What Is Salt Therapy?
Salt therapy, also known as halotherapy, is a dry salt wellness practice that originated in Eastern Europe and has been used for generations as a way to support respiratory comfort, skin wellness, and relaxation.
At Grota Solna Salt Cave, we offer modern salt therapy experiences inspired by traditional European salt caves—designed to be calm, comfortable, and accessible for everyday wellness.
The History of Salt Therapy
The origins of salt therapy date back to 19th-century Poland, where physicians and researchers began noticing a distinct difference in respiratory health between different types of miners.
Workers in underground salt mines were observed to experience fewer breathing complaints compared to coal miners, who were far more prone to lung irritation and chronic respiratory issues. This contrast drew attention to the unique underground salt mine environment.
Over time, these observations led to further study of salt-rich air, stable underground conditions, and the potential wellness benefits of controlled salt environments. Eventually, purpose-built salt chambers were developed to replicate these conditions without requiring access to natural mines. This approach forms the basis of what we now refer to as salt therapy.
Wieliczka, Poland - World's Most Famous Salt Mine, where early observations of salt-rich air were first documented.
How Salt Therapy Works
During a salt therapy session, microscopic salt particles are dispersed into the air and inhaled naturally while you relax in a salt-rich environment.
In our salt rooms, this process is achieved using a halogenerator, a medical-grade device designed to grind and disperse salt into dry, breathable micro-particles.
At Grota Solna, we use pharmaceutical-grade sodium chloride in our halogenerator to ensure purity and consistency during each session. If you have questions about materials, equipment, or how sessions work, our FAQ page provides additional details.
Many people find it helpful to think of salt therapy in familiar terms. The experience is often compared to the feeling of breathing ocean air near the sea, or the clean, refreshing sensation people associate with using a saline nasal rinse such as a neti pot. While the experience is different for everyone, these comparisons help describe the salt-rich air environment guests experience during a session.
The experience is:
Dry (no steam)
Quiet and low-stimulus
Passive—no effort required
What a Salt Therapy Session Feels Like
A salt therapy session typically lasts 45–50 minutes and takes place in a softly lit, temperature-controlled space designed for comfort and relaxation.
Guests often notice:
A calm, spa-like atmosphere
Gentle background sound or quiet
Natural, easy breathing
A sense of relaxation during and after the session
Experiences vary from person to person, but many guests choose to return regularly as part of a self-care routine through our membership options.
Is Salt Therapy Safe?
Salt therapy is generally considered a gentle, non-invasive wellness experience for most people.
Sessions are passive and do not involve heat, steam, or physical exertion. Individual experiences may vary, and anyone with specific medical concerns should consult their healthcare provider before trying new wellness practices.
Modern Salt Caves vs. Natural Salt Mines
While traditional salt therapy took place deep underground, modern salt caves are designed to recreate key elements of those environments in a comfortable, accessible setting.
At Grota Solna, our salt cave experience focuses on:
Carefully curated salt surfaces
Consistent air quality
A calm, controlled environment
Comfort suitable for everyday use
This allows guests to enjoy a modern salt therapy experience inspired by tradition—without the need to travel or descend into a mine.
Experience Salt Therapy in East Lyme, Connecticut
Grota Solna Salt Cave is a locally owned wellness space offering Himalayan salt cave and private salt room sessions in East Lyme, Connecticut.
Whether you’re new to salt therapy or already familiar with halotherapy, we invite you to experience it in a calm, welcoming environment.
Grota Solna Salt Cave is a locally owned wellness space offering salt therapy and halotherapy sessions in East Lyme, Connecticut. Guests visit from Waterford, Niantic, Old Lyme, New London, and nearby shoreline communities to experience a calm, modern salt cave inspired by traditional European practices.