Kalahari opened here in the Poconos with much fanfare a few years ago. My husband used to be a delivery driver who often brought their heating and cooling equipment onto the grounds and would come home and tell me all about the massive indoor and outdoor waterpark with his eyes sparkling with child-like excitement and as big as saucers as he gave me detail by detail. He and the kids would often talk about how amazing the waterpark looked, but what got my attention (of course) was that they had a luxe spa.

A recent addition to Spa Kalahari is halotherapy (or salt therapy.) Salt therapy has become increasingly popular in the last few years for its many health benefits. At Spa Kalahari, the halotherapy room is separate from their Hydro Escape (which includes a sauna, whirlpool, steamroom, multi-sensory shower and Relaxation Sanctuary), but still located within the expansive spa itself.

For those not familiar with salt therapy, it is known for its anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effects. It is recommended to boost the immune system and combat the high amounts of pollutants and bacteria people breathe in every day. The negative ions produced help combat stress and depression. Halotherapy is not to be a replacement for any medication or medical treatment, but is a complement to traditional medical techniques.
The way salt therapy works is that Himalayan salt is under the feet while a halogenerator vaporizes pure salt into the air. Surrounded by salt, clients simply relax and breathe it in. They may experience a dry throat and increased coughing during or after a session. This is a natural reaction of the respiratory system in some people. If a client experiences discomfort, they should end their session immediately. Sessions typically last for 45 minutes.

Salt therapy is not only good for the lungs – it is good for the skin, as well. Acne, dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis can all benefit from salt therapy. Of course, there are certain medical conditions that it is not recommended for. These include: infectious disease, acute stages of respiratory disease, cardia insufficiency, COPD with stage 3 chronic lung insufficiency, coughing of blood, open sores or wounds (because, ouch!), infections accompanied by fever, any form or state of tuberculosis, high blood pressure or hypertension in stage 2, and hyperthyroidism.

Shannon Smyth, CEO at A Girl’s Gotta Spa! LLC, began A Girl's Gotta Spa! beauty blog in 2005 to morph her love of beauty and educate women on what truly works and what does not. In 2013, she launched a bath and body line as an extension of the beauty blog. One thing she always has on her at all times? Lip balm. agirlsgottaspa.com