White Orchid Spa's Himalayan Salt Room

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 13, 2016) – The White Orchid Spa in downtown Fort Myers has opened its new Himalayan Salt Room.

The new 260-square-foot room includes five zero gravity chairs and is one of only two in Southwest Florida. There are just 200 salt rooms or beds in the U.S.

Salt therapy, also known as halotherapy, is a growing spa trend. Ancient healers and philosophers recommended salt inhalation for the respiratory system and health problems. Dry salt therapy originates from speleotherapy (cave therapy) and the Wieliczka salt cave in Poland, where workers exhibited fewer respiratory illnesses.

“The benefits of salt therapy are wide ranging,” said Cheryl Harris, owner of White Orchid Spa. “Salt levels affect our cell activity, energy and blood sugar levels. The negatively charged ions in salt improve our health and mood. Inhaling particles may reduce inflammation and mucus in the lungs, improving respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies, bronchitis, sinus congestion and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.”

A natural disinfectant, salt is antimicrobial and antibacterial.

The calming and detoxifying effects of halotherapy can support the immune, nervous and lymphatic systems. Additional benefits are reduced stress and headaches, better sleep patterns and increased appetite. Salt ions purify the air and may increase lung capacity and reduce physical ailments for adults, children and athletes.

Treatments are often recommended to help keep the body healthy during flu or allergy seasons.

Skin conditions (e.g. psoriasis, rashes, eczema, acne) can also be improved with halotherapy. Pure mineral salts have natural moisturizing properties and support the skin’s water balance and barrier function by attracting moisture to the skin. Minerals are necessary for cell function and detoxification, so mineral salts have strong rejuvenating properties.

During the 45-minute session, clients breath deeply while listening to calming music and focusing on the natural beauty of the salt crystals. The pure environment is precisely balanced with 40 to 50 percent humidity and 70 to 75°F temperatures. Sessions are $60 each. As an introductory, guests who purchase a package of five sessions will receive their sixth session for free.

White Orchid Spa provides up to 30 services a day and is available to host private group events, including wedding showers, fundraisers, ladies’ luncheons and special company appreciation days, with groups of up to 10 people. The spa also offers Dermalogical products and peels, and is certified to perform dermabrasion procedures for its clients.

Overlooking the Caloosahatchee River in downtown Fort Myers from the second floor at 2180 West First Street, the White Orchid Spa has trained, licensed and insured specialists available Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, call 239-362-2799 or visit spaserviceftmyers.com.

Cheryl Harris adjusting salt input

Cheryl Harris adjusting salt input

Salt in air

Salt in air