Its methods have so far endured skeptics, ongoing battles with conventional medicine and methods, and, most recently, a fire that destroyed its facility. But despite the obstacles, the unexpected setback, and the current effort to rebuild the business, Spartanburg Holistic Health & Salt Cave is still an alternative medical therapy for Upstate residents with an assortment of illnesses, body pains and ailments.
“We opened in the fall of 2018 as Spartanburg’s First Salt Cave and Holistic Health Center,” said founder and owner Dr. Sherian Wells. “And while the cost to re-open after the fire was far too expensive, going forward we will maintain our same original wellness model.”
That model is based on halotherapy, or salt therapy, offered in the form of a spa-like salt room. The idea, originating in 12th-century Eastern Europe, is that breathing in salty air over long periods eliminates respiratory conditions and significantly reduces the chances of developing colds or coughs.
Spartanburg Holistic Health further complemented this treatment with the use of reiki, which “clears negative energy that can be the underlying cause of a lot of discomfort and disease within the body,” Dr. Wells said.
“We also used popular but not-so-well-known Bowen’s therapy, which releases muscle pressure in the body that causes severe pain in the muscles, joints and back,” she said.
An electrical fire in January of this year that basically destroyed the salt cave and forced the business as it was to close.
“Our HVAC system circulated the fire for hours and caused extensive smoke damage, especially in the salt cave,” Dr. Wells said. “Nothing was covered by insurance. We lost everything in this fire.”
Responding to clients who wanted her to continue in some form, Dr. Wells chose to transition from a salt cave to wellness modalities that assist in helping clients affected by long-term health issues, such as: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; depression; anxiety; obesity; diabetes; muscle and joint issues; gut health; lymphedema; cancer assistance; fibromyalgia; polycystic ovary syndrome; and male and female infertility.
“Plus, I will be offering alternative therapies for all my clients,” Dr. Wells said.
These therapies include holistic wellness assessments, at-home foot detox courses, Bowen’s therapy, blood panel testing, cranial sacral therapy, reiki and chakra therapy, gut health testing and IV therapy.
As for salt therapy, the U.S. medical community is divided on its benefits. While some patients have claimed them to be life-changing, there is currently no proven research to support those claims. Nevertheless, the idea is catching on. There’s at least one salt cave therapy facility in every state, and Illinois, North Carolina, New York and California have more than 10.
And whether she has an actual salt cave or just associated therapy, Dr. Wells said it is all about getting people well again.
“I grew up with a knack for servitude, and it is my nature to help others,” she said. “Pairing these two together, I am focused on changing lives for the better.”
To learn more, call 864-707-2353.
By L. C. Leach III