BELLVILLE — Salt therapy has become a widespread practice in Europe and has spread to America.
German doctor K.H. Spannahel first made the connection of expanded breathing capabilities during World War II. In 1949, he observed those who hid in the salt mines during the War had experienced respiratory benefits. These benefits include help with influenza, rhinovirus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, allergies as well as skin issues like acne, eczema and cirrhosis.
So, when Just Breathe Salt Rooms opened in Bellville in July, I was intrigued to jumpstart my immune system. I drove to down Ohio 13 to meet with co-owner Mindy Brown.
Mindy and her husband, Mike Brown, joined forces with Matt and Jenn Baker after the two wives did some research into salt caves and it’s alternative health practices.
“Where the idea (for the invention) came from was for centuries, men who worked in salt caves in Eastern European countries like Russia, were seeing they had better respiratory issues, less skin issues, and better immune systems, the co-owner explained.
“So, these generators were made to mimic salt caves. That’s why we have a controlled climate in here. When a session is done, we exhaust the air for 15 to 20 minutes.”
In March, Jenn contacted Mindy asking what she knew about salt practices. After some research, the two realized there was nothing like their business in north central Ohio.
“We just saw a need for this area,” she said. “Something nice for people to come in and relax and get the health benefits.”
The halotherapy center, located behind Douglas Darr’s Darr Event Center, joined with Darr’s chiropractic and lifestyle center because Mindy said they wanted to be taken more seriously as a health practice and not just a relaxation place such as a spa. Mindy said the business is the only halotherapy center in the region, though there are some in Columbus and in the Canton and Marion areas.
Mindy showed me the salt rooms, the Kids Salt Room which allows parents to allow their children to play in the salt — much like a sand box — for up to 25 minutes. Children are allowed to lie in the salt and breath in the aerosol salt. Mindy pointed out there are only two salt playrooms in Ohio, the other one is in Plain City.
I sat in the dimly-lit Adult Only Room. There are 16 large-square slabs of salt on the wall, and salt below reclining chars. I was told by Mindy to take deep breaths to allow the salt to clean out the air in my lungs.
According to the Just Breathe website, 99.9% pure medicinal granular sodium is dispersed into aerosol form and distributed throughout the dry salt room. It is non-invasive, and safe for all ages, including children. Dry salt is super-absorbent, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
It acts as a sort of toothbrush for the lungs, loosening mucus and cleansing away bacteria that has built up, while also improving skin’s appearance by boosting its micro-circulation, eliminating bacteria, and supporting new cell production.
I chose a seat nearest the air dispenser, armed with booties, a Solo Cup of water and the excitement of a 45-minute treatment — equivalent to three days by the sea, according to the brochure. Fifteen minuets in, with classical piano playing over the speakers, my body felt at ease. The salt permeated the room though the salt aerosol generator. I felt salt cover my arms and hair. I took a swig of water, tasted salt which had saturated my lips.
After another 15 minuets, I could feel my breathing become easier. Instead of forcing myself to remember to take in deep breaths, my nostrils became clear enough to fill my lungs completely without effort.
I’m not asthmatic. In elementary school, my school nurse was convinced I had breathing issues after I fell asleep on my aunt’s couch and inhaled the family dog’s hair. I carried around an inhaler for a while giving both of my physician parents reason to roll their eyes.
Still, at least 12 years since any episode involving wheezing, I had never breathed as well as I did during the 45-minuet halotherapy session. I suppose the only feeling I’ve had similar was the first time I put on glasses and noticed the individual strands in the matted grey carpet of my sixth-grade band room.
I wasn’t the only one to have found the dry-salt chamber beneficial. Since opening in June, Just Breathe has catered to to a large client base of returning customers, Mindy said.
One repeating customer suffering from COPD told Mindy he breathes better, has more energy through the day and can sleep more soundly at night.
I was at peace, the session came to a close, and I headed back to the newsroom in a state of nirvana.
On my way home, I drove with my windows down. The construction workers along Ohio 13 were setting tar over the left-most lane. I had never smelled tar as fully as I did that ride back to the Richland Source.
