Our Story

Matei was both the motivation and the inspiration for building a salt cave here in Blanchardstown — Matei’s Salt Cave. Our mission is to improve breathing, enhance sleep, and elevate the quality of life, not just for Matei, but for ourselves and for everyone who truly needs it.

From as early as 10 months old, Matei began suffering from severe tonsillitis and ear infections. These frequent infections left him bedridden, on antibiotics, and without the energy to play. Month after month, a new round of antibiotics followed, which eventually took a toll on his little stomach. To counteract this, we introduced probiotics to help restore his gut health. Hoping for a long-term solution, we placed him on a waiting list to have his tonsils removed. In the meantime, we sought alternative treatments to relieve his suffering.

We decided to try salt therapy and completed ten sessions at a facility in County Dublin. The results were remarkable. Eight months passed without any infections or tonsillitis. Matei slept better, had more energy, and was a completely different child. However, on the advice of a professional who dismissed salt therapy as ineffective, we discontinued the sessions. Unfortunately, Matei’s symptoms returned almost immediately, and he was back on antibiotics.

On December 7th, as we celebrated our eldest son’s 18th birthday, Matei was unwell. He couldn’t keep food or water down due to the antibiotics that were supposed to help him. Despite the festivities, our hearts were heavy watching him suffer. That night, we made a decision... To give salt therapy another chance. For the next five weeks, we drove three hours, two to three times a week, for 30-minute sessions in a salt room. The distance didn’t matter because, once again, we saw an incredible improvement. Matei’s health stabilized, and even my lifelong rhinitis symptoms improved from attending the sessions with him.

Our Salt Room contains 20 tons of high-grade salt on the walls and floor, creating an environment free from allergens, pathogens, and pollutants. This sterile atmosphere promotes healing as salt particles break down due to heat and moisture in the airways, stimulating mucous clearance and boosting immune response.

For individuals with chronic respiratory conditions, salt therapy helps replenish sodium chloride in airway linings, improving overall respiratory health. Unlike nasal sprays or exposure to ocean air, salt therapy not only alleviates symptoms but also prevents their recurrence, reducing reliance on medications. Healthy lungs are essential for vitality, energy, and longevity. The respiratory system not only delivers oxygen to our red blood cells but also acts as a defense mechanism, filtering pollutants and regulating pH levels in the blood.

Salt molecules consist of positive sodium and negative chloride ions. When inhaled in a salt room, these molecules break down, releasing negative ions that stimulate both the respiratory and skin systems. Negative ions, commonly found in natural settings like waterfalls and after thunderstorms, contribute to improved mood and energy levels, which are often lacking in enclosed indoor environments.

With regular sessions, salt therapy can help strengthen the immune system, improve respiratory health, and reduce dependence on medications. Matei’s journey has shown us its true power, giving our little boy a chance at a healthier, happier life.