About Salt Therapy (Halotherapy)
Since the beginning of time salt therapy has been around and used throughout history in all sorts of ways. Salt is a common cooking ingredient, used on snowy and icy roads, as a preservative, and even as currency in centuries past. Salt has also been used in many healing, therapeutic, and medicinal ways including saline solutions, nebulizers, skin scrubs, salt baths, and Nettie pots, mostly known as “wet” salt therapy. Salt’s quality to absorb moisture is one of the main health benefits. Halotherapy is also called Dry Salt Therapy.
As a natural alternative, Halotherapy is being provided throughout Europe, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, the United States. It’s a complementary way of improving general wellness, respiratory issues, skin conditions, detoxification, athletic performance and more.
History of Salt Therapy (Halotherapy)
In the mid-1800s, Felix Bochkovsky, a health official in Poland, observed salt mine workers rarely suffered from any colds, respiratory ailments or lung diseases. The amazing health benefits Bochkovsky attributes this to is the salt being inhaled on a daily basis. Speleotherapy (salt cave therapy) was born when people with asthma, allergies, emphysema and other respiratory problems began heading to the salt mines. Dry sodium chloride’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help in treating ear infections and certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema. Salt therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free, chemical-free, all natural solution.
How does Salt Therapy work?(Halotherapy)
A machine called a Halogenerator grounds, crushes pure crade sodium chloride. During a typical session these dry aerosol micro-particles of salt are then dispersed into the salt room. While relaxing in the salt room the micro-particles land on the skin and are inhaled. The particles penetrate deep into the lungs, bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli as well as into the deeper layers of the skin.
Why does salt therapy work?
There are three main characteristics to Dry salt therapy: It is super absorbent, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. The microscopic salt particles get deep into the respiratory system as well as into the skin, the dry salt absorbs all the excess mucous, allergens and foreign elements in the respiratory system, opens constricted airways and kills the spreading of bacteria and viruses.
Who benefits from halotherapy treatments?
Salt therapy is great for overall wellness, benefits people of all ages with respiratory and skin issues. Those with the following conditions will benefit from Salt therapy:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Bronchial Infections
- Chronic ENT illnesses
- Cold/Flu
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Dermatitis
- Ear Infections
- Eczema
- Emphysema
- Psoriasis
- Pneumonia
- Rhinitis
- Sinus Infections
- Sinusitis
- Smoker’s Cough
- Snoring
- Stress and Fatigue
- Wheezing
Should Salt Therapy be avoided in any case?
Dry Salt Therapy is NOT recommended for individuals with the following conditions:
- Acute respiratory disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Existence or suspicion of cancer
- Infections accompanied by fever
- Any kind of infectious disease
- Hypertension in IIB stage
- COPD with 3rd stage of chronic lung insufficiency
- Coughing of blood/bleeding
- Any form or stage of tuberculosis
Is salt bad for you?
Some people with high blood pressure or hypertension are concerned about the intake of salt because of issues relating to diet. This type of salt intake is connected to the digestive tract. Dry salt therapy is associated to the respiratory system, not digestion. There is no risk to your health when inhaled because the amount of micro salt particles entering your respiratory system is extremely low. It actually kills bacteria, reduces inflammation and expands airways.
Are there any side effects?
The side effects are infrequent, there could be a mild tickle in the throat or an increase in cough due to an excess mucus buildup. These effects are an indication the therapy is working. For those with hypersensitive skin, other effects might be a slight skin irritation.
What type of salt is used?
Pure-grade 99.99% therapeutic sodium chloride is used in the halogenerators. The clinical studies and research for halotherapy involve only using this pure grade sodium chloride. The salt comes from the earth/seas and goes through a process eliminating and removing all debris and contaminant. It is not processed with any additives or caking agents like table salt.
Is there research and evidence that salt therapy works?
Throughout the world and here in the United States, salt therapy has been researched and studied. Please go to http://salttherapyassociation.org/research-education/research-articles/ for more details..
What should I expect and experience in the salt room?
You will experience a very tranquil, relaxing time in the salt therapy room. In the session you will breathe in a very fine aerosol of dry salt particles that are barely visible to the eye. The lights will dim and you can listen to relaxing music, read a book or magazine (reading lights may be available to you), meditate, or simply rest. The humidity and temperature in the room is controlled to provide an optimal experience. Electronics, such as cell phones, are usually not permitted as the salt could be corrosive. Wear comfortable clothing (salt air will not leave a noticeable residue). To receive additional benefit, you can wear shorts and t-shirts to expose your skin as well. You may have a slight taste on your lips at the end of the session. Our child salt rooms is designed for kids to play with toys, books and puzzles to provide an enjoyable experience while breathing in the salt. It is suggested to hydrate with water after each session Because of the nature of the salt.
How many sessions does it take?
People respond differently to different wellness and health regimens but many people will notice a positive effect in just in one session. We offer packages of a series of sessions, this is recommended for optimal results. Some people come 2-3 times a week for a 3-4 week ritual during allergy and cold seasons, some people come 2 times a week for 6-8 weeks for more chronic conditions. It is suggested for those who come for general wellness, stress relief and relaxation, to simply come as often as they like. Symptoms subside and relief can last for several months for many conditions, after a series of sessions. Salt Therapy can also be used as a preventative measure to strengthen the immune system against colds, cough, allergies, and sinusitis. You cannot overdose from salt therapy.
Disclaimer:
While there are many clinical and scientific studies conducted on dry salt therapy (halotherapy) throughout the world, the FDA has not evaluated the statements made throughout this material, content, website, etc. Dry salt therapy is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.