Brookings, S.D., massage therapists expand business to include salt therapy

BY LISA GIBSON

Multiple types of halotherapy, or salt therapy, have been used around the world for centuries as alternative medical treatments, most often for respiratory maladies such as asthma or sinus issues. Prairie Breeze Massage in Brookings, S.D., has what its massage therapists think is South Dakota’s first salt room, and its customers are pleased with their results.

Salt Serenity opened its doors in November and already has regular patients, as well as new patients who want to see what it’s all about, says Brenda Lanz, a massage therapist at Prairie Breeze Massage. “It’s very new,” she says. She operates Salt Serenity with colleague Kristine Skorseth.

While the practice is common in many European countries, Lanz estimates there are about 160 or 170 salt rooms in the U.S.

“It just took a while to get to the United States,” she says.

At Salt Serenity, patients remove their shoes and enter a room with himalayan salt covering the floor and a partial wall, Lanz explains. While in the room, pharmaceutical salt — commonly used in hospitals for saline solutions and sanitization — is pulver- ized and blown into the air within the room. Many patients say the drug-free, non-invasive treatment helps, Lanz says.

The Salt Therapy Association promotes the treatment’s benefits for respiratory issues, skin conditions, athletic performance, detoxification and even simple relaxation. “The dry salt naturally starts absorbing allergens, toxins and foreign substances into your lungs and throughout your respiratory tract,” the association’s website says. “Dry salt may help to reduce inflammation and open airway passages.”

Lanz says, “You know how you feel when you go to the beach — how it’s easier to breathe? It’s kind of that same concept.” PB

Lisa Gibson Editor, Prairie Business 701.787.6753 lgibson@prairiebusinessmagazine.com