Halotherapy is on the rise and “salt paradise” offers letting go and a soothing place of care that make its reputation, on the other side of the Belgian border.
It is one of the most visited caves in the region. It is the particularity of being salt. A little special, of course. Unrefined, rich in essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium or even iron. “Fifteen tonnes”specifies Arielle Baillieux who has directed for 7 years an establishment that the wife of her dad opened in 2010. “She is German and the concept comes from there. It is very widespread. I must admit that I did not know this practice at all when I decided to resume activity”she explains.
It took a few arrangements in cellars located rue du Village to make this decor. “Yes, it’s not natural. We imported all this salt. On the floor as on the walls. It’s pink salt or Himalayas if you prefer.”
Two spaces thus coexist in Aubange, a few kilometers from the Grand-Ducal border. A fairly large cave that regularly welcomes groups made up of children, seniors or people with disabilities. And a smaller salionarium, intended for two, even three people. “It’s a little warmer, about 27 to 28 ° C. You are lying on a heated bed, directly in contact with salt”specifies Arielle which recalls the virtues of this therapy. “People victims of respiratory problems often visit us. Asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis … Breathe the ambient air filled with mineral salts has beneficial effects.”
Halotherapy is also very effective in treating skin problems (eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and other dermatological disorders). “Salionarium is ideal since Dead Sea Salt comes down on the skin.”
Advised by some physiotherapists
In the largest space, people take place on a deckchair and let themselves be lulled by soothing music for 40 minutes. Often they fall asleep under sifted orange lights. Essential oils scented the room.
“I have long believed that the elderly would constitute the majority of my customers, but I note that children also come. It is more the ladies who join us, but we feel that these gentlemen are stung by curiosity. And it is not uncommon for we come with friends too. Belgium, France and Luxembourg”specifies Arielle who resumed a sustained pace after an imposed truce of six months due to floods.
If the agenda is less busy in July and August, the activity will be in full swing in September. “I do not pretend to say that I do miracles, but I see that people come back and that physiotherapists often advise to come and see us”punctuates Arielle who dreams that this practice is reimbursed by Social Security as in Germany.
The session costs 18 euros and salt paradise is open Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
