Just like I like to save money on food shopping, I like to save money on experience. Actually, I am all about saving money on anything and getting a smoking deal. GROUPON and LivingSocial are my resources for dining, gifts and activities. It’s a great outlet to try a new place to eat, or in my case…a salt cave for a reduced price. Sessions run at $40 per 45 minute session, via GROUPON I paid $25. Now that’s a smoking deal.

Saltana Cave is a man made Himalayan salt cave in Ridgefield, CT. It is run by a woman named Anna Husted from Poland. After visiting a salt mine in her native country with her daughter, she noticed an improvement in her daughter’s asthma over a period of time. Asthma, allergies and other respiratory conditions have gained therapeutic benefits by breathing in the air of the salt mines. Other conditions such as ADHD, ear infections and arthritis, just to name a few, have also had improved symptoms. However, I did not go there with the intent of being healed although, I do suffer from asthma. I went for the experience. As some of you may know, I recently started meditating. My intent was to meditate and relax in this room lined with pink bricks of salt coincidentally, the same salt I use on my food. At home I have a Himalayan salt lamp, which has been said to be a natural air purification system. I could only imagine how pure this cave was going to be and well…. this cave magnified the effect of purity.

You are advised to wear white socks on your feet upon entering the cave. Once you step into the cave, you immediately are encompassed by salt crystals underlining your crisp white socks. The room is lined with 10 zero gravity lounge chairs beneath an LED, sparkling, starred ceiling. There is an illuminated fireplace built with bricks of salt filled with large chunks of salt stacked inside like logs of wood would fill a fireplace, minus the the effect of fire. Blankets are provided, as the room is cool and climate controlled in order to maintain the property of the salt. Once you have selected your lounger and you get comfortable, a soothing male recorded voice over serene music is played to provide some 411 on your experience, and the benefits the cave provides. After that it is 45 minus of purity and clarity. The first thing I noticed was the air filling my lungs with crisp clean air, I can definitely see how asthma symptoms would be relieved, I felt relieved! I struggled between meditating and wanting to take a nap, mainly I just took in deep breaths with my eyes closed and remained thoughtless and deeply relaxed. Once the music ceases it’s time to exit the salt cave, leaving relaxed and refreshed, almost in a trance-like state.

Would I go back? Yes…If I had a smoking deal. I went for the experience and for the opportunity to share it with all of you. I love trying new things, it’s very intriguing to learn about other cultures and their holistic practices. Stay tuned for my next adventure….