By Craig Anderson

MIDDLETOWN — Breathing is believing, Charles Ringgold says.

Through his own experience inhaling salt-infused air, he knows its benefits for respiratory health.

So, Mr. Ringgold and his wife, Krystal Ringgold, are sharing those advantages via their Himalayan Salt Of The Earth Cave, the first such facility in Delaware.

After its soft opening Feb. 9, the health and wellness spa served about 100 patrons in the first three weeks at its 10 W. Main St. location, he said.

The visitors included members of a book club and a group of real estate agents, plus a weekend birthday party was booked.

In a nutshell, a participant sits in one of six zero-gravity chairs, while Himalayan salt-infused air is pumped into the darkened room and meditation music — or music of the visitor’s choice — plays.

According to Mr. Ringgold, “We call it a health and wellness spa because it deals with conditions such as sinus health, bronchitis, congestion in your chest, mucus. The salt air will come in and break up the mucus in your chest, and you’ll feel it within the first 10 minutes.”

A 45-minute session costs $35 for those 13 and older and $25 for anyone younger.

The road to opening the cave included a stint in the truck-driving field for Mr. Ringgold. The rookie business owner got the idea after experiencing a similar treatment during a trip to West Virginia with his spouse.

“It’s my first time owning a business, and I didn’t want to take a chance on myself, but at the same time, I thought how beneficial it had been to me,” said the Cecilton, Maryland, resident, who shares three children, ages 4, 8 and 12, with his wife.

“I knew how it helped me, and I knew how it would help others, so I made the decision to do it.”

Himalayan Salt Of The Earth Cave is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays.

For information, visit himalayansaltoftheearthcave.com, call 302-272-5410 or email saltoftheearthcave@outlook.com.