Relax, Cleanse, Restore

magine at the end of a tiring day, you walk into a warmly lit, calm room by yourself and close the door on everything—to sit peacefully and still your mind while at the same time cleanse your respiratory system, detoxify, hydrate your skin and remove allergens.

The Himalayan Salt Relaxation and Meditation Room at Pleasure House Point Yoga + Wellness is the only private halotherapy facility in Hampton Roads. The 100% pure salt bricks are responsibly and sustainably sourced from the mountains of Pakistan that bear their name.

“Most individuals have never heard of a Himalayan salt room or the benefits it offers and therefore have few if any preconceived ideas,” said Joanne Lappin Parker, R.Y.T., E-R.Y.T.-500, owner and operator of Pleasure House Point Yoga + Wellness. “One great aspect of our Himalayan salt room is that the client does not have to have a specific health need to benefit from use of the room. This is a space

The physical, mental and energetic benefits of a Himalayan salt spa

Joanne Lappin Parker, owner and operator of Pleasure House Point Yoga + Wellness

PHOTOS BY RICK BLANTON

[ by jill doczi ]

of relaxation, of letting go of the outside world, of setting aside the neverending ‘to-do’ list. The added physiological benefits of the salt room makes this what could be one of the most productive 30 to 45 minutes of selfcare someone could find in their day.” In addition to the mental benefit of a salt room, Parker shared that Himalayan salt is a natural disinfectant with antibacterial, antiinflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Pure Himalayan salt contains 84 essential minerals and trace elements found in the human body. These minerals are necessary for cell function and detoxification and have strong rejuvenating properties. When heated, microparticles of pure, natural Himalayan salt release into the air of the room where they are free to be inhaled and absorbed by the skin. These particles are said to have calming properties and absorb bacteria and other impurities on the skin, which can be helpful for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Pure mineral salts have natural moisturizing properties and support the skin’s water balance and barrier function by attracting moisture to the skin. “Himalayan salt micro-particles can also lead to feeling better from the inside, out,” said Parker. “Every day, we are exposed to environmental pollutants, airborne diseases, bacteria, allergens and other irritating factors collectively known as ‘electronic smog.’ Chronic assault by these irritants can wear down our respiratory system, resulting in breathing difficulties and illness. Dry salt particles can accelerate the transportation of excess mucus, helping to eliminate residual tar and foreign allergens. A clean respiratory system naturally results in higher oxygen intake, increased energy and an improved immune system.” Parker explained that from a scientific perspective, hundreds of tiny heated lights are positioned behind one-inch-thick Himalayan salt bricks. Heat produced by the lights begins to warm the salt, which causes the salt to release negative ions into the surrounding air. Also known as “vitamins of the air,” negative ions are said to combat the harmful effects of positive ions (electronic smog) present in our surroundings due to electronic devices. These negatively charged ions attach to positive ions, also known as free radicals, already present in the environment and on the skin, thereby stabilizing the atoms and neutralizing their ability to cause damage to the skin. The invigorated, recharged feeling you get from spending time by the ocean is said to come from the same effect—an

The salt room is a healthy sanctuary for stepping away from the pressures of the outside world.

abundance of negative ions released into the air from the ocean and attaching to and neutralizing the positive ions creating havoc on our bodies 24/7. Parker says taking advantage of a salt room couldn’t be easier. “Experiencing the benefits of the Himalayan salt room is probably the easiest thing one can do. One merely needs to be present in the room and breathe. The benefits begin immediately and invisibly without any effort by the participant. While relaxing in the optionally heated massage chair, the participant can spend their time any way they choose—meditation, reading, checking email, listening to their music or napping.” Clients can enjoy the salt room on its own or partake in the many other options offered to improve wellbeing. “I wanted to create a wellness studio that served as a place of sanctuary, an escape from the hustle and hassle of the outside world, that didn’t require much from the client, was convenient and easy to fit into the client’s schedule and was an affordable option for the client,” said Parker. “The studio has been carefully designed to evoke the soothing feelings of the nature that surrounds us—tones of the Chesapeake Bay, sandy beaches, maritime forest and salty wetlands can be seen in subtle shades of blue, green and brown throughout; natural light fills the studio; textures of seagrass and shiplap on the walls and original solid oak on the floors; all this and spacious vaulted ceilings combine to create a multi-sensory experience of calm and well-being. After much research into the benefits of spending time in a Himalayan salt room and the viability of sourcing pure Himalayan salt in a sustainable and responsible manner, I knew that this was a benefit that could greatly enhance wellness offerings in the community.” The idea for Pleasure House Point Yoga + Wellness overall has the same goals as the benefits of the salt room within the business. The studio evolved around the idea of elevating body awareness, enhancing functional movement to empower self-discovery and, ultimately, transcending to living as your best self. This new business has begun to grow based mostly on positive wordof-mouth in the community. “Located in the Ocean Park neighborhood of Virginia Beach, framed by the beautiful Pleasure House Point Natural Area on one side and the treasured Chesapeake Bay on the other, Pleasure House Point Yoga + Wellness seeks to exist in balance and harmony with the spaces around us,” said Parker. “This includes living and learning from a space that honors the ebb and flow of nature, recognizing that balance and imbalance are part of the same practice, and inviting change and growth into our experience. Practicing yoga helps us find our best functional wellness and highest quality of life.” PHP Yoga + Wellness offers a variety of services including yoga courses that last from 3-8 weeks and specifically focus on improving a particular health objective, yoga classes that offer free-standing opportunity to practice yoga, private heated Himalayan Salt Relaxation + Meditation Room and an assortment of wellness events offered throughout the year.

Pleasure House Point Yoga + Wellness

Virginia Beach, Virginia 757.654.5560 www.phpyoga.com

Restrictions: The Himalayan Salt Spa is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It is not recommended for people with fever, open wounds, lung cancer, severe lung conditions or severe hypertension. Anyone with serious health concerns should seek advice from an appropriate medical professional.