Berkeley Springs has a history of healing, and a salt cave is its latest new option.
DRY SALT THERAPY—OR HALOTHERAPY—has a somewhat accidental history of bringing healing to the bodies it touches and has been doing that work for centuries. Berkeley Springs Salt Cave has mastered this ancient art and brought it to West Virginia with its Himalayan salt cave.
The process of halotherapy involves the dispersal of micro-sized salt particles into the air of a temperate and well-circulated room. Historically, these spaces of healing often existed underground in natural salt mines, where those who entered could “get salted.” According to the Berkeley Springs Salt Cave, the salt works to assuage symptoms of skin and respiratory ailments like asthma and eczema and to calm feelings of anxiety and stress hidden below the surface.
Although the salt cave is both man-made and aboveground, you would never guess it. Relax in the quiet ambience of the cool, stone cave as a fireplace crackles gently in the room. Soft lighting keeps the cave dim, mimicking illuminated underground spaces, the perfect brightness for a quick doze. Breathe deeply and take in the benefits of the pharmaceuticalgrade salt. Thanks to the team’s careful design, you’ll be able to settle into a tranquil state of rejuvenation in no time.
The salt cave holds six guests at a time per 45-minute session—great for a girls’ trip or family bonding—and is booked in advance. If you’re looking for the ultimate experience, add a massage session to your booking for true deeptissue relaxation. 19 Greenway Trail, Berkeley Springs, berkeleyspringssaltcave.com, @berkeleyspringssaltcave on FB
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S SUMMER 2023 ISSUE
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