Learn All About Salt-Therapy and It's Benefits
Halotherapy is a complementary therapy
based on the inhalation of salt-infused air. In the Greek language, the
word 'halo' is a prefix that means salt. There are various cases
throughout history where people saw the benefits of salt. As early as
the 4th and 5th centuries, the sick were brought into natural salt caves
to help treat health conditions related to lung and skin issues.
In the 19th century, European doctors
noticed that workers in salt mines had fewer respiratory complaints than
other miners. Modern studies are still too small to show one concise
conclusion, and researchers are divided into two groups of skeptics and
supporters, but one thing is widely agreed upon, and that is that
Halotherapy doesn't have major negative side effects.
Which Ailments Can Be Treated With Halotherapy?
People who suffer from respiratory issues
such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and allergies will benefit from
Halotherapy. Skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne can
also be treated with the help of Halotherapy. Some suggest that
Halotherapy can also benefit those who suffer from depression and
anxiety as most of the methods of treatment are very calming.
How Does it Work?
As many basic physiological functions in
the body depend on a balance between salts and liquid, salt, in a way,
symbolizes life itself. When they are inhaled, salt particles help in
thinning mucus since they draw out fluids. This clears up nasal
blockages and opens the airways of patients who have sinus and
respiratory problems.
Also a natural disinfectant, salt can kill bacteria and fungus. This
greatly improves skin conditions especially for those with dermatitis,
acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
Salt is also said to produce negative ions. This theoretically causes your body to release
more serotonin, one of the chemicals responsible for the feeling of
happiness. Many people use Himalayan salt lamps to get the benefits of
negative ions at home. If you'd like to know more, this article has more
details about them.
There are two main categories of Halotherapy and they are the dry
methods and the wet methods.
Dry Methods
Dry methods are based on man-made “salt
caves” that are free of humidity. A device called a halogenerator grinds
salt into microscopic particles and releases them into the air of the
room. The temperature is cool, set to 68°F (20°C) or lower. Sessions
usually last for about 30 to 45 minutes. Patients will sit and relax
inside the salt chamber. Some spa resorts offer other wellness
treatments in the salt chambers such as massages and facial treatments.
Wet Methods
Halotherapy is also done using a mixture of
salt and water. The therapeutic powers of water are well known and
backed by science. Wet methods of Halotherapy include:
Gargling salt water for a sore throat or a cold, or swishing them
daily in the mouth as a mouthwash.
Bathing in Epsom salt water (read all about the benefits here)
Using saltwater for nasal irrigation (this is also safe for babies:
"According to a 2008 study, inhaling a 3 percent saline solution is a
safe and effective treatment for infants with bronchiolitis"-
Healthline)
Flotation tanks filled with saltwater.
This treatment imitates the natural benefits of the Dead Sea. As
previously mentioned in this post:
"The Dead Sea area has become a major center for health research and
treatment for several reasons. The mineral content of the water, the
very low content of pollens and other allergens in the atmosphere, the
reduced ultraviolet component of solar radiation, and the higher
atmospheric pressure at this great depth each have specific health
effects."
Finally, we'd like you to remember that while Halotherapy is meant to
work with any medications you’re on, you should let your doctor know you
want to try it. Don’t stop any medications without discussing it with
your doctor.