The idea that breathing in salt-infused air could be good for you began in the 12th century in Eastern Europe and was refined in the 1800s when it was observed, according to WebMD, that Polish salt miners of that era rarely developed lung infections or colds.
“Over time, Eastern European salt mines or caves became popular tourist destinations,” notes the site. “People from all over the world visited to inhale the salty air and ease their lung problems.”
For Tiffany Middendorf — a naturopath, midwife and owner of Saige Birth Center and Midwifery on Magazine Street — a lightbulb went off when she visited a salt cave in Florida last fall. She immediately thought of bringing the benefits of salt therapy to her pregnant and postpartum clients as well as the wider community.
She quickly enlisted the help of respiratory therapist Rebecca Rouselle, who serves as administrator at Saige Birth Center and owner of Pax Matris, which provides childbirth education and birth-tub rental services.
“With our existing partnership at Saige Birth Center, it was a natural fit for [me] to join the venture,” said Rouselle. “Our birth center clients quickly became regulars in the salt room. One of our favorite offerings is treating postpartum moms to a deeply relaxing halotherapy session — supporting both their recovery and their sense of calm.”
For Middendorf and Rouselle, launching The Grotteaux was the culmination of firsthand experience and a desire to bring a holistic approach to healthcare to New Orleans.
The salt room itself was carefully constructed and designed inside the birth center, with special attention paid to structural challenges as well as color schemes intended to maximize the effectiveness of the overall therapy experience.
“We needed to support nearly 2,000 pounds of Himalayan salt — 5 inches thick on the floor and forming a glowing feature wall made of salt bricks,” explained Rouselle. “The room includes a hanging swing which is both relaxing and fun. We maintain precise temperature and low humidity to create the ideal environment, complete with zero-gravity chairs, calming sound machines, cozy blankets and fresh socks for added comfort.”
While the warm glow of the salt wall fills the space with a peaceful ambiance, a discreetly installed salt generator releases fine, pharmaceutical-grade salt particles.
“Halotherapy is safe for adults and children of all ages and offers a wide range of benefits,” noted Rouselle. “It helps clear mucus, reduce inflammation, and improve lung function — making it especially helpful for those with asthma, allergies, bronchitis or COPD.”
Rouselle added that salt’s natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can also improve skin conditions like eczema, acne and psoriasis.
“Many clients notice reduced stress, better sleep and an immune boost thanks to salt’s antimicrobial effects and negative ions, which may help balance serotonin,” she said. “Pregnant and postpartum clients, athletes and anyone seeking improved breathing, relaxation, and recovery can all benefit.”
Individual treatments at The Grotteaux are $35 per 45-minute session, and $60 for a couple’s session. Additional options include a family session (two adults and two or more children) for $70, a child add-on session for an individual adult for $5, and group sessions available with varying rates per consultation.
According to The Grotteaux’s website, private booking occasions may include bridal and bachelorette parties, team-building sessions and group wellness.
“We love hosting intimate, private events for four to six guests — perfect for girls’ days, bachelorette parties, family outings, team-bonding or simply a shared moment of relaxation,” said Rouselle. “Each session includes soft blankets, fresh socks and a complimentary beverage. You’re welcome to bring your own drinks or personal touches to make the experience yours.”
For Middendorf and Rouselle, The Grotteaux is just getting started with its efforts to bring salt therapy to a wide variety of clients across the area, including outreach, new therapeutic treatments and programs aimed at bringing holistic healthcare specifically designed for women.
“This fall, we’re excited to offer more community salt therapy sessions, especially those in combination care with our neighbor acupuncturist,” explained Rouselle. “We’re also launching La Mère, a new wellness program designed especially for postpartum mothers but open to all women. Inspired by the South Korean spa model Joriwon, La Mère combines a salt therapy session with a soothing herbal bath, rest in our Magnolia Suite, and a nourishing meal — plus optional acupuncture and massage — to provide much-needed postpartum support beyond the typical six-week checkup.”
Spas and retreats have become increasingly popular across the U.S. and are projected to grow exponentially by the end of this decade. According to a January 2025 report from Market.us Media, “The United States spa industry generated approximately $20.8 billion in revenue in 2022, and the spa services market — including massage services, beauty and grooming, and physical fitness is projected to reach over $133 billion by 2027.”
Spa-goers are more often looking for ways to experience holistic healing with experiences that allow them to “unplug.” According to spa-awards.com, some of the top 2025 winning spa treatments include biophilic design and nature-based treatments, with “spaces [that] use natural light, greenery, and organic materials to enhance relaxation and well-being; energy healing therapies to “align the body’s energy flow;” and holistic digital detox spaces that “encourage guests to disconnect from devices, engage in mindfulness practices, and participate in silent retreats, guided meditations, and journaling sessions.”
For Rouselle and Middendorf, what sets The Grotteaux’s approach to both a spa experience and halotherapy specifically is its overall one-on-one attention to the client or clients.
“The biggest difference we see is between strictly therapeutic therapy — where clients enter a small chamber focused only on salt exposure — and the experience at The Grotteaux, which combines therapeutic benefits with a unique, tranquil and immersive environment,” said Rouselle. “Our larger salt room offers space for individuals or groups to enjoy healing alongside memorable, shared experiences in a calming atmosphere.”
The Grotteaux
6024 Magazine Street
504-459-2426 // thegrotteaux.com
FB: @thegrotteauxnola // IG: @thegrotteauxnola
