I drove past the South Minneapolis storefront on a few different occasions before remembering to Google, "The Salt Cave."
The pink and orange logo that adorns the sign is bold and attention-grabbing, just as owner Scott Wertkin intended. "Details matter," he quickly offered when I asked him what advice he'd give other small business owners looking to introduce a brand new concept to their communities. "Do your research, be meticulous and learn as much as you can." Fitting, since Scott had to first convince himself that salt therapy was the real deal before helping others experience the benefits. "There aren't many studies on the subject, so you have to try it to really understand the results."
The salty origins
Scott and his family members all struggle with sinus and respiratory issues, so when someone mentioned salt therapy while they were on vacation in Florida, they gave it go. And no, "salt therapy" is not code for "The Beach," though it does have many similarities, including but not limited to warmth and ocean sounds.
The origins of salt therapy (aka "halotherapy") stem from Poland, where people began to notice that unlike other miners, salt miners did not suffer from respiratory issues, which they attributed to the air inside the mines. The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of salt caught on and shortly after, salt therapy became really popular throughout Eastern Europe, Russia and with our far-north friend, Canada. Salt therapy is said to help alleviate symptoms of asthma, allergies, respiratory problems, anxiety and other ailments. After a few sessions, Scott and his family became believers, so they decided to bring the experience to Minneapolis. Because Scott was initially skeptical of the benefits, he considered removing the relaxation component in order to prove the therapy, but ultimately decided that it is an essential part of the experience.
"It's so hard to relax and clear your mind. It's nice to be able to offer that to people. It's gratifying."
Assessing the Salt-uation (sorry, couldn't resist)
After hearing the hype, I needed to try it for myself. I kicked off my shoes and was led downstairs through a long hallway to one of the Salt Caves (there's another room upstairs, so plan your family reunions accordingly). Inside, blocks of Himalayan salt form the walls, layered like marbleized bricks. (P.S. I'm seriously considering constructing one of these in my home if you, uh, know someone with extra salt on their hands.) It felt like instant-beach, with a temperature somewhere in the eighties, ocean sounds and salt beneath our toes. We were all in a living, breathing Corona ad, without the beer and swimwear. I took a seat in the reclining folding chair and knew without speaking that I was going to like this.
"I want you to spend the next 45 minutes relaxing," Scott announced, "Take a lot of deep breaths and let the salt dry you out." Great, these are instructions I can follow. Someone in the room starts coughing. Scott adds, "I'm glad you're coughing, because that means it's working. As long as you're not actually ill, this is a good thing." Scott lets us know that he's going to turn a generator on that will blow fine particles of salt into the air. We settle in as the lights gradually dim and for the next 45 minutes, I drift in an out of a lucid state, working on those yoga-like breaths and letting thoughts drift away.
When our time was up, the lights gently began to brighten and I felt like I had awoke from a nap that was just right, without sleeping a wink. It was like a Savasana (aka the whole reason I do yoga) that lasted 45 minutes. Restorative, reinvigorating and — salty. And while my only allergy is feline, I have to say, my passages felt clearer.
If you want to see what 12,000 pounds of Himalayan salt can do for you, try relaxing in a lounge chair (or a private group yoga class) at The Salt Cave Minneapolis, The Salt Room in Woodbury, Galos Caves in Chicago, The Salt Room in Waunakee, Qi Garden Salt Spa in Stevens Point, Salinair Salt Room Spa in Rochester, Michigan, Salt Cave Wellness Relaxation Center in Bismark or the St. Louis Salt Room.
Words by Alexandra Heide
Photos via The Salt Cave Minnesota