A new wellness service has arrived in Morehead, as Carter Healthcare has introduced a Halo Salt Sauna at its local facility — the first service of its kind in the region.
The treatment combines infrared heat therapy with halotherapy, also known as salt therapy, in an effort to promote both physical and mental wellness.
According to Kristin Yarman, Carter Healthcare originally launched as Carter Telehealth, providing virtual healthcare services to patients throughout the area. However, as demand grew, the organization recognized a strong need for accessible in-person care.
“As we started seeing patients, it quickly became clear that there was a significant need for accessible, in-person walk-in care, especially in Olive Hill,” Yarman said. “In response, we expanded into a physical clinic to better serve our community with both convenience and continuity of care.”
Carter Healthcare opened its Olive Hill location in September 2024 before later expanding into Morehead in November.
Yarman said the company gradually broadened its services beyond traditional healthcare, incorporating alternative wellness treatments such as red light therapy in an effort to support long-term healing and improve quality of life for patients.
“Expanding into Morehead felt like a natural next step,” Yarman said. “Many of our team have personal and professional ties here, including time spent at Morehead State University and local healthcare institutions.”
The Halo Salt Sauna was added to the Morehead location in March, with appointments beginning in early April.
The sauna works by dispersing microscopic salt particles into the air while infrared heat gently warms the body. According to Carter Healthcare, the therapy may help promote respiratory health, improve certain skin conditions, ease muscle and joint pain, support circulation and detoxification, and reduce stress.
Salt Therapy, also known as Halotherapy, is a wellness treatment in which individuals sit in a room lined with salt while a device known as a halogenerator grinds pharmaceutical-grade salt into microscopic particles and disperses them into the air. Those receiving treatment breathe in the dry salt aerosol while it also settles onto the skin.
The therapy is commonly used by individuals dealing with respiratory issues such as asthma, allergies, sinusitis, and bronchitis, as well as skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis. It is also promoted for stress reduction and relaxation. Supporters of the treatment say salt’s natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties may help open airways and reduce irritation.
Yarman added that many clients also report improved sleep quality and an overall sense of mental well-being following treatments.
In addition to the Halo Salt Sauna, Carter Healthcare also operates the Carter Wellness Clinic, located at 214 East Main Street in downtown Morehead. The clinic offers services including Red Light Therapy, SoftWave Therapy, and other holistic wellness treatments focused on recovery, pain relief, mobility, and overall wellness.
Red Light Therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive treatment using low-level red or near-infrared light. The therapy works by allowing light to penetrate the skin and interact with mitochondria, increasing cellular energy production that may support tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
The treatment is commonly used for joint pain, muscle recovery, skin rejuvenation, wound healing, inflammation reduction, and collagen support. It has become one of the more widely studied alternative wellness therapies, particularly in the areas of pain management and skin health.
SoftWave Therapy, also referred to as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), uses unfocused acoustic shockwaves delivered through a handheld device. The acoustic waves are designed to stimulate blood flow, cellular repair, and the release of growth factors.
The therapy is frequently used in sports medicine and orthopedics for chronic pain conditions involving the shoulder, knee, back, plantar fasciitis, tendon injuries, scar tissue, inflammation, and mobility limitations. Many patients seek the therapy for injuries that have not responded to physical therapy or injections.
“Our hope is that services like the Halo Salt Sauna shift the focus of healthcare from simply treating illness to truly supporting overall wellness and prevention,” Yarman said.
Residents interested in learning more about the wellness services offered through Carter Healthcare are encouraged to visit the Main Street clinic or explore additional information online.
For more information, visit Carter Healthcare KY or call (606) 225-4443.
