Melissa House, Victoria Leavitt and Barb Thibeau have been friends for many years. It was their shared passion for alternative therapies that led them to open Solsisters, bringing a unique experience to the Flamborough community that offers options for people looking for something outside of traditional therapies.
“At a young age, I was fascinated by my grandmother’s use of herbs she grew in our garden," said House. "She began teaching me how to make old-world remedies. My pursuit of Eastern medicine grew from there, and I began studying other non-allopathic modalities.”
Salt therapy, also known as halotherapy, is an alternative treatment that involves inhaling salt particles.
“Salt therapy has been shown to alleviate symptoms of many ailments of body and mind, such as allergies, asthma, bronchitis, eczema, psoriasis, sleep disorders, stress, anxiety, and depression,” says House. “Individuals with acute respiratory issues tend to have a more difficult time breathing during frigid winter months; halotherapy helps the lungs and sinuses function better, which helps greatly reduce the duration of a virus’s lifespan.”
During a salt therapy session at the Greensville wellness spa, a device called a halogenerator disperses dry, aerosol micro-particles of pharmaceutical-grade salt into the air of the salt cave. It’s a cool environment, literally and figuratively, with the temperature set at 63°C amid soft orange lighting, peaceful music and comfortable zero-gravity lounge chairs with fresh blankets.
“As you breathe, minerals found in the salt, such as calcium, potassium, and iron, are absorbed by both the skin and your air passageways," explains House. "This can help clear pollen, viruses, toxins and other pollutants from the body. The negatively charged ionized salt and trace minerals that are present in the cave’s atmosphere are said to naturally draw toxins and impurities out of the body, reduce inflammation, and improve respiratory ailments like asthma or colds by clearing
the lungs."
The Hand and Foot Salt Detox removes toxins from the body, exfoliates your skin, and promotes relaxation. During this treatment, you’ll sit in a comfortable chair while placing your hands and feet on heated, 100 per cent natural Himalayan salt blocks. According to House, benefits include removing toxins, helping with edema, decreasing muscle inflammation, reducing stress, stimulating nerves in the hands and feet, lessening arthritis symptoms, improving blood circulation, reducing carpal tunnel discomfort and exfoliating dead skin and calluses.
“This treatment is perfect after a salt cave session since the cave is a cooler temperature. The Hand and Foot Salt Detox will gently warm your extremities while enhancing the therapeutic benefits of salt halotherapy,” says House.
Solsisters also offers Bowen therapy, a gentle, hands-on holistic therapy that works on the body’s soft connective tissue to treat musculoskeletal or related neurological problems, an infrared sauna, reflexology, Indian head massage, and sound baths. The trio partners with other practitioners to offer various modalities or experiences.
“We have ongoing meditations in the cave and detox, reiki, and sound therapy in the cave, as well as Mother’s Day events and specials for other special occasions,” says House.
Check out the Solsisters website for more information.
