Photos by Pantages Photography
Salty Woods, located in The Nest building at 200 Byrd Way, Suite 115 in Greenwood, is a halotherapy wellness spa that helps clients feel their best. The relaxing and restorative space uses salt therapy to improve respiratory functions, renew skin health and boost immunity.
Shannon Seniour, who also owns The Station Hair Parlor, opened Salty Woods last June after experiencing the benefits of a salt-room spa.
“Just before COVID, a friend and I went to a similar salt spa on the northeast side of Indianapolis,” she says. “She was sick with a respiratory illness, and immediately began to feel better after one session in the salt spa. Halotherapy is like a toothbrush for your lungs. A Halo generator grinds up salt and blows it in the air. The particles are inhaled into the mucus membranes.”
Historically, miners who worked in mines or Eastern European salt caves were known to be unusually healthy and seemed to avoid the coughs and colds that plagued others. Halotherapy is known for relieving the symptoms asthma, allergies, sinus infections and COPD, but offers several other benefits besides respiratory health. It can have an anti-aging effect and repair skin cells. It can also promote improved mood and lessen seasonal depression.
“Being in the halotherapy room for 30 minutes is the peaceful equivalent to sitting on a beach for three days,” says Seniour. “Once space became available in The Nest, I grabbed it. It’s right across the hall from The Station Hair Parlor.”
Salty Woods offers visitors three experiences. The private Mush Room has room for two people and includes heated foot boxes for improved circulation. For the ultimate in relaxation and hair revitalization, the Luxury Head Spa gives a customized deep scalp massage. Salty, the big salt room with space for up to six guests, features a pink Himalayan salt floor along with a beautiful salt-brick fireplace.
Pricing and booking notes are explained on the spa’s website. The cost of the Mush Room runs from $30 to $55 based on length of time. Likewise, the Luxury Head Spa costs between $75 to $120, and halotherapy can be added for an additional fee. A 45-minute session in Salty is $35.00.
“The fireplace was built by my dad,” says Seniour. “It was inspired by a fireplace in a shelter in Brown County State Park and is made from bricks of pink Himalayan salt. I drew up the plans and specified the measurements. He crafted it even better than I could imagine.”
The spa also sells an array of what Senior calls salt goodies. Brown County-based Wood Fairy Apothecary products such as seasonal skin foods and mood mists are available. Salt lamps can also be purchased.
Salty Woods hosts wellness events. Sound Bowl Healing takes place on Thursday or Friday nights. It is a therapeutic practice that employs singing bowls, which produce resonant tones and vibrations to foster relaxation and healing. Restorative yoga is held on Saturday mornings. The classes incorporate halotherapy and Pranic healing to calm the mind and reduce stress. About once a month, Sip and Salt Yoga takes place. After class, participants enjoy margaritas from La Rosa Mexican Restaurant, which is located next door.
“After someone visits Salty Woods, they will leave breathing easier,” says Seniour. “Their mood will be better. That alone is worth the experience.”
Visit saltywoodsgreenwood.com for more info, and view them on Facebook and Instagram. Booking ahead is recommended.
