Salt My Life
I felt a sense of relaxation the moment I walked into Salt of the Earth Wellness Center. While waiting for a word with owner Dianna Manoogian, I perused the goodies for sale at the front, which included jewelry, body oils, candles, salt lamps, crystals, and herbal tinctures. Although the potential for gift perfection was a definite perk, it was not the purpose of my visit. I was here to learn more about the salt therapy offered.
Before arriving, I’d read up on dry salt therapy, otherwise known as halotherapy (halos meaning “salt” in Greek). This centuries-old wellness practice was modernized to mimic the microclimate of ancient salt caves. Back then, you could reap the benefits of increased immunity and an optimized respiratory system simply by sitting in the cave and breathing in the airborne salt particles. Nowadays, this is accomplished using a special generator that pulverizes pharmaceutical- grade salt (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antimicrobial) and pushes the salt particles into the air of a room or booth. Salt of the Earth (SOTE) makes this noninvasive, immune-building wellness practice easy to incorporate into even the busiest schedule, and it is safe for all ages.
Located in the Clark Road Expo Plaza, SOTE offers several no-contact therapy options, catering to the needs of each client based on comfort level and time. If you don’t mind a shared room and have some time spare, the large salt room runs on the hour. The zen space offers 45 minutes for meditation, relaxation, or even just a midday nap with benefits. Those looking for a more private experience or who may be short on time can book 20 minutes in the private booth (and add infrared light therapy to the sesh for extra benefits). SOTE’s double salt booth accommodates friends, couples, or even a parent with up to two small children (children under 10 are free with a paying adult).
Manoogian suggests clients gear the number of treatments toward their unique situation. A person can expect simple effects on the first visit, like cleared congestion. Under the weather? Two to three days of consecutive salt therapy sessions have the potential to knock the “ick” right out. Those with chronic lung or skin conditions can take advantage of a monthly unlimited option and schedule ongoing treatments.
But I’d be remiss if I only discussed halotherapy since SOTE is also home to several other unique wellness services. I can attest that a 25-minute session on the warm salt bed feels like you’ve just had a massage—alleviating aches and pains and reducing inflammation. If you are looking for more of a metaphysical experience, check out the heated chakra crystal mat, which is said to draw out toxins, reduce inflammation, and balance energy flow throughout your body. And SOTE is home to a rare Bella Rejuvenation machine—which increases collagen production using light and infrared light systems.
My session on the heated salt bed proved salty self-care can be quick, painless, and effective, but it left me wanting more! So much so that I brought my 9-year-old back the next day for a salt booth experience, which relieved her congestion and allowed us 20 minutes of mother-daughter QT.
> Salt of the Earth: 4037 Clark Rd, Sarasota; 941-702-8300; sotesarasota.com
