Business Profile: Serene Salt Therapy
Name: Mairead McNulty
Company: Serene Salt Therapy
Address: 30c Gortin Road Omagh
Telephone: 028 82 245042
Mobile: 07786368142
Email: info@serenesalttherapy.co.uk
Can you describe your business?
Serene salt therapy is a complimentary therapy that provides relieve to those suffering with various respiratory illness, such as asthma, COPD, prolonged coughs and colds, sinusitis, hayfever, snoring and ear infections.
It also treats dermatological issues such as dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and acne.
Halotherapy is also known to very beneficial for those dealing with stress, anxiety and depression. It is beneficial for both children and adults.
It is used to provide relief from illnesses and therefore help to prevent the need for frequent antibiotics, antihistamines, use of inhalers steroids and steroid creams. Clients using salt therapy should consult with their GP if they have any concerns prior to commencing treatment and should continue to use the medications prescribed to them until such times as their GP says they can either reduce or cease taking them.
Dry salt air is more powerful than moist air. The negatively charged ions in salt improve our health and mood. Inhaling particles may reduce inflammation and mucus in the lungs, improving respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies, bronchitis, sinus congestion and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
The negative ions also help to heal skin conditions and treatment is delivered in the same way. The client is seated in a room that has been specially built where pharma grade particles of salt is ventilated into the room via a machine known as a halo generator and so the healing begins.
Why did you start your own business?
I was drawn to start this business, when through my role as a registered nurse, I witnessed how patients were in need of repeated courses of antibiotics which only appeared to give short term relief.
I feel that salt therapy will lessen the need for antibiotics and other medications and in turn help the patient lead a healthier life. For example, seasonal conditions such as hay fever have an extremely detrimental effect on a persons quality and enjoyment of the summer season and it is known that if a client has an intense treatment of salt therapy they will suffer much less from the condition.
I have personal experience of the benefits of salt therapy, in that I have severe sinusitis and after an intense course of salt therapy I found I have not needed an antibiotic in over a year and no longer suffer debilitating sinus headaches. Another reason for starting this business is because quite a number of the patients I nursed had said they had found great relief from frequently a salt room, but they were unable to go as often as needed because the nearest one was over an hour’s drive away.
What are the best things about running your own business?
The best thing about running my own business is knowing that I am helping clients to take care of their health with a more natural approach. I can continue to care for and look after people which was my primary aim as a registered nurse but in a different manner.
What are the main challenges facing the business?
The main challenges of the business has to be that it is a new concept in healthcare in this region. Although widely used throughout Europe and America salt therapy has only become more heard about in Ireland and the UK in recent years therefore people are naturally sceptical of its results. However I found in my first week of business that many of my clients had availed of the treatment in Europe and were extremely pleased that a saltroom had been established in Omagh.
What advice would you give to someone starting a business?
Have a true passion for the business you are starting and be prepared to work hard to deliver the service you provide. Have a strong belief in yourself and commit to what you have under taken.
Can you describe your experience of running a business in three words or less?
Daunting. Exciting. Fulfilling.
