Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Where is Shvaas Spa located?

A: We're located at 1716 Main Street in Downtown Columbia, SC 29201. We're on Main Street in the Vista neighborhood, within easy walking distance of several parking lots and garages. Visit our Parking page for directions to the closest free and paid options.

Q: What are your hours?

A: We're open Tuesday through Saturday. Tuesday and Friday: 10am–6pm. Wednesday and Thursday: 10am–7pm. Saturday: 10am–6pm. We are closed Sunday and Monday.

Q: Do I need to book in advance or can I walk in?

A: Walk-ins are welcome for most services! However, we strongly recommend booking in advance — especially for float therapy and salt cave sessions — as these book up quickly, particularly on weekends. You can book online 24/7 at shvaasspa.com or call us at 803-708-4196.

Q: Can I book multiple services in one visit?

A: Absolutely — in fact, we encourage it. Many guests pair the salt cave with an infrared sauna, or combine float therapy with red light therapy for a full recovery day. Our Spa Day Package bundles five services together for the ultimate experience. Ask our team when you arrive and we'll help you plan your visit.

Q: Do you accept insurance?

A: We do not currently accept health insurance. However, some HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) cards may be accepted depending on your plan — check with your provider. All major credit cards, debit cards, and gift cards are accepted.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

A: We ask for at least 48 hours notice for cancellations or reschedules. Late cancellations or no-shows may be subject to a fee. Please review our full Waivers & Policies page for details.

Q: Do you offer gift cards?

A: Yes! Gift cards are available for purchase online through our Square store and make a wonderful gift for any occasion. They can be sent digitally for immediate delivery or scheduled for a future date. All gift card sales are final and non-refundable.

Q: Can pregnant people do the services?
A: Yes, we encourage relaxation for our pregnant clients. They can participate in the salt cave, hydromassage, float therapy, zen den and cocoon.

Q: Can I bring my phone into the treatment rooms? 

A: To maintain a relaxing and tranquil environment, we ask guests to silence their phones and lock them up in a locker. 

Q: How long are the sessions?

• Salt Cave sessions are 45 minutes. 
• Sauna sessions are 30 or 45 minutes. 
• Lymphatic Compression and Cocoon are 30 minutes. 
• HydroMassage and Zen Den are 15 or 30 minutes. 
• Red Light Therapy is 40 minutes. 
• Float Therapy is 60, 90 or 120 minutes. 

All sessions start every hour on the hour!

Q: What should I wear to a salt cave session?

A: Comfortable, casual clothing is all you need. The dry salt in the air will not damage or stain your clothes. If you're visiting specifically for a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, we recommend shorts and a tank top to expose more skin to the therapeutic salt particles. Shoes are removed before entering the cave.

Q: Is the salt cave safe for children?

A: Yes! We welcome guests aged 16 and older for all regular sessions. For younger children, we offer special 'Kids in the Cave' sessions on select days. These sessions are designed specifically for children and provide a calm, nurturing environment for them to enjoy halotherapy's respiratory and immune benefits. Contact us for the current Kids in the Cave schedule.

Q: How does halotherapy help with breathing and allergies?

A: The microscopic dry salt particles in our cave are naturally antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hygroscopic (they absorb moisture). When inhaled, they travel deep into the respiratory tract, loosening mucus, reducing inflammation, and clearing allergens and irritants. Regular sessions can reduce symptoms of asthma, seasonal allergies, sinusitis, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions.

Q: Can I use my phone in the salt cave?

A: No — the salt cave is an electronics-free, silent sanctuary. Phones, smartwatches, and all electronic devices are not permitted inside. This policy exists both to protect your devices from the salt environment and to preserve the quiet, healing atmosphere for all guests. It's one hour to truly unplug — we promise it's worth it.

Q: What conditions can halotherapy help with?
A: It can benefit bronchitis, sinus infections, asthma, allergies, COVID lung, and more.

Q: How long is a halotherapy session?
A: Sessions are 45 minutes.

Q: What is InHarmony Vibroacoustic Therapy?
A: It’s a therapy that uses sound and vibration to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support mental and physical health.

Q: What are the benefits of Vibroacoustic Therapy?
A: It helps with pain relief, stress reduction, better sleep, and improved focus.

Q: How long is a session?
A: Sessions are 30 minutes.

What should I expect during the session?
A: You’ll lie on a vibroacoustic bed or chair, experiencing gentle vibrations synchronized with soothing music. Additional information can be found here.

Q: Is it safe for everyone?
A: Yes, it is generally safe, but consult your doctor if you have specific medical concerns like a pacemaker.

Q: What is Lymphatic Compression Therapy?
A: It’s a therapy that uses controlled air pressure to stimulate lymphatic flow, helping reduce swelling, detoxify the body, and improve circulation.

Q: What are the benefits of this therapy?
A: It aids in detoxification, reduces fluid retention, supports recovery, and promotes relaxation.

Q: How long does a session last?
A: Sessions are 30 minutes.

Q: What should I wear for this therapy?
A: Comfortable, lightweight clothing is recommended. No jeans. 

Q: Is it suitable for everyone?
A: Most people can safely use lymphatic compression, but it’s not recommended for those with deep vein thrombosis, infections, or certain medical conditions. Additional information can be found here.

Q: What is Red Light Therapy with PEMF?
A: It’s a combination of red light therapy and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy to enhance cellular regeneration and reduce inflammation. Additional information can be found here.

Q: What conditions does this therapy benefit?
A: It can help with muscle recovery, chronic pain, inflammation, and skin rejuvenation.

Q: How long is a typical session?
A: Sessions are 40 minutes.

Q: Is it safe for everyone?
A: Most people can safely use this therapy, but consult with your doctor if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker, or any other medical conditions.

Q: What is an infrared sauna?
A: An infrared sauna uses infrared light to penetrate the skin and heat the body directly, promoting relaxation, detoxification, and muscle recovery. Additional information can be found here.

Q: What are the benefits of an infrared sauna?
A: It helps with detoxification, pain relief, improved circulation, and skin health.

Q: How long are sauna sessions?
A: Sessions typically last 30-45 minutes.

Q: What should I wear in the sauna?
A: Lightweight, breathable clothing like athletic wear. We also provide towels for those who are comfortable wrapping in a towel for the sauna.

Q: Is the infrared sauna safe for everyone?
A: It is generally safe, but those with heart conditions, pregnancy, or other medical concerns should consult their doctor before use.

Q: What is HydroMassage Therapy?
A: HydroMassage uses jets of heated water to provide a customizable, full-body massage experience without getting wet. Additional Information can be found here.

Q: What are the benefits of HydroMassage?
A: It helps reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, relieve pain, and promote relaxation.

Q: Do I need to get undressed for HydroMassage?
A: No, HydroMassage is fully clothed. Wear comfortable clothing for your session.

Q: How long is a HydroMassage session?

A: Sessions typically last between 10-30 minutes, depending on your preference.

Q: Can I customize my HydroMassage experience?
A: Yes, you can adjust the intensity, pressure, and areas of focus using the control panel.

Q: Is HydroMassage safe for everyone?
A: Most people can safely enjoy HydroMassage, but consult your doctor if you have medical concerns like pregnancy, recent injuries, or certain conditions.

Q: What does a HydroMassage session feel like?
A: It feels like a powerful, soothing water massage without the need to undress or use oils.

Q: What is Float Therapy?
A: Float therapy involves lying in a sensory deprivation tank filled with Epsom salt water to promote relaxation, stress relief, and muscle recovery. Additional information can be found here.

Q: Is float therapy safe if I'm claustrophobic?

A: Yes — our float cabins are significantly larger than they might appear in photos. The cabin door is never locked and you are in complete control of the experience at all times. You can leave the door open or ajar if you prefer. Most guests who consider themselves claustrophobic find the experience completely comfortable once they're inside. If you have concerns, call us before booking and we'll walk you through exactly what to expect.

Q: What do I do if salt water gets in my eyes during a float?

A: We provide a small spray bottle of fresh water inside every float cabin specifically for this. If saltwater enters your eyes, simply spray and wipe gently. Avoid touching your face with your hands during the float.

Q: How do I prepare for my first float session?

A: Avoid caffeine for a few hours beforehand — it can make it harder to settle into relaxation. Don't shave or wax within 12 hours of your float, as the salt may irritate sensitive skin. Eat a light meal about an hour before (too hungry or too full can be distracting). We provide earplugs, towels, shampoo, conditioner, and a blow dryer. All you need to bring is yourself.

Q: What are the benefits of floating?
A: It helps reduce stress, improve sleep, relieve muscle tension, and boost mental clarity.

Q: How long is a float session?
A: Sessions typically last 60 minutes, though shorter or longer sessions are available.

Q: Is float therapy safe for everyone?
A: Yes, but consult with your doctor if you have skin conditions, low blood pressure, or other medical concerns.

Q: What are the benefits of a membership?
A: Members receive discounted services, priority booking and free cancellations with notice. 

Q: Are there any cancellation policies for memberships?
A: Yes, memberships require30 day notice for cancellation to avoid additional charges and require a 3 month commitment at sign up. 

Q: Can I transfer my membership to someone else?
A: Memberships are non-transferable but you can share them with friends and family!

Q: Can I use a gift card to pay for memberships?
A: Memberships require a recurring payment on file for monthly biilling. Gift cards cannot be used for payments of memberships. 

Q: What's included in a Shvaas Spa membership?

A: Our Stress Management Monthly Membership gives you regular, affordable access to our core wellness services including halotherapy, infrared sauna, red light therapy with PEMF, Zen Den sessions, and compression therapy — depending on your membership tier. Members also receive special pricing on additional services. Memberships require a 3-month minimum commitment and are billed monthly. Visit our Memberships page for full details.

Q: Do discounts apply to packages?

A: Discounts and promotional codes do not apply to pre-bundled packages, including the Spa Day Package and service bundles. Membership discounts apply to individual service pricing as noted on the Memberships page. 

Q: What is the difference between red light therapy and infrared sauna?

A: Both use light-based energy, but they work differently. Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of visible red and near-infrared light delivered at low intensity directly to the skin — primarily for cellular repair, inflammation reduction, and skin rejuvenation. Infrared sauna uses infrared heat at higher intensity to raise your core body temperature, promoting deep sweating, detoxification, and cardiovascular benefits. They complement each other well and many guests use both in the same visit.

Q: How do I know which service is right for me?

A: Not sure where to start? Try our online quiz at shvaasspa.outgrow.us/shvaasspa-5 — it asks a few questions about your health goals and recommends the best starting point. You can also book a NeuralChek HRV scan as your first visit — it gives us objective data about your nervous system and helps us recommend a personalized plan. Or simply call us at 803-708-4196 and we'll help you figure it out. 

Q: Do you host private events or parties?
A: Yes, we can host private spa events for groups. Please contact us for more details.

Q: Do you offer groups sessions? 

 A: Yes, Shvaas Spa offers group sessions, particularly in their Salt Cave, which is designed to accommodate multiple guests simultaneously. This allows friends, families, or groups to experience halotherapy together in a serene environment. Additionally, they provide special "Kids in the Cave" sessions for younger children on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 5:00 PM. ​For more information or to book a group session, you can visit their website or contact them directly at 803-708-4196.​

Q: What promotions are currently available?
A: Check our website or follow us on social media for the latest promotions.

Q: Do you offer seasonal or holiday packages?
A: Yes, we offer special packages during holidays and seasonal promotions. Please follow social media accounts and check the website often for promotions.