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I Tried Salt Cave Therapy for Lupus Fatigue… Here’s What Happened

March 5, 2019

Marisa Zeppieri

Image of Port Salt Cave New York

Image of Port Salt Cave New YorkI recently spent a month with my family in my hometown region of Long Island, New York. It was an enjoyable but extremely busy season of life, so when a family member recommended I visit a local salt cave, I was intrigued. I hadn’t previously heard of salt cave therapy, also known as halotherapy, but I was told it’s relaxing and rejuvenating. Best of all, many people with chronic illnesses use it to improve certain symptoms.

I’ve been a journalist for over 10 years, so, of course my curious side got the best of me and I had to check it out and ask a bunch of questions. So, I ventured to the nearest salt cave by where I was staying, called Port Salt Cave in Port Washington, New York. There, I met the owner, Sue, who had a wealth of information to share with me. She worked in the medical device and pharmaceutical industry for 27 years, mostly related to respiratory conditions.

The history of salt cave therapy stretches far back to many areas throughout Eastern Europe. In terms of health, these salt cave miners seemed to thrive. Their skin was observed to be in excellent condition and they rarely had respiratory problems and other illnesses.

Image of Port Salt Cave Therapy for Fatigue

Sue shared how some people with chronic illness also saw energizing and revitalizing benefits after using the salt cave. Since fatigue is a daily issue for me, I couldn’t wait to try it. Additionally, I’ve had asthma and allergies since I was born, so I hoped the salt cave could help me improve in numerous areas.

Image for Port Salt Cave New York Therapy for Chronic Illness

This particular salt cave was made up of 10 tons of salt, all mined and shipped from Poland. The cave is kept at 67 degrees. Once my husband and I entered, we reclined on zero-gravity chairs with super soft blankets. Inside the cave were water cascades that have iodine in them, which I was told help support the thyroid gland.

Most of my time during the first session was spent taking in the beauty of the salt cave. I also reflected on all of the reasons Sue said people use salt cave therapy for, such as respiratory issues, skin conditions, depression, anxiety, inflammation, and immunity problems. Because a lot of these symptoms overlap with lupus, I was excited. But my skepticism hit me, and I started to think about all of the alternative therapies I have tried for lupus. Some worked and some failed miserably.

This one, however, hit it out of the park!

About an hour after my first session, my husband and I noticed a jump in my energy level. This must be a fluke, I thought. So, I tried the salt cave three more times, each time providing the same burst of energy. Additionally, I noticed that about 15 minutes into each session, I was breathing more deeply and had less resistance when taking in a deep breath — something unusual since I have asthma. I also noticed a decrease in my anxiety and stress levels.

Because fatigue is such a constant, crushing symptom for me, I would love to see the benefits of regular salt cave use. Unfortunately, now that I am back home, I don’t have a local salt cave nearby — yet. But every time I am back in Long Island, I will make it a point to visit multiple times.

Image of Inside of Port Salt Cave in New York

I shared my excitement about the increased energy levels with Sue, who told me how people with so many other autoimmune conditions experience the same phenomenon. I thanked her for taking the time to answers all of my questions beforehand. I think many of us with lupus have some reservations about different treatments. Perhaps it is due to nerves or negative past experiences with various treatment options. Regardless, extra information about a treatment is a plus!

If you live near a salt cave, I highly recommend it. I can say without hesitation that halotherapy helps me with my lupus fatigue. Be sure to discuss it first with your doctor.

Been to a salt cave? I’d love to read about the experience in the comments section!

This article originally appeared on www.LupusNewsToday.com 

Here at Lupus Chick, our mission is to help you live a thriving Autoimmune Life

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  1. Michael says:

    Love the story i am differently going to try them if i make it to NY area. Does the salt lamps help any?

    • Marisa Zeppieri says:

      Hi Michael – I have a few salts lamps, and while i like them, I do not notice a direct benefit from any of them.

  2. Janet J Escamilla says:

    Is salt caves pricey

    • Marisa Zeppieri says:

      The one I went to was $40 a session, which lasts an hour. To me it was cheaper than a massage and well worth it! I think if you buy a package deal it is even cheaper…

  3. Mary anne says:

    Would the Tao floats have a similar effect? I understand you float in highly concentrated salt baths.

    • Marisa Zeppieri says:

      I’m not sure, Mary anne. I am not familiar with those but I am definitely going to do some research! XO Marisa

  4. Bernadette Maynard says:

    Interesting article and very pretty. Sounds like it would be great to visit.

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