Salt isn’t just something to put on your food, but a way to address a variety of health conditions you may be experiencing.
Introducing salt room therapy – a holistic treatment rooted in the benefits of the pink sea salt we all know, involving stepping into a room that looks like a cave buried well into the depths of the Himalayas.
If you’re looking to learn more about what salt therapy is, look no further. Below, we’ll outline what you need to know about the treatment, its benefits, side effects and how to prepare for a session.
What is salt therapy?
Salt therapy (also known as halotherapy) is a natural therapy whereby you breathe dry salt in a controlled and comfortable environment that mimics a Himalayan salt cave. A piece of machinery known as a ‘halogenator’ lets out tiny salt particles, which makes contact with your skin and enters into your lungs. The entire process is very relaxing and is believed to alleviate the symptoms of a whole range of respiratory issues.
Salt therapy was first discovered in the 1800s in European and Russian salt mines. Polish physician Feliks Boczkowski noticed that workers in the salt mines were not suffering from the same respiratory issues as other miners working elsewhere. It was also later discovered that, during World War II, patients working salt caves had improved health.
Below, we’ll outline some of the benefits that this so-called ‘salt cave therapy’ can present.
What is salt therapy good for?
Salt therapy is known to produce a range of benefits to your health. It is known to alleviate a range of skin and respiratory condition such as asthma, hay fever, cold and flu, stress and eczema.
If you’re a little cynical and still wondering ‘does salt therapy actually work’, read on. We’ll outline some of these benefits in more detail below.
Improve respiratory conditions
Medical studies have indicated that inhaling salt assists in thinning in the mucus in your airways. This makes it easier to cough phlegm up. It’s also said that inhaling small particles of salt lowers inflammation in your body, while also alleviating symptoms of bronchitis, asthma and more.
Improve mental health
Salt cave therapy is overall a highly relaxing experience. Ions emitting in the salt room are negatively charged and improve your mental health by reducing your stress levels. It also increases your energy and helps you sleep better, meaning you can feel more energised to workout more (and thereby improve your physical health too).
Improve your skin condition
If you undergo salt therapy in a Himalayan cave on an ongoing basis, you can enhance the quality of the skin. Salt has indeed been used as a therapeutical agent since ancient history. The compound is known to can assist with conditions such as dermatitis, acne, eczema and psoriasis.
Can salt therapy be harmful?
There are some side effects people have experience when undergoing halotherapy that you should be aware of. However, there haven’t been enough thorough studies the treatment to truly realise all potential side effects and whether it can be harmful.
Inhaling concentrated salts has been known to irritate human airways. This may cause coughing and mucus, which may be a problem for asthmatics. One small-scale study published in the Journal of Medicine and Life did find that patients experiencing respiratory ailments developed a cough after using salt cave therapy.
Salt therapy is also safe for kids. Children typically have a much weaker immune system than their adult counterparts. So, they’re much more likely to catch a cold or the flu. Therefore, salt cave therapy may be ideal to assist them threat any symptoms they’re experiencing.
You should always discuss whether salt therapy is right for you with a medical professional.
Does salt therapy raise blood pressure?
Generally, no. Salt therapy won’t raise your blood pressure, but you should always confirm with your doctor.
Eating too much salt may give rise to health concerns such as rising blood pressure, strokes or heart attacks. An article in Science Daily also claimed that salt factory workers who inhaled large amounts of salt are at risk of high blood pressure.
But eating salt isn’t the same inhaling small amounts of it. The nature of dry salt is that it absorbs harmful toxins in your lungs, and so is useful for those suffering symptoms associated with conditions such as bronchitis, asthma and cystic fibrosis.
How do you feel after a Himalayan salt cave?
After you undergo a session in a salt cave, you’ll feel as if you’ve just relaxed for a couple of days on the beach. You’ll most likely feel completely re-energised and as though your skin is radiant.
You’ll likely feel better after having one session. Because you’ll feel relaxed, you also may have a great sleep that night.
But if you want long-term results, regular salt therapy is best practice. After undergoing multiple treatments, you won’t sneeze or cough as much, and any shortness of breath you’re experiencing may improve. Your sleep patterns may also improve as you receive consistently good sleep.
What to wear to salt therapy
If you’re wanting to attend a salt therapy session, you won’t need to wear anything particular. If you’re experiencing a skin condition that you want the salt to treat, it is best to wear shorts and a T-shirt and expose the affected area to the air. You shouldn’t wear tongs in the salt room so please bring clean socks to wear.
We will also provide robes to safekeep your privacy.
Salt room therapy at Cryospa Clinics
Here at Cryospa Clinics, we have a three-person Himalayan salt room specifically designed to calm your body and your mind. In a constant 28°C temperature, you’ll experience soft music, a beautiful atmosphere and an overall calming sensation in which you can let go.
We do offer free WiFi, but we prefer that you use your time in our Himalayan salt caves to relax without the distractions of electronic technology.
Get in touch with our friendly team today to discuss more about how salt therapy may be able to help you.
