A man-made salt cave in North Vancouver is offering unique therapy that claims to ease a range of health issues from asthma to allergies without using any drugs.
Nuca Stoica runs the SaltWonder Cave, which is covered floor to ceiling in pink Himalyan salt imported from Pakistan.
The Romanian immigrant is convinced that visits to a salt mine in his native Bucharest cured his childhood asthma, and that inspired him to open his business here.
“Asthma, bronchitis, COPD. I have even people with cystic fibrosis coming here," said Stoica.
Marlene Enns has had chronic pneumonia and bronchitis her whole life and makes at least two visits a week to the salt cave.
"I can take deep breaths and I sure couldn't before. So that's 90 per cent at least better," Enns said.
A halogenerator spreads a fine saline mist into the air, which helps thin out mucous in the lungs. There's even a heated salt bed for deep relaxation.
If that's not enough to chill you out, regular sound and meditation sessions are also held inside the salt cave.
But is there any science to this form of therapy? Family physician Dr. Rhonda Low says there can be relief for some health conditions.
"If you inhale salt in a mist solution, we do know it can help folks with cystic fibrosis," said Low.
But Dr. Low warns that people with asthma or allergies might actually find the salt aggravates their condition.
After several months visiting the salt caves, Enns is convinced it's keeping her chronic bronchitis at bay.
“I can speak clearly now. I don't cough. I'm not worried about coughing. I'm very happy," she said.
Each 45-minute session costs about $30.
