Around eight years ago while living in North Carolina, Diane Brann accidentally stumbled upon a salt spa in Asheville. Feeling invigorated by the experience, she immediately began to learn as much as she could about the benefits and concept of the therapy. “I made it a point,” she says, “to visit salt spas wherever I traveled.”
As she has two granddaughters with asthma, she had a personal interest in the treatment. Diane, additionally, had always suffered from allergies and discovered with delight that the treatments were helping to alleviate her discomfort. And thus, the seed of LaCURA Salt Spa was planted.
The history of salt spas dates back centuries to European monks who observed improved health from sitting in natural salt caverns. In the 1800s, a Polish doctor noticed that, unlike coal miners who suffered great respiratory distress, salt miners’ lungs were pristine.
Today, salt spas are popping up worldwide and proving to be a relaxing, drug-free alternative for those suffering from respiratory problems. Salt spa-goers have found relief from sneezing and shortness of breath and reduction of the need for inhalers and decongestants. “One of my clients,” says Diane, “who suffer from COPD said he couldn’t get over how much further he can walk since he has started treatment.”
When you walk into LaCURA Salt Spa, you enter a room with six zero gravity chairs with padded pillows. Salt spas must be no warmer than 74 degrees to keep the particles dry. Half a ton of salt covers the floor, and an entire wall provides soft light emanating from behind blocks of pink salt. You may choose to listen to tranquil music on an iPod or snuggle into a cozy blanket.
The treatment is executed using a halogenerator which blows a steady flow of salt particles into the air. These microscopic particles reach deep inside airways and offer significant relief of inflammation. In 45 minutes you are all done and most likely feeling calm and relaxed. The spa also boasts an infrared sauna, a gentle alternative to traditional steam heat saunas offering the benefits in a more soothing and relaxing atmosphere. Heat increases blood flow by expanding the capillaries and also raises the body’s core temperature, producing sweat that purges toxins.
Diane has also been a certified yoga instructor for 15 years and specializes in gentle yoga classes focused on stretching and incorporating pilates. She says, “You can breathe, relax, and stay well with our holistic approach to health.”
LaCURA Salt Spa is located at 804 Anastasia Boulevard, Suite A. Visit them online at www.lacurasaltspa.com. Photography by Brian Miller.
