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North Shore Salt Therapy Center: Makes People Feel Happier

Jun 25, 2018 ● By Carrie Jackson

Salt has been used for healing purposes since ancient times, and the first European salt spas originated 150 years ago. Now, people in the Chicagoland area can benefit from the same physical and emotional rejuvenation at North Shore Salt Therapy Center, in Highland Park. Mike Kaplan founded the center in 2017 to provide a holistic method that recreates the microclimate of a salt cave. “Salt therapy is a natural and non-invasive therapy that can help relieve the symptoms from a wide range of conditions. People all over the world use it as an alternative and complementary way of improving general wellness, detoxification and athletic performance,” he says.

        Salt therapy is used to treat a number of ailments from respiratory issues and skin conditions to infections and emotional stress. Kaplan has clients that come in for asthma, psoriasis, depression, bronchitis, COPD, eczema, hay fever, allergies and sleep apnea. Salt also naturally produces negative ions, which have been shown to reduce stress, headaches, depression, and lethargy. “Even just taking the time to slow down and turn off electronics can have lasting benefits. Clients find pure relaxation and tranquility away from their everyday stress, leaving them rejuvenated and fully energized.”

        North Shore Salt Therapy is one of the only spas in the area to have a special piece of equipment called a halogenerator. “The halogenerator grinds up pharmaceutical-grade salt into minute particles that become airborne when dispersed into the room,” says Kaplan. “The dry salt aerosol particles are then inhaled deep into the client’s lungs to help relieve inflammation and loosen congestion to allow easier and improved breathing.” The salt is not digested, so it has no effect on blood pressure or hypertension. Because salt is absorbent, it draws out the toxins in the respiratory system and helps to clean them out. Clients may notice a faint trace of salt on their lips after a session, but there are no other side effects.

        The walls and floors of the rooms at North Shore Salt Therapy Center are covered with salt that creates an almost sterile environment, because salt naturally absorbs bacteria. “A treatment lasts for 45 minutes, and takes place in a room with up to six people. Clients are asked to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, and have the option of resting in a zero-gravity chair or on the floor,” says Kaplan. “Because the salt is dry, there is no buildup and people are able to walk out and go on with their day, often with more energy and enthusiasm than before.”

        The frequency of sessions varies depending on why the client is seeking treatment. “Clients may have some relief after one session; however, for the best results, we recommend a series of treatments. If someone is having a COPD flare-up, they might come in three or four times a week. Clients also come in on a weekly or monthly basis for maintenance and to detoxify and relax,” says Kaplan.

        Salt is naturally anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antihistamine, so people enduring maladies from asthma to eczema may experience significant and lasting symptom relief following regular salt therapy. “We have a number of clients who are referred to us by doctors, health coaches, holistic medicine practitioners, nutritionists and other medical professionals. We also get a lot of people in through word of mouth,” says Kaplan. “Salt therapy is not an alternative therapy, but a complementary one. It can help relieve the symptoms of a condition and work in conjunction with existing medication, resulting in even greater relief.”

        People of all ages can benefit from salt therapy. Children even tend to respond more quickly than adults, and Kaplan has had kids as young as 6 months old in for treatment. The center has a special room where kids can engage with books, toys and puzzles while receiving salt therapy, and he offers discounted pricing for children’s treatments.

        Clients can purchase individual sessions, monthly memberships and family memberships. The center also has a boutique that offers products such as salt lamps, cooking blocks, candles and of course, special Himalayan salt. Kaplan is at the center every day and has enjoyed being able to connect with his clients. “I love seeing people walk out relaxed and on a path to both immediate and long-term healing,” he shares. “Clients tell me they sleep better through the night after a treatment, are more resilient to everyday stressors and feel happier overall.”

 

North Shore Salt Therapy Center is located at 1282 Old Skokie Rd., in Highland Park. For more information, call 847-780-8200, email [email protected], or visit NorthShoreSalt.com.  

Carrie Jackson is an Evanston-based writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect with her at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.