I am always connected to technology. Being a Vermont Realtor, running a blog, writing for a beer magazine, managing a wedding band (and those are just my side hustles), my life is all about quick communication and connectivity. It is the life and career I’ve designed for myself. And I love it. But, that doesn’t mean that I don’t attempt to fight the “connectedness” every once in awhile. I recently discovered a salt cave only a few miles away from where we live in Essex, Vermont, at Purple Sage Salon & Spa. A Vermont salt cave? What the heck is that you might be wondering.

Why would you seek out a salt cave? The 45-minute salt cave experience, aside from a host of health and wellness benefits, provides the ultimate opportunity to relax, recover, and rejuvenate – technology free. And, it also equates to spending two days at the beach. In our land-locked state, access to the restorative benefits of the beach are a major plus.

The Salt Cave at Purple Sage

Walk through the oversized, decorative mahogany doors in the salt cave at Purple Sage. Step inside and your feet squish down in tiny himalayan pink sea salt crystals under foot. Choose from one of the zero gravity lounge chairs lining the exterior walls as you settle in. Take in the sparkling of the overhead lights in the dimly space, along with warm colors of the illuminated salt crystals. Breathe deeply. Feel your lungs expand. Then, settle in and start to relax. Allow the sounds of the ocean to help you drift off and ease your mind.

When I had my first salt cave experience, much like my first experience at Satori Float Spa, I had a hard time subduing my mind. Did you finish that project? Remember that you need to make a list of errands. Or, did you call so-and-so back? Soon though, after the first 10 or so minutes, I could feel my body give into the relaxing atmosphere. Then my mind quieted. I left breathing more deeply, feeling energized, and as if my muscles have released significant tension.

What is a Salt Cave?

Salt therapy, also known as halotherapy, has been popular in Europe since the 1800s. It has often been used as a health remedy, aiding in respiratory conditions. Now, man-made salt therapy caves are built with pink salt blocks, which saturates the air with salt. Salt is anti-bacterial and anti-microbial, which create a sterile environment through negative ions in the air.

According to Purple Sage Vermont, “Our micro climate of negative ions and abundant minerals and elements packs the benefits of two days at the ocean into a 45-minute session. In this day and age we are exposed to a barrage of electromagnetic fields that produce positive ions such as from TV’s, cell phones, computers, power lines, appliances, etc. Himalayan salt’s natural production of negative ions benefits the whole body system and combats the effects of free radicals (positive ions) from our environment.”

The Health Benefits of Vermont Salt Caves

The health and wellness benefits of salt caves are extensive. The negative ions in the chemical composition of a salt crystal provide a sense of well-being, including higher energy and a better mood. Who wouldn’t want that? Seriously! (Remember, if you have specific health conditions or are pregnant, definitely seek a professional medical opinion before enjoying a salt cave experience.) Vermont salt cave benefits aid with:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Acne
• COPD
• Depression
• Eczema
• Lyme Disease
• Inflammation
• Insomnia
• Post-Partum Depression
• Psoriasis
• Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Stress

Tips for Visiting the Vermont Salt Cave at Purple Sage:

• Arrive a few minutes in advance. You’ll need to fill out a quick brief of paper, read the rules, and then get situated in the salt cave.
• All sessions start promptly on the hour and last 45 minutes. Reservations are recommended.
• Bring white socks. If you don’t have any with you, they have a basket full of ones you can borrow around the entrance to the salt cave.
• In terms of what to wear, dress in comfy clothes. You’ll be lounging in a gravity lounge chair, so you don’t want to be in a suit, dress, or something formal. Also, during my experience, I felt like I left with the tiniest bit of salt over my body, so don’t wear clothing you wouldn’t want to be exposed to natural salt.
• Worried about being cold? The salt cave is kept at 70 degrees and there’s only a bit of air movement that you feel in the space. Purple Sage also provided laundered comfy blankets you can utilize in the zero gravity chairs in the cave.
• Worried about where you leave your belongings? The salt cave entrance features cubbies where you can leave your personal items, including all electronics. The only folks walking through this area are employees of the salon, so your items will be safe and sound. Rest your mind at ease!
• It should go without mentioning, but the salt cave is a silent zone – no talking, please! Also, you might fall asleep, so try not to cough (or snore!) to disrupt your neighbors in the cave.
• This summer, you can try the salt cave for $25 (down from $35) or unlimited for a month for $99 (through August 2018).

Where to Find Other Vermont Salt Caves

The salt cave at Purple Sage isn’t the only one in the state. There are two others in Rutland and Montgomery Center, each with their unique salt cave experience.

Purple Sage Salon & Spa
21 Essex Way, Suite 224, Essex, Vermont
802-879-1160

Vermont Salt Cave Spa & Halotherapy Center
48 Main Street, Montgomery Center, Vermont
802-326-2283
$30 for a 45-minute session

Pyramid Holistic Wellness Center – Himalayan Zen Salt Garden
120 Merchants Row, Rutland, Vermont
802-775-8080
$15 per person for a 60-minute session