Healing Power Of Salt Caves

Since the time of the ancients, the use of salt (halos in Greek) was widespread for its healing properties. In our modern era, spending time in salt caves (speleos) are becoming popular as therapy. What can this accomplish for us?

Humankind evolved from the oceans; we have a natural connection to the sea and its properties. Since most of us are not in close proximity to the water, a salt cave in a landlocked area can offer a variety of healing properties. These caves are the remnants of inland seas from millions of years ago.

Salt caves, as individual micro-climates, are balanced chemically and harbor few, if any, allergens. This offers an ideal environment to recuperate for persons suffering from chronic allergies, respiratory ailments, or bronchitis. Think about the properties of a simple salt lamp, then imagine being surrounded by a large room of one of nature’s most beneficial substances.

The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea ~ Isak Dinesen

Beneficial trace elements, such as iodine and magnesium, are also present in the correct amounts within a salt cave. In order to fully heal and cleanse, each of us needs the correct amount of diverse nutrients and minerals, which few of us actually get enough of in our busy, stress-filled lifestyle and due to modern agriculture. These trace elements act as keys to unlock vital processes in our bodies; in some cases we cannot function properly without them, leading to more complications. A pH-balanced environment also prevents oxidization within our cells – another critical component of healing at all levels.

The ancient Greek physicians knew of the benefits of salt caves. More and more modern physicians and healers are now also prescribing time spent in salt caves for patients to treat a variety of illnesses, including skin conditions, such as psoriasis; immune deficiencies; digestive difficulties; and even psychosomatic disorders. Landlocked nations like Slovakia, which don’t have coastlines, but does have numerous individual salt caves, have become popular destinations for recuperation. In fact, doctors have in some cases concluded that a weeklong stay within a salt cave did more for a patient than years of expensive therapy or medications!

Even if someone is not using the properties of a salt cave for curative reasons, the benefits are vast. The aromatherapy and chromatherapy (the unique colors and light properties within a cave) properties of salt caves alone are proven to lower stress hormones and reduce toxicity. In some cases, ambient music or other calming sounds are added to make the stay even more relaxing.

It is an interesting biological fact that all of us have in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean ~ John F. Kennedy

Just about anyone could find health benefits from a stay in a salt cave. While the practice is not currently widespread in the United States, European countries are starting to add these stays under insurance coverage for patients’ well-being. And there are plenty of salt caves in America too, but look into your local regulations first, before venturing out there.

If you’re dealing with allergies, skin conditions, or other ‘uncurable’ conditions, it may be time to see whether halotherapy and speleotherapy could work for you. And if you’re otherwise healthy but just looking for a new way to relax and fully cleanse, this is an ancient, yet contemporary take on the traditional spa treatment. Maybe it’s time to take a look at a salt cave experience, instead of another trip to the doctor’s office, or that cruise to the Caribbean.