2020 was definitely a wild ride, with COVID-19 wreaking havoc in many aspects of life. It created immense challenges and considerable stress. It also caused numerous spa and wellness facilities to shut down. As a result, many people lost access to services that helped alleviate daily stresses. But, the industry got creative and now offers numerous low-touch or touchless services.

I was clueless about the unique and beneficial treatments that have come to light. That is, until I found a Groupon for a Salt Cave Session. I thought, a what? So I did a little research and found that salt caves, or salt therapy, also known as Halotherapy, is a growing trend. Many spa and wellness centers, hotels/resorts, gyms/fitness centers, and even private homes are building them. The origins of salt therapy date back to the 1800s, when they noticed salt miners were unusually healthy. They didn’t suffer the same respiratory illnesses as others. This intrigued me. So I bought the coupon and scheduled my Halotherapy session at Float State, a local spa. 

Halotherapy

Image inside Float State’s Salt Cave by Donna Trovato

Halotherapy helps with many issues, such as asthma, allergies, cold & flu, sinusitis, coughs, COPD, and Cystic fibrosis. It can also help with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, dermatitis, and anti-aging. And it alleviates sleep issues, fatigue, stress, depression, and anxiety.

It thrilled me to learn that I could bring my fifteen-year-old son along for the session. When we arrived, a friendly employee gave us an explanation about the forty-five-minute treatment. Situated in the middle of the room were two chairs and an end table in between. Though the room was set up for two, it accommodated up to four people. 

There were sizeable Himalayan salt lamps in three of four corners. Their dim, pinkish amber-colored glow illuminated the room. The temperature was neutral–not cold, not warm. A thick layer of medical-grade salt blanketed the floor, and a salt-flour mixture created a unique texture on the ceiling and all four walls. The ambiance was simply incredible! 

Some salt therapy rooms are active, and others are passive. Float State’s is active, which means they use special equipment called a halogenerator. It controls the flow of salt microparticles. Your skin is exposed to these particles, and you inhale them. As a result, one might experience a mild throat tickle, cough, or a slight runny nose. But this is the salt doing what it’s supposed to: remove toxins, mucus, and bacteria from the lungs and airway. We noticed an occasional low hum from the halogenerator but did not find it to be intrusive in the least. What fascinated me was that you could actually taste salt in the air.

Image inside Float State’s Salt Cave by Donna Trovato

We enjoyed the cave-like room that embraced us into tranquility. The beneficial treatment is not only pandemic-appropriate but is family-friendly. Salt therapy is safe for all ages, including infants. 

Then, I checked out other services offered. I looked at Float State’s menu of treatments and other local spa and wellness places. I found another popular low-touch/touchless option: infrared sauna—specifically, an infrared sauna with chromotherapy.

Infrared Saunas

Image inside Float State’s Infrared Sauna by Donna Trovato

Infrared Saunas have many benefits like detoxification, stress reduction, and weight loss/calorie burning. It also offers muscle ache/joint relief, immune system support, and diabetes support. Traditional saunas (steam saunas) heat the surrounding air. But infrared saunas have radiant heat that penetrates muscles and joints to the cellular level. 

Color Light Therapy (Chromotherapy)

Color Light Therapy reduces swelling/decreases inflammation, and decreases muscle tension. It can regulate mood, improve sleep patterns, and help with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). It also accelerates healing, improves circulation, and increases range of motion. Furthermore, chromotherapy offers pain relief and has anti-aging benefits. Float State has posted a chart next to the sauna, showing you the benefits of each color.

After searching a few locations, I found differences among their saunas. For example, some places have super small saunas, and you cannot lay down; you must sit. I also found some that offer Netflix but not chromotherapy. For me, I’m not there to watch movies. I prefer the benefits as well as the ambiance of various lights.

Again, my son was allowed access to the Full Spectrum Sunlighten Sauna, though less time than adults. We were in awe of the generous sized sauna, allowing a person to stretch out on the bench. With the arrival of chillier temperatures, this treatment is currently our favorite! I even opted for a membership with unlimited use of their sauna for myself. The temperature is perfect; the gauge sits between 144° and 146°. And we love having the option to select a color before entering. Sometimes, I choose one color and leave it for the entire forty-minute session. Other times, I queue it for every color, gently fading in and out of each one.

Image of Float State’s Float Pod by Donna Trovato

Next, I found another popular low-touch/touchless option. It is called flotation therapy. The treatment is inside an isolation tank–a floatation tank. You lie in the skin-temperature Epsom salt water (about 93.5°), with no lights and no sound. Although, you can put the light on if you wish. The treatment eliminates many external stimuli as possible. It helps your mind and body to relax, recover, and reset. Our local facility offers five float tanks to experience their Float Therapy. Two are float pods, and two are more spacious float cabins. The largest is a long float cabin with no enclosing walls. This one is perfect for those prone to claustrophobia. 

Float Therapy

Image of Float State’s Float Cabin by Donna Trovato

Float Therapy relieves stress, anxiety & depression, reduces chronic fatigue, and decreases muscular tension. It strengthens the immune systems, stimulates creativity, and accelerates mental clarity & learning. Other benefits are that it can soothe chronic pain, accelerate healing, and improve circulation. Additionally, it can heighten your senses after a session.

Again, Floats are a treatment available to my son. It’s wonderful for adults and teens alike. As a matter of fact, float pods and float rooms are showing up in spas all over the county. Be sure to check your local cities. 

Image of Float State’s Open Float Cabin by Donna Trovato

Additional Treatments

Finally, here are a few other excellent low-touch/touchless treatments. I’ve tried and enjoyed them at my local facility, Float State: Cryotherapy (whole-body cryo and cryofacial), and Lucia Light N°03 Hypnagogic Light Machine. The variety of choices is incredible! Although options will vary from spa to spa, there’s likely something to suit your needs.

We tend to think of gift-giving for others with the holidays upon us. But what about remembering yourself? All too often, we forget about the importance of our own self-care. Making time to do so can lead toward a better balance of overall health and wellness. It’s never too late to get started with a routine.

Low-touch and touchless options are becoming increasingly popular. Many years ago, I worked at a spa and wellness facility as a massage therapist. And that company did not permit anyone under eighteen. However, many facilities have now adapted more family-inclusive services, which are also appropriate given the times we live in. Some insurance companies have plans that offer wellness options. Therefore, they may cover certain treatments. It’s worth checking into. Self-care should be a priority and not just a luxury. 

Featured Image by Donna Trovato