I hope all of you are healthy and safe. We’ve been receiving many phone calls and emails regarding salt therapy and the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), and we’re sure your customers, clients, and guests have been asking you questions as well.
I want to take time to personally address the current situation and provide you with some perspective, responses, answers, and information that you may want to also share with your family, staff, and customers. Also, get the facts from the CDC and official health agencies as opposed to social media and unverified sources of information.
While there are many health care professionals and clinicians around the world working diligently on researching this particular virus for fighting off and containing the virus, there are no formal studies currently in place specifically testing the impact halotherapy has on this particular coronavirus. I have been in discussions with some physicians here in the United States and abroad who are potentially interested in adding this to quarantined individuals for treatment, however, there are no direct claims that can be made at this time.
I recently spoke with Dr. Daniel Layish, MD, a Board Certified Pulmonologist and a fellow Founding Director of the Salt Therapy Association, who said: “It is too early to tell what impact halotherapy may have with this strain of the coronavirus, however, this coronavirus does affect the respiratory and lung system and dry salt therapy has shown to provide symptomatic benefit such as in a clinical study we conducted that focused on patients with cystic fibrosis. While there is no need to be overly concerned at this time, being proactive and taking care of your respiratory system is becoming more important than ever before.” A strong advocate for this complementary therapy, Dr. Layish often recommends his patients to the local Salt Room in Orlando, Florida. As a matter of fact, in many countries, it is an approved therapeutic treatment covered by health providers.
According to the Salt Therapy Association, dry salt therapy is antimicrobial which kills many microorganisms or stops their growth. Over a month ago, there was a published article referencing a study underway with researchers at the University of Alberta that have developed a virus-killing salt coating that’s designed to improve the effectiveness of the common surgical masks often used to prevent the spread of pathogens like influenza or the new coronavirus.
The salt used in our SALT FX® halogenerators is 99.99% pure medical-grade sodium chloride and, therefore, there are no concerns regarding any foreign substances or contaminants when inhaling the dry salt aerosol. Salt is antimicrobial which means it is an agent that kills microorganisms or stops their growth. Due to its antibacterial properties, salt has long been used as a preservative. Keep in mind that properly designed salt rooms also have exhaust systems to purge the salt room in between sessions for a fresh air exchange prior to the start of the next session.
SALT Chamber, along with Salt Therapy Association Facility Members around the world, encourages people to be proactive and preventative with practicing respiratory hygiene and believes it is imperative to one’s overall health and wellness.
Recommendations and Suggestions:
- Educate your staff, customers, and people in your network and community about the facts and about halotherapy.
- Follow CDC guidelines and protocols such as washing hands (but do not over sanitize).
- Be careful around people who may display symptoms of a cold such as sneezing and coughing.
- As many CF’ers (Cystic Fibrosis) know, keep six feet apart to reduce the risk of infection since germs spread to about five feet through droplets released in the air when people cough or sneeze.
- Do not be embarrassed to move away, not shake hands or do whatever makes you feel uncomfortable.
- Be aware of what your fingers and hands touch and be aware of your breath
Wipe down and clean surfaces that people may touch in between salt sessions such as on your reception counter, armrests, cushions, etc. - Have hand sanitizers available…make your own as well with rubbing alcohol, Aloe Vera gel, essential oils and a pinch of salt.
- Have tissues in the salt rooms and/or in the Salt Booth®.
- Practice clean air therapy such as cleaning and/or replacing your air filters and provide clean air exchanges.
- Refrain from sharing blankets, if used in a salt room.
- Post and share responsible social media about halotherapy to educate and build awareness and reference the Salt Therapy Association information, research and studies.
The Salt Therapy Association sent out information last week to its Facility Members via a SALT-Ed blog article, and a press release was distributed as well:
- Press Release: https://www.salttherapyassociation.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-coronavirus-and-halotherapy-dry-salt-therapy
- SALT-Ed Blog: https://www.salttherapyassociation.org/blog/salt-ed-the-coronavirus-and-halotherapy
- News Article: https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/a-salt-coated-mask-that-kills-viruses-alberta-researchers-working-on-it-1.4798138
Stay healthy and be safe!
Leo Tonkin
CEO
SALT Chamber
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.
