Salt therapy, otherwise known as halotherapy, has been around for centuries and is scientifically proven to offer a variety of respiratory and skincare benefits. Today, salt therapy rooms are popping up all over the place, offering seniors an alternative way to improve their health and well-being. In this post, we’ll explore what salt therapy is, how it works, and why seniors and salt therapy are a perfect match.
What is Salt Therapy?
Salt therapy is a natural, holistic, drug-free, and touchless modality that uses pure-grade sodium chloride that is ground, crushed, and dispersed from a halogenerator, to create an environment similar to that found in natural salt caves or chambers. When inhaled, these microscopic salt particles can help reduce inflammation in the airways while also improving respiratory function. This type of therapy has been used by people of all ages for centuries to help treat a variety of medical conditions including asthma, allergies, cystic fibrosis, COPD, as well as skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
How Does it Work?
During a typical session, you will sit in a salt room or SALT Booth® filled with micron-sized salt particles that have been dispersed from a halogenerator. As you breathe in these particles they will travel deep into your lungs where they will work to reduce inflammation and improve respiratory function. The salt that is not inhaled, falls to the skin and is absorbed.
Why Seniors Should Try Salt Therapy
As we age our bodies become less efficient at fighting off infection which can lead to chronic respiratory issues such as asthma or allergies. With the help of salt therapy, seniors can improve their overall lung capacity which helps them better fight off infection and improve their quality of life. Additionally, regular salt therapy sessions are believed to reduce stress hormones, helping seniors manage anxiety or depression more effectively.
Salt therapy offers seniors a safe and natural way to improve their health without having to take medication or undergo invasive treatments. By creating an environment similar to that found in natural salt caves or chambers, this type of therapeutic treatment helps reduce inflammation in the airways while also improving respiratory function so that seniors can breathe easier and feel more energized throughout their day-to-day activities.
Salt therapy is ideal for seniors with mobility issues as well. All you need to do is sit, relax and breathe!
For more education on salt therapy, please visit the Salt Therapy Association.
If you’re interested in adding salt therapy to your home, please visit Salt Therapy Home.
If you’re interested in adding salt therapy to your senior living facility or spa, please click here.
FAQ’s
Who should not do salt therapy?
Almost everyone can enjoy the benefits of halotherapy, as it is safe for most individuals. If you are suffering from contagious diseases, fever, open wounds, lung cancer, active tuberculosis, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult with your doctor before using halotherapy.
How long does it take for salt therapy to work?
Everyone reacts to salt differently. Some people can feel the effect of treatment after the first session, while others may need a few sessions. We say, make salt therapy a habit. Just as you brush your teeth to maintain your oral health, and may work out to help your overall health, it is extremely important to take care of your respiratory health. Salt therapy is like a toothbrush for your respiratory system.
Is salt therapy beneficial for seniors?
Yes! Salt therapy is beneficial for seniors. During a salt therapy session, the micron-sized salt particles go deep into the recesses of the lungs, absorb impurities from the body, and help break up mucus so the body can eliminate the toxins. Clean lungs can bring more oxygen into the body to provide energy, impact every organ in the body, and improve overall well-being. As mentioned above, the salt that is not inhaled falls onto the skin and is absorbed. That helps to provide pH normalization and induces reparative and regenerative processes in the derma, increases skin rigidity, stimulates growth, and improves hair health.
Does salt therapy raise blood pressure?
This is a great question with a simple answer: No. During halotherapy, salt enters through your skin and respiratory tract and does not enter the digestive system, alleviating concerns about sodium intake. This study (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27636922/) even showed a decrease in blood pressure after halotherapy!
If you have questions or concerns, consult with your doctor.
Photo Credit: Asha Urban Baths, Watercrest Senior Living Group – Macon
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.
