spa
salt therapy
by Patti Biro
Salt. It sits on our kitchen coun-
ters. It flavors our food and provides the necessary nutrients to maintain blood pressure. We use it in scrubs and treatments. Salt is one of the oldest additives, as well as one of the most therapeutic substances on the planet. So what is a salt cave? Let’s find out with a visit to the Asheville Salt Cave & Salt Spa, a wellness destination located in the business district of Asheville, NC.
Open since the fall of 2012, the Asheville Salt Cave & Salt Spa is the first of its kind in the United States. Every year, Asheville draws large numbers of visitors who come to enjoy its natural beauty and charm, and tour the world famous Biltmore Estate. All of the salt used in the construction of the cave comes from Poland, where salt therapy has been practiced since the mid-1800s. Polish salt is considered to be the purest form of salt on the planet.
Mingle and shop A visit to the Salt Market is a highlight of any trip to the salt cave. The mix of salt focused retail items changes frequently, but always offers a way to enjoy the benefits of the salt cave at home.
The inspiration It is a dream turned into reality by Jody Appel and her family. Her father, who was suffering from lung problems, visited a European salt cave and immediately felt better. He then decided to share this therapy with others.
photo courtesy of Asheville Salt Cave & Salt Spa
Activities visitors can enjoy at the Asheville Salt Cave & Salt Spa Enjoying spa treatments is just part of the experience. There are many other ways guests can spend their time at the Asheville Salt Cave & Salt Spa. • Take a yoga class • Bring kids to play in the salt and sand • Meditate • Hold a “Baby Blessing” event to welcome a newborn • Create a mandala out of salt • Receive a reflexology treatment • Buy a salt lamp to purify the home or workplace
March 2014 • Les Nouvelles Esthétiques & Spa
A sustainable micro-environment The salt cave is a microclimate, and it is 100 percent sustainable. No artificial or synthetic materials were used in its construction. The entire cave is made up of salt, wood and water. Two water features inside are used to “feed” the salt and encourage continued growth.
Salt therapy and more Visitors to the Asheville Salt Cave & Salt Spa can schedule a 45-minute session to experience the relaxation, balance and harmony of this unique environment seven days a week. Salt therapy has been shown to boost the immune system and improve a number of health conditions, ranging from respiratory issues to skin ailments, depression, allergies, arthritis, digestive problems and other cardiovascular or nervous system concerns.
Spa and wellness treatments You can turbocharge the benefits of the salt cave environment by creating an effective treatment menu. The cave offers salt glow treatments, reflexology, Reiki treatments and facials using hot salt stones, hot salt packs and salt scrubs, as these services all adhere to the theme.
Business success The Asheville Salt Cave & Salt Spa has an active presence on social media, including a number of Pinterest boards. Many first-time guests are introduced to the cave through social media as well as word of mouth.
Parties, meetings and more Businesses looking for a unique venue for an event or gathering can rent the salt cave. The healthy environment can be used for a retreat, board meeting, seminar or even a wedding! There are many aspects of the salt cave that offer guests a memorable experience. n ashevillesaltcave.com Patti Biro is the founder and principal of Patti Biro and Associates, a consulting firm specializing in brand enrichment through creative special events, retail consulting and education in the spa and wellness industry. She is a frequent presenter in the national and international trade show circuit. Biro recently completed a Spa-fari in Africa and Dubai, where she visited unique spa venues. For more information, visit pattibiro.com or email info@pattibiro.com. LNEONLINE.com • Page 51