Meet the newest member of my crystal family, a Himalayan Salt Lamp! After seeing these beautiful lamps lit up in spas, on altars, and in shops, I felt drawn to them and wanted to buy one, but first, I wanted to know more.  Maybe you do, too, and I’m happy to share with you what I learned.

Himalayan Salt Lamps are more than pretty in peach!  They’re functional, decorative, useful, and may be beneficial to your mental and physical health.  I often use my lamp for one-point perspective during meditation sessions instead of a candle.  I love the peachy-pink hues of light that glow when the lamp is lit.  It’s so relaxing!  Aside from admiring their soothing aesthetics, I’ve read that people also use them as mood enhancers and natural air purifiers, thanks to the wealth of negative ions they release. Hmmm.  Now that’s interesting.  Tell me more, I thought.

The Benefits of Himalayan Salt Lamps

The research suggests that the air in our homes and workplaces is becoming increasingly unbalanced due to the large amount of positive ions we generate from our electronics and appliances:  computers, TVs, microwaves, air conditioners, and smart devices, for example.  This unbalance can zap our energy, and possibly contribute to irritability, depression, or general physical weakness.  Theory has it that when a salt lamp is lit, it attracts moisture, which then evaporates through the salt crystals, emitting negative ions and balancing out, or purifying, the air around the lamp, naturally. The combination of negative ions and their effects not only serves to promote rejuvenation, energy, body harmony, and creativity, but has many physical health benefits such as relief in allergies, asthma, migraines, and sinus congestion.  Me, myself, and I are in pretty good shape, and I don’t notice any general fatigue around my electronics, but I have noticed that when I turn on my Himalayan Salt Lamp during a Reiki session, for example, my clients tell me how good they feel in the studio.  They mention it’s soothing color and glow.  I notice that I feel better when I’m in the studio and my Himalayan Salt Lamp is lit up.  I also noticed that when I move my hand through the air above and around the lamp, the air feels different.  The quality of the air is softer.  Yes, softer.  That would be a good description.  And it feels to me a bit cooler, too.

What is Himalayan Salt?

Himalayan Salt is a mineral form of sodium chloride and is usually clear or white, but can also be found in shades of blue, purple, pink, red, orange or yellow. Larger blocks of the crystal or halite (rock salt) are carved into lamps, which are typically produced in a native shade of orange-red. Although the salt is a natural result of dried-up, enclosed bodies of water, such as lakes and seas, it is mostly mined in the Khewra Salt Mine (Pakistan’s largest and oldest salt mine), in the Himalayan region. This crystal salt is millions of years old, and has high mineral content along with a few other special properties as a result of its age. The Himalayas are a peaceful and undeveloped region, therefore its salt is pure and untouched by pollution, and is a healthy substitute for any typical salt you find in stores. Although it is most commonly used for beautiful lamps, it has a variety of other uses, including as a replacement for table salt in cooking, salt bricks or slabs for cooking, brine, and bath salts.

How to Care for a Himalayan Salt Lamp

Himalayan Salt lamps can be used with either an incandescent light bulb or a candle inside. One thing to keep in mind about caring for a Himalayan Salt Lamp is that it is made of salt and cannot be submerged in water or kept in moist or humid atmospheres! It can sweat!  The vapor it releases doubles as a self-cleaning process, eliminating the need to dust as often. But if you do need to clean it, it is safe to use a damp (not wet!) towel or sponge after unplugging it, followed by using either a paper towel or simply turning it on to dry it. If you choose to put your lamp on a wooden surface, make sure that it has a waterproof base so that it will not damage your furniture. Aside from these basics it requires little care.  Himalayan Salt Lamps are easy to find and come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors.  You may find lots of vendors and pics online if you’re interested in acquiring one for yourself.

Why I Love My Himalayan Salt Lamp

I’m already looking for my second lamp!  I’ll know it when I see it, not any one will do!  Those of you who love crystals know what I’m talking about.  “Our” crystals call to us.  I love my Himalayan Salt Lamp because it’s an instant tonic after a long work day, a great enhancement to my environment, a beautiful glow on my altar, a welcomed sight for my clients.  As soon as walk into my studio, click.  I turn it on.  It makes me smile and I look forward to its warm glow. The vibe is perfect for winding down. It is now an essential part of my studio! The environment is tranquil, and I feel good near it.

Himalayan Salt Lamps are not expensive, and you might love it, like I do.  If you already own one, or acquire one, leave a comment!  I’d love to hear from you.

Credit: trulyliving.net