FAQs

How does salt therapy work?

Enjoyed by Europeans for centuries, salt therapy (also known as halotherapy) is becoming more widely recognized in the U.S. as a natural, drug-free supplement or alternative to common medical treatments. Simply put, halotherapy emulates the conditions inside a natural salt cave by infusing the air with tiny particles of pharmaceutical-grade salt. These particles are not only safe to breathe but also have been shown to alleviate symptoms of various ailments. The addition of Himalayan crystal salts on the walls and floor of the cave further enhances the experience and helps to create an especially calm, relaxing environment.

Are visitors allowed to touch/handle the salt?

Our caves took great care in building and we ask that everyone enjoys the beauty of the salt with the same care. The walls are meant for looking, not touching. The floor of the caves can be a place to play and/or lay. Keeping these surfaces intact helps to ensure the best possible environment for all who uses the cave. We ask that parents who accompany children in session take extra care to ensure that their kids understand these guidelines.

What should I wear in the salt cave?

Comfortable, casual clothing is fine. Please note that shoes are not permitted in the salt cave; we ask that you wear clean socks / stockings or you can go barefoot with clean feet. Additionally, we ask visitors to refrain from wearing perfumes or fragrances as a courtesy to other visitors who may have an allergy or sensitivity.

Are beverages/food allowed in the salt cave?

No. If you have food or beverages with you, we ask that you leave them in the reception area during your session.

Are children allowed in the salt cave?

Of Course! Children experience the same benefits of salt therapy as adults, and we encourage parents to consider it as a natural, drug-free treatment option. With the addition of our new cave, kids are now able to schedule during any of our open hours. For any session, children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by an adult guardian.

What is the temperature inside the cave?

The caves are kept at a comfortable temperature. We keep it cool in the summer and warm and toasty during the winter months! Feel free to bring a sweatshirt. We also have blankets available.

Is it dark inside the cave?

Using Himalayan salt lamps and adjustable overhead lighting, we maintain a somewhat dim level of light inside the cave to create a calm, relaxing atmosphere. The lower-level cave has a back-lit Himalayan salt wall for light therapy.

Is there sound/music inside the cave?

For the comfort of all our visitors, we strive to maintain a calm, quiet environment inside the cave. A choice of ocean waves and various meditations are played throughout the sessions. Mobile phones should be turned off and/or stowed in the reception area.

How long is a session?

A standard session lasts 45 minutes. Longer sessions can be arranged by special appointment.

Do you take walk-ins?

Because space in the cave is limited, we strongly encourage visitors to book in advance. That said, if there are open slots, we will gladly accept walk-ins. Keep in mind that we cannot open the cave once a session has started, so late arrivals or walk-ins who check in past the top of the hour will be asked to wait for the next available slot.

If I prepaid for a session and I show up late or have to cancel at the last minute, can I re-book without paying another session fee?

In some cases of unforeseen lateness/cancelation, we will re-book your session at no additional cost. However, if this happens during busy times or if a larger group is scheduled or a visitor is a no show for the session - we will have to charge a session. Our no show policy is payment of 100% of the cost. Please make every effort to call in advance if you need to reschedule.

Are salt cave treatments covered by health insurance?

Check with your physician or health insurance provider to find out whether salt therapy may be covered under your plan.

Can I pay for salt cave treatments using a health savings account (HSA)?

Most HSAs will allow members to pay for salt therapy using HSA funds as long as the treatment is accompanied by a referral from a physician. Consult with your own HSA administrator for details.

Is the cave safe for pregnant women?

Salt therapy is perfectly safe for women at any stage of pregnancy. Because pregnancy can affect women in different ways, you're invited to consult with your doctor if you have specific questions or concerns, but generally speaking, a visit to the cave is as safe as breathing the salt air by the beach.

Should I be concerned about spending time in the cave with other people who might be sick?

No more than you would be concerned about sharing an elevator, a meeting room or other everyday spaces. People who suspect that they have a contagious condition are asked to wait until their condition improves before attending a group session. We do our very best to encourage people to use The Salt Cave as a way to prevent. In any case, the natural antibacterial and antiviral properties of Himalayan crystal salt can help to minimize the everyday risk of catching a cold, etc.

Is The Salt Cave wheelchair accessible?

We do our best to accommodate people of all abilities. Wheelchairs cannot go into The Salt Cave for the same reason that shoes are not permitted, as moisture and dirt can damage the salt that is on the floor. We are happy to help people into the chairs if needed. If you are not in a wheelchair yet are unable to use stairs, please give us a call to be sure that our main floor cave is available to use.

How often do I need to visit the salt cave to experience its benefits?

It can vary depending on your individual health condition and how well your own body responds to salt therapies. Some may find it beneficial to visit more often during times when problems such as allergy symptoms tend to be more severe (i.e., changing seasons), or during periods of increased physical or emotional stress. If you're booking sessions related to a chronic, specifically diagnosed health issue, we also recommend that you ask your doctor for input regarding the frequency of salt cave visits. Some guidelines can be found on our TREATMENTS page.

How was the cave constructed?

The upstairs cave was hand-built by owners Scott and Jenni, as well as an amazing team of brilliant people. Formerly a chiropractic office, the space was substantially renovated to accommodate the six tons (12,000 pounds) of Himalayan crystal salts used on the walls and floor, as well as the highly specialized halogenerator, which was imported from Estonia. Our downstairs cave opened in October 2014 featuring a completely redesigned cave by owners Scott and Jenni. A huge Himalayan salt wall glows with lighting behind with a beautiful wood design combined with salt.

Can I buy salt at the Salt Cave?

We carry a Minneapolis' largest selection of Himalayan salts and salt-based retail items for purchase, including salt lamps, salt blocks for cooking, natural bath salts and soaps, and more.