With many people thinking about respiratory issues amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, many are looking for extra measures they can take to stay healthy. One wellness practice people have been incorporating into their routines is dry salt therapy.

The Salt Therapy Association says that dry salt therapy, or halotherapy, uses a medical-grade salt that has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties which naturally absorb allergens and toxins in the respiratory system. This therapy is meant to be used as a wellness practice and is not recognized as a medical treatment or cure for any disease.

“It’s kind of like taking your Vitamin C or eating your spinach,” Liana Belanich, owner of the Prana Salt Cave in Wrightsville Beach says. “Just trying to be as healthy as possible and keep the other toxins out of the way.”

At the Prana Salt Cave, you can combine the benefits of the medical-grade salt with other practices such as yoga or meditation. 

“The benefits of yoga and salt together in this room are great because not only are you moving your body, you’re taking care of your insides with your respiratory work that we’re doing,” adds Belanich

During the pandemic, Belanich says people have been coming into the cave to rid any potential toxins from their respiratory system as an extra precaution.

In addition to the respiratory benefits, being in the cave can also be incredibly relaxing. “It feels like a whole other world and you feel like you’re floating when you leave here, so it’s a beautiful feeling,” Belanich says

The Prana Salt Cave is open for private sessions Monday through Thursday and public sessions limited to four people Friday through Sunday. Halotherapy is not intended to replace medicine or treatments for any respiratory diseases and any health issues or concerns should be treated by a licensed medical professional.