For centuries, people have traveled to salt caves in the base of the Himalayan Mountains and in Eastern Europe to treat lung and bronchial problems. In some parts of the world, the treatment is recommended by doctors and even covered by health insurance.

Now, you don’t need to travel across continents to reap the benefits of salt therapy (also known as spelotherapy or halotherapy). Zenergy is one of the only health clubs in the nation with a Himalayan Salt Sauna, which is like taking a trip to a soothing ancient salt cave.

When breathed in, the minute Himalayan salt particles (which have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties) travel through your entire respiratory system, helping to clean out your lungs and sinuses. Reported benefits include improvement of respiratory conditions including asthma, seasonal allergies, chest congestion, sinusitis and bronchitis.

While it may sound like a fad, there is scientific evidence to back it up. A 2006 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that inhaling salt-infused vapor helped improve the breathing of patients with cystic fibrosis. A 1996 study in European Respiratory Journal also found that chronic asthma symptoms improved upon inhalation of a saline aerosol.

Salt therapy also may do wonders for your skin. It’s been used to help relieve symptoms in patients with eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and seasonal skin reactions.