What is a Salt Cave?

Tran + Thomas is taking their design skills underground and designing a fabulous salt cave! T+T is working in collaboration with EPC Real Estate and currently in the design development stage for a new multifamily building that will offer its tenants the luxury and benefits of a natural salt cave! This Passive Salt Cave will feature a Himalayan sea salt floor, lounge chairs, indirect mood lighting and ambient nature sounds in the Spa Lounge space adjacent to the sauna and steam room near the fitness area.

So, why salt?  The human body requires salt to maintain vital body functions, but did you know that you can benefit more from salt than just in your meal?  Though not new, one of the fastest growing homeopathic therapies is Halotherapy, commonly referred to as Salt Caves.  Salt Caves are rooms in which all the rooms’ surfaces are covered in salt. Discovered by Polish doctor Felix Boczkowski in 1843 when he noticed the men working in the Wieliczka Salt Mines suffered less respiratory problems than the general population.  During WWII salt mines were utilized as bomb shelters.  People seeking refuge in the caves reportedly experienced a noticeable improvement in their breathing. In 1980, Odessa Science Research Institute in Ukraine developed the first Halotherapy device replicating the grinding and crushing of salt, dispersing the particles into the air modeling the conditions of an underground salt mine.  

Fast-forwarding to what we now know as Salt Caves:  

After decades of popularity across Europe, North America is embracing this holistic approach with more individuals turning to natural alternatives over prescription medications seeking better skin, a strengthened immune system and respiratory health, especially in a post pandemic world.  

Thinking about getting salty but, don’t know where to start? 

A great way is to visit a spa to see if Halotherapy is a fit to your health and wellness journey.  Spas like the Laya Center in Kansas City’s Crossroads District, founded by NFL veteran Joe May’s wife Toyia after years working through alternative ways to help her husband heal in the latter part of his career.  The Laya Center specializes in bringing wellness techniques that realign the mind, body, soul and spirit in order to elevate and propel clients’ highest potential. Toyia adds that currently the spa offers a Halotherapy room equipped with Infrared Sauna pods that have light therapy and ozone therapy.  “Our treatment outcomes range anywhere from Detoxification to Upper Respiratory.  The combinations that we’ve designed along with Salt (Halo) therapy create a unique wellness treatment.”  You can learn more about the Laya Center and all services at:  www.thelayacenter.com 

Ready to fully immerse yourself?

Homeowners should consider this a luxury purchase with an array of options to incorporate salt caves in home from prefabricated booths or a designer room, ranging anywhere from $5,000 – $19,000+.  The booths provide the benefits of Halotherapy, but converting an unused room or even an underutilized walk-in closet will create a unique space for meditation.  Imagine coming home after a long, hard day walking into your personal space of calming creams and warm rosy hues.  Applications are limitless, as simple as adding in Himalayan salt lamps with soothing music and soft sensual fabrics, to illuminating salt block walls and flooring, with salt sprays that coat the ceiling and walls, for added texture.  The possibilities are endless.  Whether you are in a commercial setting wanting to add value to your services, or you are a health minded homeowner.

For more information : email us at info@tranthomasdesign.com

Disclaimer:  Please consult with your doctor before adding this therapy to your wellness routine.