Kerstin and I were in Germany recently to promote our partnership with Aspria Hotels, a collection of seven award-winning wellness clubs in Belgium, Germany and Italy.
Although it seems like only yesterday, it has been a long time since Kerstin and I spent significant time in Germany – Badworishofen actually – where, for three weeks we studied Kneipp therapy, one of the major spa therapies Germany has given the world (“Krauter” herbal therapy is another). On weekends, we’d ride bikes along the village’s cobblestone streets; and during the week we’d study and perform Kneipp treatments, a form of hydrotherapy and system of healing involving the application of water through various methods, temperatures and pressures.
This visit was quite different, as Aspria is a progressive spa concept in Germany.
We stayed at Aspria Uhlenhorst, in the heart of stylish Hamburg. The spa is modern, beautiful and very comfortable. The fitness area spans two floors, and includes integrative health rooms where Kerstin received a cardio scan and health assessment of her spine, body mass index, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and antioxidant levels.
The spa, made with all-natural materials including wood and stone, features many large windows and beautiful lounge areas that overlook the spa garden – not to mention Kerstin Florian treatments. The Wet area comes with a dry sauna, steam, ice room, salt inhalation, hydrotherapy pools and Turkish and Moroccan Hammam treatments.
One of the more interesting therapies is the Salt Inhalation room. Salt therapy is 100 percent natural, and while fairly new to North America, basking in salt caves is a centuries-old European healing tradition. In Romania and Poland especially, families used to vacation in underground salt mines.
Today, Modern-day spas are recognizing salt therapy as a natural therapeutic option to help with respiratory illnesses like asthma and skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. According to research, there is about a 90 percent success rate with children under the age of seven in reducing dependence on medication and relieving symptoms. For adults, the success rate is about 70 percent.
Here’s why. Dry-salt enriched air contains tiny salt particles that are not noticeable and easily inhaled with natural breathing. The microclimate in the Salt Room is formed naturally, through the convective diffusion from the salt walls, and combined with the controlled temperature and humidity to simulate that of the cave (which creates a hypo-bacterial and allergen-free air environment). As the salt is inhaled while sitting it the room, it travels through the sinuses and respiratory tract absorbing moisture, cleansing, clearing mucus and killing bacteria. The treatment works to reduce the basis of inflammation by destroying bacteria and strengthening the immune system.
Of course, while in the Salt Room, you are not consciously aware of all the therapeutic benefits taking place. The temperature is a constant mid-to-high 70 degrees, the walls are made of salt bricks. It feels… just like a different kind of relaxation room.
With love,
Charlene