1. What is Salt Therapy?
Salt therapy (halotherapy) is a natural, holistic, drug-free, and touchless modality that is currently in high demand and has never been more essential since it can aid in:
- Cleaning the respiratory system
- Improving lung function
- Boosting the immune system
- Enhancing mental wellness and reducing stress
- Rejuvenating skin
- Enhancing athletic performance, endurance, and recovery
A true salt therapy session uses a halogenerator (learn more here), which crushes, grinds, and disperses salt as micron-sized particles into the air in a specially designed room. The only thing you need to do to reap the benefits of this treatment is breathe.
2. How Effective is Salt Therapy?
If you’ve ever been to the beach, you know how good the salty air can make you feel. There’s something about the ocean that just has a way of making everything feel better. Imagine being able to capture that feeling and bring it into your everyday life! That’s what salt therapy is all about.
The idea behind salt therapy is that salt can help to reduce inflammation and clear out mucus and other irritants from the lungs. Salt therapy may be especially helpful for people who suffer from respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies, bronchitis, COPD, and cystic fibrosis.
The salt that is not inhaled into the respiratory system and that lands on an individual’s skin may help with issues such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
It is so effective that many people feel a difference after their first session.
3. How Does Salt Therapy Work?
Salt therapy works in three different ways. Because salt is super absorbent, the inhaled dry salt acts like a sponge attracting foreign substances along its path through the respiratory tract.
The dry salt can be imagined as behaving like a toothbrush that cleans the respiratory system removing the build-up of foreign elements that cause various respiratory ailments and conditions. Salt is also anti-inflammatory, so the inhaled dry salt particles may help to reduce inflammation in the entire respiratory tract and widen the airway passages.
A clean respiratory system naturally results in higher oxygen intake, increased energy, and an improved immune system. Lastly, salt also acts as an anti-bacterial agent, by dissolving bacteria and pollutants lodged in the respiratory tract. These are then either coughed up or naturally expelled by the body.
4. Is There Scientific Evidence to Support the Claims?
Yes! And there is more research happening every day. This is an incredibly exciting field, with new studies happening around the world.
A study published in Pediatric Pulmonology found that after 14 sessions of halotherapy, there was a significant decrease in symptoms in patients with asthma.
Another study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that halotherapy improved the quality of life for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
And a study done in Russia on the effectiveness of halotherapy and dermatitis showed a 58% decrease in symptoms.
With studies continuing to emerge about the efficacy of this treatment, it’s absolutely worth considering if salt therapy is right for you.
To review more studies and research about salt therapy, please visit the Salt Therapy Association, become a member, and download their Reference and Resources Guide.
5. How Long Does Salt Therapy Take to Work?
Everyone reacts to salt therapy differently and there are no established recommendations on treatment times.
Once you begin your salt therapy treatment sessions, you will be able to determine how many days, how often per day, and the time required to help you.
We often say to “make salt therapy a habit”. You brush your teeth every day to keep them clean, so why not take care of your respiratory system in a similar manner by keeping your lungs clean with salt therapy?
Many people find that adding halotherapy to their wellness routine increases their overall health and vitality. It is relaxing and therapeutic, and it can be as easy as sitting in a SALT Booth or salt room for anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes!
6. Are There Any Side Effects of Salt Therapy?
Salt therapy is generally considered safe for most people. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering trying salt therapy.
First of all, if you have any open wounds or cuts on your skin, you should not participate in salt therapy until they have healed completely. The salt could potentially irritate your skin or delay healing time.
Some people may experience dryness in their skin. This typically stops after a few sessions and can be relieved with lotion or oil.
Some people may also experience a temporary increase in mucus. This is a good thing! The salt is doing its job by loosening phlegm in your lungs and sinuses. The release of this can decrease symptoms of congestion, asthma, and other respiratory ailments.
Some people have concerns about salt and the possibility of it raising their blood pressure.
Because the salt in salt therapy is inhaled and not digested, there is no correlation to salt therapy raising an individual’s blood pressure.
One factor that may contribute to the positive effects of halotherapy is hydration. Inhaling salty air can cause you to lose water through your lungs. This can lead to dehydration, which can in turn cause a host of symptoms including fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. Therefore, it is important to drink plenty of fluids before and after a halotherapy session to prevent dehydration. Additionally, staying hydrated throughout the day will help to thin mucus and improve overall respiratory health.
7. Is it Safe for Children?
Yes! In fact, dry salt therapy is not only safe, but it is a highly recommended natural treatment and many places have salt playrooms designed specifically for children.
Some of the most notable benefits include improved breathing, reduced stress levels, and improved skin conditions. Salt therapy may also help boost the immune system and could reduce the severity of cold and flu-like symptoms.
If you’re looking for a natural way to help your child breathe better or improve their skin condition, salt therapy is definitely worth considering.
Salt therapy is safe and effective, and should be added to your wellness routine.
Remember that you don’t have to feel unwell to visit a salt therapy room. Regular sessions can help improve your overall health and well-being and is an effective, alternative way to improve your health.
Still have more questions about salt therapy? No problem! Our team of experts is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation today. We’re always happy to talk about how salt therapy can change your life!
Photo Credit: Palm Health, The Salt Cave Albuquerque
Leo Tonkin, with a decade of deep expertise in salt therapy, initiated SALT Chamber, a leading entity in the domain of salt therapy products and decor. As the inaugural Chairman of the Salt Therapy Association and Chair of the Respiratory Wellness Initiative from the Global Wellness Institute, he has played a pivotal role in broadening the accessibility and recognition of salt therapy globally. His commitment to developing advanced technology and educating the public on the benefits of salt therapy has solidified his position as a key figure in the industry, enhancing its credibility and trustworthiness.
