Halotherapy, popularly called salt therapy, is a natural treatment that entails inhalation or ingestion of salt to promote better health. This treatment is gaining traction because of its alleged health benefits, as salt exposure is especially purported to assist those with respiratory disorders and other skin conditions. Through controlled dosage of salt exposure, be it ingestion or a room filled with salt air, which the light salt fog aims to attain, the body is believed to heal itself.
Today, we will dive in-depth into the wonders of halotherapy or salt therapy, learning what it comprehends, e.g., its types, its usage benefits, and tips for starters willing to provide their bodies and minds with a new experience.
When Did It Start and Why People Call It Halotherapy And Salt Therapy?
The salt’s effect on respiratory organs has puzzled humanity for centuries. Our forefathers realized that halotherapy and salt therapy are derived from” halo,” the Greek word for salt. Nazareth, a physician from Eastern Europe, started the salt cave tradition in the 1900s, believing it would help with respiratory problems. Modern salt therapy replicates this setting in controlled environments, where salt is sprayed in the air to resemble natural salt caves.
Haloptheraphy and salt therapy meetings are usually held in rooms filled with fine ground salt grains. The salt size is so small it is almost invisible to the naked eye. Not only do we consume salt when we cook or have our delicious meals, but it is also an excellent substitute for absorbing salt air. Salt-exposed air can penetrate through the skin or be inhaled. It’s certainly a remarkable experience and, besides that, an excellent opportunity to intensify the health of your lungs and skin.
What is Halotherapy/Salt Therapy and How Does It Work
A treatment known as halotherapy employs a type of equipment known as a halo generator, which grinds salt into small pieces and discharges it into the atmosphere. Salt particles, When inhaled, go into the deepest parts of the lungs. They’re believed to help:
- Decrease inflammation
- Get rid of mucus
- Eradicate bacteria
- Enhance skin
Due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, salt can improve lung function while inhaled, especially in salt-infused environments.
Types of Salt Therapy
Salt therapy has two common forms:
1. Dry Salt Therapy
- Dry salt therapy entails inhaling dry salt particles in a controlled, warm environment, which many think is more efficient.
- People sit in salt rooms, where a mixture of tiny particles of sodium chloride is blown into the air.
- This salt therapy is said to not incorporate any moisture, which means it is more effective.
2. Wet Salt Therapy
Wet salt therapy combines salt and water that can be gargled, sipped, or used to decorate the bathroom.
- A popular form of wet salt therapy, salt water baths can help to relax sore muscles and aches and enhance overall relaxation.
- Some individuals also use salt solutions as nasal rinses to relieve sinus congestion.
- Although both treatment methods aim to achieve relaxation and healing, dry salt therapy is cherished more for treating lung and breathing-related issues.
Benefits of Halotherapy/Salt Therapy
Packed in a full kit of benefits, Halotherapy is specifically good for patients with lung or skin issues. Let’s take a look at some key sunbathing salt therapy benefits:
1. Respiratory Health
It is believed that diffusing salt particles assists in:
- Breathing passages non-restrictive treatable form of salt therapy for respiratory
- Unconstructive critique mucus
- A precious fund that factors everything environmental problems
- In relation to bronchitis, asthma, allergies, or sinusitis, halotherapy provides treatable relief to patients with conditions. Moreover, it also eases the breathing process as salt-rich treatment aids in sustaining the air passage.
2. Skin Health
This treatment is one of the most effective ways to treat various skin conditions. Salt therapy improves the texture of the skin and reduces irritation, leading to better management of conditions such as Eczema or Psoriasis. Moreover, due to certain antibacterial antibacterial properties, salt can clean and cleanse the skin and provide a fresh feeling.
3. Stress Relief and Relaxation
For those who want mental and physical health improvement, joining salt therapy for about an hour is worth it. There is a calm atmosphere in the salt room with dimmed lights, soft music, and low salt content in the air, and due to these conditions, one lessens his stress and anxiety. The ambiance is so soothing that one would feel relaxed during the treatment, making halotherapy a prominent choice to promote relaxation and clear the mind.
4. Improved Sleep
Several individuals have reported significantly increased sleep quality when using salt therapy. The salt therapy’s ability to relax the body and ease airway pressure aids enhance respiratory functioning during sleep. People with sleep apnea and chronic nasal obstruction would benefit the most from this.
5. Strengthening the Immune System
Halotherapy might improve the body’s health by reducing bacteria. It contains salt, which has antibacterial properties and can assist the body in resisting numerous infections. Inhaling filtered air can boost the body’s immune system, which in turn can result in fewer sore throats, flu, and respiratory infections.
How can I start my first session of Salt Therapy?
For those that are beginners in salt therapy, some useful tips are:
1. Choose an Established Center: Search through spas or wellness establishments offering salt therapy, ensuring their cleanliness.
2. Gradually Increase Your Time: When you start practicing halotherapy, gradually increase your session duration, which should be around 15 to 30 minutes per session in the beginning.
3. Drink Sufficient Amount of Water: It is wise to consume a lot of water before and after the session, particularly as you will lose a lot of water during the session because of the salt.
4. Wear Comfortable Clothes: Opt for loose clothes as salt remains in the form of very small particles and does not necessarily ruin clothes but can make one feel uneasy.
5. Breathe Deeply: Preferably, focus on deep breaths. Many investigators have believed in the effectiveness of salt in saturating the lungs. This probably helps enhance the outcomes of the inhalation aspect of the treatment.
Who Are the People That Should Not Use Salt Therapy?
Halotherapy, in principle, seems to be a good relaxing option, although caution is needed for some. It is advisable for anyone who has the below-mentioned ailments to discuss their condition with a medical professional before undergoing massotherapy.
- Diabetes or chronic serious respiratory disease
- Hashimoto’s disorder
- Symptoms of infections or sore areas
- Severe alopecia
That said, reaching out to a medical consultant is always safe prior to beginning any new treatment or practice, including halotherapy or salt therapy.
Conclusion: The Future is Salt Therapy/Halotherapy
As I explained earlier, this does seem to have a positive effect on many, including myself. So, if someone is considering quitting a salt-free lifestyle, I would not recommend doing so as it would only increase contraction rates for those who are already suffering from respiratory diseases or looking for peace of mind through salt therapy. There is only one caveat that would make me reconsider, which is moderation,
There are two pieces of good news. The first is that more and more clinical centers are being built that contain cutting rooms and equipment for salt therapy, making it much easier for the general public to find such services. Salt therapy is gaining popularity, which means more research will be conducted in the field.
