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March 11, 2020 from 4-7pm

16 N. Liberty Street

You are invited to come by and celebrate with us. Enjoy FREE mini salt cave sessions, massage sessions, & reiki treatments. 

Complimentary delicious treats from Elements Cafe, Roots Hummus, The Chill Peel, & Archetype Brewing.

Wellness Raffle with all proceeds donated to Bounty & Soul: Free Produce Markets & Wellness Education

Enter to win Prizes from Asheville Salt Cave, Elements Cafe, Enter the Earth, West Asheville Yoga, Lisa Linder Design, Creative Hub Studios, Dobra Tea, Nature’s Cure Apothecary, Liberty Street Coffee House, Roots Hummus, & Stillpoint Wellness.

Shopping discounts. fairy hair, beauty bar, and more. 

All are welcome!

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It’s no small feat, but for Jodie Appel, offering Asheville a curated collection of healing found from her worldly travels is just what she has set out to do.

With the Asheville Salt Cave team, they have created a unique oasis — right in the heart of Asheville — that is truly transportive. It’s an experience that meets people where they are, and offers something for all the senses.

The saying, “wherever you go, there you are,” rings true when you ask Jodie Appel of the Asheville Salt Cave about how she experiences the world. She will tell you of far away adventures, but not in the typical, simplistic way of, “this happened, then this, …” What she conveys is an immersive experience where she shares the sights, sounds, motions and scents of a place. You feel like you’ve been there with her.

Travel is her reprieve. When in a far away land, she mines experiences, and then brings home what she feels will be helpful to people’s healing journeys.

From her first salt cave experience in Greece, to her latest Hammam (a Turkish steam bath) in Turkey, the details you find at the Asheville Salt Cave are personal.

Comprised of salt from different pockets of the world: Poland, the Dead Sea, and the Himalayas of Pakistan, the salt cave is a place where you can clock out of your day, unplug, and take the weight of the world off your shoulders.

‘That’s why I do what I do. It’s always a magical thing to see someone leave here with the ability to walk more peacefully in the world again,’ says Jodie.

Read More HERE

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Are you looking for a place to cozy up with a book and something warm?

I’m here to give you the 411 on a few of the coziest little nooks and crannies of AVL.

My first recommendation is Dobra Tea. There is a location downtown on Lexington Avenue along with another location on Haywood road. They have a wide variety of teas and hot soups and also provide floor seating where you can kick back with your shoes off and relax.

After tea, you might head over to Wake Foot Sanctuary for a foot soak. They are located downtown in the grove arcade. A warm foot soak with a variety of different herbs in a quiet zen space? Count me in!

Coffee lovers…after your foot soak check out The Battery Park Book Exchange also located in the grove arcade. A two story book store with a full service coffee/wine bar. On weekends they usually have live music as well. Books, a hot cup of joe and music? Yes please.

Here are some tips and tricks on staying warm in your own home this winter. Self care Sunday doesn’t just have to be a one day a week. We carry a few items in shop that are winter must haves in my opinion. If you’re a bath person I highly recommend our bath salts filled with different essential oils. What’s better than a hot steamy bath on a cold winter day? We also sell salt hot packs that you can heat up in your oven. We make them in house and they have the relaxing scent of lavender in them. Last but not least I recommend trying our detoxifying foot domes. A salt lamp for your feet essentially. If you stop into our shop you can try them out and relax with a hot cup of tea! Hope y’all stay warm and cozy this winter!

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Do you want to process 2019 and prepare for the new year?  

Would you like to do so while in the company of a serene lake and like-minded folks?  

Namaste in Nature has the perfect retreat for you.  Set at Lake Logan, you will enjoy a two night stay from January 3rd to the 5th.  Your stay will include energizing yoga in the mornings and then yoga nidra to wind down in the evenings.  Nourishing meals and optional guided hikes will be provided.  You will be in focused workshops that will help you hone your new years goals into a single word that can be your mantra throughout 2020.

The retreat will be hosted by Namaste in Nature founder Miranda Peterson and experienced yoga teacher Rosie Mulford. Miranda finds that in order to move forward with our lives, we should reflect on our successes and process hardships.  She designed this retreat to help people be better at navigating and balancing the joys and strains that life has in store for us.  To book this retreat before December 20th, please visit:
https://www.lakelogan.org/event/2020-yoga-retreat/

If your new years plans are already booked, Namaste in Nature does year-round yoga hikes and events.  If you would like to try new things or get out in nature more in 2020, please visit namasteinnature.com.

 

 

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Do you struggle with giving yourself the self-care you deserve?

I’m here to give you the low down on a day of pampering in AVL.

All of the places I’m about to list are within walking distance to each other for your convenience! Start your day off with an acaí bowl or some sipping tonic at the sweetest little juice bar and café Elements Real Food. After fueling up with a healthy breakfast head over to Asheville Yoga Center for a yoga class filled with mindful meditation.

Once your yoga class is over bop on over to Liberty Coffee House for a light lunch and hang out in their cozy atmosphere while enjoying the perfect cup of joe (almond milk vanilla latte and avocado toast is my favorite).

Once you’ve finished up with lunch, walk down to our brand new location at 16 N. Liberty street and enjoy a session in the salt cave along with a massage. You can sip on some tea before or in between your sessions while you wait. You can browse our retail area filled with salt lamps, herbal remedies, books on salt and so much more. We also have large porch area you can hang out on, should the day be a nice one, and enjoy the beautiful view of the mountains.

After your sessions with us at the Salt Cave are over you can walk down to Plant and enjoy some of the highest ranked vegan fare in the country (I recommend ordering the cheese plate and grilled beets). I hope y’all enjoyed this little guide and find ways to incorporate self care into your schedule this holiday season!

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We are excited to announce a new and improved shopping and booking experience.

Please check back soon.

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Alison (they/them/theirs) completed a certification in NeuroMuscular Therapy in tandem with traditional massage. They are particularly interested in working with highly sensitive bodies, individuals with complex conditions, and folks who are open to the continually learning which comes with existing in a body. Their intuitive nature and confident touch allow for integrative sessions which leave clients feeling nourished, more centered, and supported in their journey.

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Steam. Exfoliate. Purify.

Our self service Hammam Steam Room is a one-of-a-kind Spa experience that is brand new to Asheville, NC.

Inspired by ancient Turkish and Moroccan bathing traditions, this relaxing treatment is designed to detoxify and exfoliate the skin while restoring the mind. This service takes place inside our newly built hammam steam room adorned adorned with vibrant colors, copper basins, and handcrafted tile mosaics

By deeply cleansing and exfoliating our skin, which is our bodies’ largest organ, cleansing becomes less habitual and more of a ritual: aiding in the release of toxins, increasing circulation and bringing the whole person closer to their highest vibration. Sure to leave you feeling revitalized; body, mind and spirit.

What to Bring

  • A towel, swim suit, water shoes will provide must be worn throughout the entire session and change of lightweight loose fitting clothes to relax in after your session.
  • Extra towels, soap and Kess Mitt are provided

How does it work?

This is a SELF SERVICE, you will be with your private party. There is no bodywork included.

  • Choose from  one of our 2 options  :  30 Minute Express Session  or our 60 Minute Deluxe Package
  • Steam to soften, hydrate skin and relax muscles.
  • Exfoliate with all-natural handcrafted soap and cleaners and Kese Mitt
    (traditional exfoliating mitt)
  • Rinse away impurities with personal sinks

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are children able to go into the hammam?

People under 17 are not allowed to utilize the hammam. Children may also react poorly to the higher heat.

What can I expect during a session?

You will sit on heated benches inside our steam room and using copper bowls to pour water over your skin. You may chose to exfoliate your skin with a provided Kese Mitt and wash with provided soap samples. This is a self service treatment.

For more detailed info and step by step process read please our blog here.

How long are the sessions?

Sessions last for a total 45 minutes and begin on the half hour. We invite you to relax and hydrate after your session in our atrium, located just upstairs from the hammam.

Will I be nude?

In private sessions it is up to you and your guests, as bathing suits are optional. We will provide you a traditional lightweight Turkish towel to cover up and use while seated or laying down during your session.  Everyone needs to wear our water shoes at all times during the session, as the floor is very slippery.

What are the benefits of using a Hammam Steam Room?

Our largest organ is our skin and we tend to cover most of it with our favorite lotion and other body care products. Environmental residue, detergents, and numerous other invisible toxins build up on the skin over time. The hammam is a place to deeply cleanse the outer most layer of our physical body. Finishing with a cold pour is a great immune boost to the system as well.

Besides being nurturing experience, there are many medical benefits to using a hammam and these benefits of hammam date back to around 200 BC. These types of services stimulate your immune system by increasing antibody production and relieving aches, pains and stiffness in joints and muscles. It detoxifies the body and can reduce cellulite by pulling toxins from the fat cells of your body.

Who should not go in a Hammam Steam Room?

There are just a few folks whom would not benefit from a Hammam . Our hammam uses high temperatures. These temperatures could possibly harm people who are elderly, have diabetes or heart disease, as well as those with irregular blood pressure.

PLEASE DO NOT SCHEDULE IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Severe inflammatory processes in the internal organs; heart diseases (infarction), cancerous diseases, severe kidney diseases, auditory and visual system diseases, severe diseases of the respiratory organs, infectious diseases, pregnancy, varicosity, fever or thyroid disorders, extreme vertigo.

 

*Please be mindful of your volume as you move about our entire space as well, as others are in healing sessions.

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Do you feel as if you need help meditating?

If so, you’re in luck!

Did you know that certain essential oils can help aid in meditation?

We carry a meditation roll on that you can rub on your temples, chest and wrists. This product is made locally by a small business called Nature’s Cure Apothecary.

Some benefits of meditation are that it can

  • improve memory
  • increase creativity
  • help lower blood pressure
  • regulate hormones
  • decrease inflammation
  • increase immune system

Here are some tips and tricks on how to meditate. Think about your intention before each meditation. Remind yourself why you’re doing this meditation in the first place. Some may find it helpful to mediate in the same place daily. Over time this spot will become associated with a deep mindful state of mind and start to feel like a comfort zone / safe space for you.

If you want someone to help guide you into your meditation, every hour on the hour at our location one of our cave guides will walk you through a guided meditation in the salt cave. You will have forty-five minutes in this space to forget the outside world for a bit and sink into deep relaxation. I hope y’all find ways to take care of your mind and body today and everyday!

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Walking into Asheville Salt Cave’s new moon meditation led by Jason Bennefield, I knew what to expect

thanks to his thorough blog post on the meaning and significance of the event (which I highly recommend reading here).  Harnessing the feminine energy of the new moon, it is a time for seed planting (both literally and figuratively) in order to release what is not serving us and focus on what manifestations we need to bring about in our lives.  During the meditation, I chose to let go of fear which holds me back from living a healthy and creative life.  

The candles that Jason lit in the cave gave off a magical glow that left me feeling inspired to light some candles that evening after the meditation.

I had placed them on my nightstand ages ago but never seemed to have *the occasion* to light them up.  Turns out, The Occasion is any time we want peace and serenity in our lives which turns out to be Always. It occured to me that my nightstand could serve as an altar. Instead of a shrine to makeup remover pads and things-found-in-my-sweatpants, perhaps I could use this little nook in my life to embody my hopes and dreams.  

Jason explained that altars should be in a place without high traffic so the energy isn’t interrupted. 

“There aren’t any limitations on what you can put on an altar”, he expounded, “anything that evokes good feelings about what you’re trying to manifest will be great.” 

For example, if you’re trying to manifest a new house, put pictures of houses you like on your altar.  

The next day, I could feel a cold coming on which had been chasing me all week.  Inspired by the alchemical seed planting of letting go of fear, it was the perfect opportunity to do something that I’m embarrassed to admit terrifies me: trying a neti pot.  I have long been convinced of the benefits of using a neti pot, however, the use of it confounds and scares me no matter how many youtube tutorials I watched.  Because, wait, how many degrees should I tilt my head exactly? Luckily, Asheville Salt Cave sells gorgeous ceramic neti pots to get me started.   

I harnessed the energy of the new moon and gave it a try and it went…um, alright. 

I think it’s going to take more experimentation but that new moon energy helped me begin a new practice that I needed in my life.  The awkward first try must have still done the trick because the next day I felt much better.  

Sunday, I completed one more project that the fear of failure had been blocking me from for almost four months.  Wanting to hop on the tie-dye train that I oddly missed in the 80s, I’ve been saving a white blazer for a masterful creation of perfectly placed pastel dyes.  But again, what if I don’t do it right? What if I ruin a perfectly good blazer and I curse the summer camps that never properly trained me for this moment? All those months of that poor blazer wasting away in my project pile were saved by the Virgo new moon. 

A bigger, more important project has also been waiting in the wings. 

I’ve been putting off working on a screenplay for similar reasons. What if I’m not good enough?  What if my writing isn’t good enough?

The idea of seed planting in the new moon helped me realize that nothing can grow if it hasn’t been planted.  So, I planted myself on the sofa and sowed my words onto a laptop. It was a small start, but it was a giant leap from no words at all.    

Jason Bennefield’s new moon meditation is an incredible experience that can heighten your goal setting and give you the opportunity to focus on what you want to manifest in your life.  You can’t plant seeds if you don’t reflect on what it is that you want to harvest.  

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Kick off the weekend with a sunrise hike in the gorgeous mountains. 

Dragging your girl gang out of bed might feel impossible but nothing bonds a group of women like sleepily climbing a mountain and taking in a gorgeous sunrise together.  The trails won’t be crowded and the crisp air will feel refreshing. The blue ridge mountains are pretty and everything but that sunrise tho. (Especially at Frying Pan Lookout Tower ). 

After hiking, go out for brunch at one of Asheville’s many health-conscious brunch spots such as BimBeriBon or Elements.  Y’all absolutely need to grab the iced forest dragon drink at Dobra Tea ‘cause it’s got matcha, jasmine green tea, honey and cardamom.  Extra points if you fit in a flight of locally made kombucha at Rosetta’s Kitchen.  Close out your weekend with a vegetarian Sunday brunch at Laughing Seed from 11-3.  

Then, to bring your group to the next level and have the ultimate healing experience, rent out a private salt cave session at the Asheville Salt Cave. 

You will be surrounded by 20 tons of natural salt from floor to ceiling while lounging in zero-gravity chairs or on blankets nestled in the beachy salt rocks.  The amount of salt therapy y’all will enjoy is equivalent to being at the ocean for 3-4 days. The warm glow of the salt lamps and the cool cave (66 degrees) will knock everyone’s socks off.  (But put them back on because socks are required. Maybe the socks and sandals trend will hold).  

Planning the rest of the weekend will be a breeze if you go through Asheville Wellness Tours who cater to bachelorette parties.  A gentle yoga class at Pure Yoga or Asheville Yoga Center could feel great after that big hike. 

There are so many ways to show off your fabulous group of gals without gag gifts or printed shirts that nobody will wear again. 

It’s easy to get sucked into the penis straw troupe. Mother Earth and the Mother of the Bride will appreciate an eco-friendly alternative such as rainbow stainless steel straws with a personalized pouch.   Let the bride shine with a DIY crystal crown (and if you want to all match, pick a color scheme that everyone can already easily find in their wardrobe.  Everyone will know that y’all are together and special as heck because of the way your laughs light up the bar, not because of what you’re wearing).  

Your bride is a caring and lovely being which is why you’re putting so much effort into her special occasion.  Harness that love into your planning. It can be helpful to have a mantra for the bachelorette weekend to keep your focus on honoring the bride and having fun. 

The healthiest thing you can do is not be stressed. Keep the expectation on enjoying yourselves, not on the need to fill every minute with instagram postable content.  

If you are the Leslie Knope of your group, email everyone ahead of time with the plans so all of your folks are on the same page. 

Disappointment stems from unmet expectations. If your group knows what to expect, they will be ready for the most rejuvenating celebration that will leave the bride and her fave people filled with peace.  

Include in the email a packing list:

Hiking boots

Clean socks (for the salt cave)

Raincoat

Fanny pack (may it never go out of style again)

Water bottles

Close out your weekend with a vegetarian Sunday brunch at Laughing Seed from 11-3.  And give yourself a pat on the back (or a 60 minute massage, you deserve it!) for all the love and energy you poured into this bachelorette party.  

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The first day of summer can be a lot like New Years Day, filled with resolutions and goals to live your best life. 

You vow to yourself that unlike last summer, this will be The! Best! Summer! Ever!  This summer you’re not going to let Netflix derail you from camping.  You’re going to get into a canoe and have fun if it kills you.  But what if you could have a summer filled with the serenity of a staged pintrest picnic without all the guilt, high expectations, and stress?  You can. 

Mamie, an Asheville Salt Cave team member, sat down with our team leader, Jodie, to talk about the ways that summer self-care can be tricky, yet possible.

Mamie: What self-care activities do you already put into practice that you will carry out into the summer?  

Jodie:  The first thing I do when I wake up is use my insight timer meditation app so I can start my day with some positivity.  It gives me self-care tools that I will put into practice that day.  For example, a recent meditation taught me to slow down while I eat.  I put my fork down in between bites to really savor the flavor.  At night, I will have a bath with bath salts made at the salt cave and essential oils. 

Mamie:  A lot of folks have specific expectations for how they should be having fun in the summer.  Social media is always popping off with other people’s trips that seem to be filled with perfect self-care moments.  But it seems like someone’s ideal trip might be stressful for another person.  What are your thoughts around self-care expectations and travel?

Jodie: When you try to put on someone else’s self-care, it might not be a reflection of what best serves you.  For example, my brother loves to go to Disney World and to me that doesn’t feel relaxing.  Knowing yourself and knowing what fills your cup is important.  That way you can best decide what trips will leave you feeling restored and refreshed.  

Mamie: That’s such a good point. What kind of travel feels like self-care to you?

Jodie: I like to travel to a new place that is off the beaten path.  I prefer to go to a local park instead of doing anything touristy.  When I let go of fear and expectations, I always seem to stumble across an amazing hole-in-the-wall museum or a darling little bookstore.  Recently, when I was in Costa Rica, while trusting my instincts and walking in new directions, I found a Vietnamese restaurant that was incredible. 

Mamie: That sounds insanely delicious! What advice would you give to someone struggling with finding the time for self-care in the summer?  

Jodie: The more time you carve out for yourself, the more amazing things will arrive for you.  The world will give back to you fullfold.  If you actually slow down, you will realize that everything is still going to be taken care of with ease. This fall, the Asheville Salt Cave is moving locations and so this summer is going to be busy getting ready for this new and exciting chapter. It may sound counterintuitve, but the busier I am, the more time I will carve out for self-care. I have learned that when I do take care of myself regularly it helps in times of stress. I can remember back to when my body has relaxed and know with confidence that it will relax soon again.

Mamie: Wow. You have ‘wrinkled in time’ self-care. Oprah would be proud. Thank you, Jodie. You’ve inspired me to jump into my own summer self-care routines that will most definitely not be diving off a cliff into a swimming hole, but rather plunging face first into an audiobook that pairs well with chardonnay.

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“And suddenly you just know it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of new beginnings.”

-Meister Eckhart

In the spirit of magic, new seasons and new beginnings we have a very exciting announcement!

After 7 beautiful years at our historic Eagle Street location, Asheville Salt Cave is expanding and moving this FALL 2019.

We are incredibly honored and beyond grateful to be in a position to further cultivate and grow our mission to provide a safe, affordable, healing and wellness center for all ages.

Keep your eyes open for updates on our renovation process, neighborhood peeks, perks and services.

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Summer is almost here and so are those evites for barbecues and requests for your time.  Here is how to consciously uncouple yourself from commitments that do not serve you:

Tip #1:

When you first get invited to something, think about if you would want to go that same day.  If not, then you probably won’t want to go in two weeks.  It’s easy to think that in the near future, your life will have magically released your stress and you will feel like attending.  Hopefully this won’t come as a shock, but you physically cannot be everywhere at one given time and you cannot be there for everyone in every possible way.  This reality may make you feel like a flake. However, there is a difference between a flake and a real live human being.  A way to get started on alleviating guilt and only showing up for meaningful occasions is to make yourself do whatever it is that you say “yes” to.  Nothing will help you say “no, thank you” down the line more than driving to Ohio for a baby shower on a gorgeous sunny Sunday morning.

Tip #2:  

Your generosity is a precious resource that will run out if you don’t put some healthy boundaries around it.  You can spread your charitable care further if you are selective and intentional about every dollar you donate or every hour you volunteer.  Take a good look at your budget and your calendar to decide what feels like a healthy amount of your time and your money to give away.  Nonprofits typically will prefer to have a monthly donor than a one time donation.  Find a nonprofit that is doing work that is closest to your heart and set up a monthly auto pay amount that feels comfortable to your budget.  With volunteering, be just as consistent with one local nonprofit.  Find a volunteer gig that gives back to your community in a meaningful way that doesn’t leave you feeling depleted or depressed.  There are hundreds of opportunities right in your town that need your wisdom and strength in ways that will restore your community and your soul.

Tip #3:  

Schedule time where you will not do anything.  That blank spot on your calendar for Thursday evening?  Write in a word that will remind you that you are to only rest and rejuvenate at that time.  We too easily equate busyness with success. However, when you slow down and spend a whole evening reading or taking a leisurely walk without an end goal, you will become more and more connected with your higher purpose.

If you can’t quite commit to doing nothing just yet, schedule yourself a salt cave session at Asheville Salt Cave.  Our staff will hold you accountable by locking away your electronics and guiding you into a relaxed state.

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Michael has been passionate about natural healing arts for over 15 years, in part, of an effort to work on his own wellbeing. Through a personal transformational healing of his own chronic back pain, he enjoys sharing the knowledge that he has learned with each client. Whether you are coming to destress and relax, or if you’re looking for pain management and preventive maintenance, he is happy to assist you on your journey.