Lying on the beach by the Dead Sea is a rejuvenating spa experience that until recently was limited to only those who could afford the trip. Now, with the growing popularity of salt caves in the United States, that experience and all the health benefits that it offers can be had by everyone for a nominal price.

The Galos Cave in Chicago, IL is a salt cave that offers something out of a storybook setting. The brightly colored changing lights and music brings the Dead Sea sounds to you as you sit in an aerodynamic lounge chair or lie on the soft warm salt. As the meditation continues onwards for about 45 minutes, pure relaxation is induced as the salty dew enters every pore of the body to rejuvenate and invigorate.

This cave as well as others just like it guarantees an authentic sea microclimate, utilizing salt-iodine. The Galos Cave is created by the Everet Company and uses technology that was developed 20 years ago by Ukrainian scientists and has since been researched and confirmed by scientists in Belarus and Russia. Sea salt is naturally formed through seawater evaporation, and it contains high levels of calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, aluminum, iodine, brome and sulfur compounds.

Many use these sessions as breathing therapy for the following diseases

• Respiratory system diseases
• Digestive system diseases
• Cardiovascular system diseases
• Dermatological problems
• Nervous system dysfunctions
• Rheumatic diseases
• Inflammation of the upper respiratory system
• Sinus problems

Multiple sessions are suggested as therapy for

• Asthma and other lungs diseases
• Allergies
• Hypertension
• Circulation problems
• After-heart failure conditions
• Ulcers
• Colitis
• Colon inflammation
• Infections of the respiratory system

Others use visits to the salt cave to help with exhaustion and stress. While the concept of an artificial salt cave is not widely known in the United States, the Everet Company has been building such caves in Poland since 2000.

After the session, visitors can buy their own sea salt, which not only cleanses the skin but also helps remove dirt and old skin cells. In addition, the salt can strengthen small blood vessels, regulate the acid-alkaline balance and improve blood circulation as well as strengthen the immune system from infection. Overall, the experience of visiting a salt cave is very care-free and could prove rejuvenating and relaxing for many.

To find out more about the benefits of salt caves, Chicago health+wellness interviewed Jody Buckle, owner of the Timeless Day Spa and the soon to-be-opened Timeless Salt Cave.

What do you think are the most important benefits of a salt cave?
45 minutes of stress resistance can go a long way because stress can lead to other harmful issues. Fulfilling curiosity by visiting a salt cave can also lead to lower blood pressure. We really try to provide a positive atmosphere here to help all of our clients in different ways.

What kinds of features will your salt cave offer?
There will be fiber-optic lighting in the ceiling and in the floor. It will create a really therapeutic environment for stress, allergies, sinuses, bronchial conditions, hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, circulatory deficiency, skin inflammation and obesity, just to name a few.

Where did you get the idea of opening a salt cave?
A few years ago, I saw it on TV, and about a year ago, I visited another salt cave in the area.

How do you think the economy is going to affect the salt cave business?
It will probably increase it because paying $20 to feel better is definitely worth the money for the benefits involved.

Do you have plans to expand?
We are always looking into expanding. Right now, we have clients that come from faraway places to come to our spa so we’re looking to expand to other areas of the state.

Cost: $20/45 minutes, kid rates and senior citizen rates available.
Packages: Buy 5, get one free. Buy 10, get two free. Also packaged with spa services.
Location: 1324 E. Ogden Ave., Suite 100, Naperville, IL 60563.
The new salt cave will be attached to the Timeless Day Spa.
Hours: 7 days a week, Mon.: 9-5, Tue - Thur.: 9-8, Fri.: 9-6, Sat: 9-5, Sun.: 10-3.
For more information, contact the Timeless Day Spa at (630) 428-0700.