Spending time in a Himalayan Salt Cave is an experience unlike any other, according to the owner of Inner Journey Healing Arts Center in downtown Niles.

“I haven’t had anyone that hasn’t felt extremely relaxed while they are in here, so at the very least it is one of the most relaxing experiences you will ever have,” said Scott Williams. “A lot of people experience health benefits.”

So what is a Himalayan Salt Cave?

At Inner Journey, it is a temperature-controlled room with a floor covered in a thick layer of Himalayan salt crystals and with walls made entirely of Himalayan salt bricks.

Those who rent time in the cave can relax on a zero-gravity lounge chair or get a massage while they experience what some claim are therapeutic benefits of being exposed to the heated salt.

“People have just had amazing healing experiences with it,” said Williams. “We can’t claim there are health benefits from it because the FDA hasn’t approved it and all that, but many people swear by it.

“Chicago actually has many Himalayan Salt Caves.”

The salt, Williams said, is more than 250 million years old and comes from a mine in the Himalayan Mountains in Pakistan.

“The chemical make-up is very similar to human blood with the minerals and elements,” he said. “It is natural anti-inflammatory, natural bactericide and natural viricide.

“It also tastes great and is great for cooking.”

The business got in a shipment of 18 tons of Himalayan salt and finished the salt cave in late June.

Williams said while anyone can benefit from salt therapy, it is especially good for people with arthritis, fibromyalgia and respiratory problems.

“When you heat the salt it creates negative ions,” he said. “People with asthma and COPD really seem to benefit.”

Inner Journey also offers a heated salt bed, heated salt food box and heated salt infrared sauna therapies.

For more information, contact Inner Journey by phone at (269) 687-8865. It is located at 109 N. Third St., Niles. Williams said he would be happy to give anyone a tour.