In NJ’s Himalayan Salt Cave where healing draws large crowds

I went into the weird den saddled with anxiety and constipation from severe allergies. Less than an hour later, I emerged relaxed and much clearer.

The secret? Salt. Almost 13 tons of the stuff, all imported from Pakistan. Since at least the 19th century, people have used salt — more commonly, saltwater immersion — to heal or relieve symptoms of migraines, arthritis, and more. But salt caves are said to concentrate the healing effects; 45 minutes in a Himalayan salt cave (even one built in Central Jersey) can be as effective as 20 hours floating in the salt water.

So last week I ventured and traveled to the heart of the popular man-made chamber at the Himalayan Salt Cave Spa and Float in Manalapan, where snakes slither out the door on weekends as clients hope for a salty specialty healing. The 45-minute session costs $49.

As soon as you enter the dimly lit cave, there is – you guessed it – salt everywhere. Blocks of salt are stacked against the walls like bricks. From the door, a path of salt tiles leads to a chimney-like structure also made of salt. On the bottom are large granules of Himalayan salt to dip your feet in, much like sand on a beach.

On the ceiling, a large projector shows subtle starlight, while soothing music plays in the background to set the mood.

About a dozen comfy La-Z-Boy side-by-side chairs await customers with spa blankets to tuck into. I settled in and waited for the magic to happen.

With my feet in the salt, the soothing music, and the dim lights, I couldn’t help but feel calm and cuddled. Within five minutes of sitting down, I relaxed significantly and began to fall asleep. I set a timer for 20 minutes and took a nice nap. When I woke up, I was surprised at how much my stuffy nose had actually eased. Okay, salt cave, I’m a believer!

In addition to the cave (one for adults and one for kids), this spa offers services like massages, facials, hand and foot treatments, sauna sessions, hair removal, and flotation therapy. The spa, one of only a handful in New Jersey — others include Nature’s Salt Cave and Spa Float in Cranford and The Salt Cavern in Clifton — took about two years to build and opened three days before the pandemic hit, owner Rachel Ozana said. After reopening in June 2020, their clientele grew rapidly — they now serve about 8,000 customers, Ozana said.

Ozana said the cave helps relieve a long list of ailments: stress, anxiety, sleep apnea, the common cold, viruses, flu, ear and sinus infections, allergies, asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, psoriasis, chronic headaches and high blood pressure.

“These are just some of the beneficial effects of the salt cave,” says Ozana. “But every person who goes in will tell you something different.”

Ozana decided to open the spa after being diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) about eight years ago. The disease, for which she took 20 medications a day, causes a blockage in airflow and makes it difficult to breathe.

“It took over my life and there were so many side effects,” Ozana said.

One day her friend took her to a salt cave. She noticed a difference in her breathing during her first session, which she kept going back to.

When she visited her doctor for an exam, she was blown away by what they found.

“I went back to do three chest X-rays and they said there was no evidence I’d ever had COPD,” Ozana said. “It went away because of the salt cave. I’ve given up all my meds and have never looked back.”

Of course, Ozana cannot guarantee such lasting cures for sick salt cave visitors, nor can I confirm that the cave has completely eliminated my anxiety or allergies. But it definitely helped. And I will return.

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Lauren Musni can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @LaurengMusni. Find NJ.com on Facebook.