You may have always heard about the negative effects of consuming high amounts of salt such as high blood pressure, heart problems, and calcium loss, which are very much true.

But, here in this article, we will talk about “Salt Therapy” which provides you with health benefits. 

What is Salt Therapy?

It is also known as halotherapy. It is an alternative treatment and involves breathing in the air with tiny salt particles to improve various health conditions such as asthma, bronchitis (swelling of airways), cough and skin conditions, and allergies. Halotherapy is often practiced in spa-like salt rooms. 

What is the history of Halotherapy?

Nearly two centuries ago in Poland, many workers toiling deep in the salt mine did not have lung issues and were healthy, unlike workers in other mines. This occurrence was noticed by a Polish physician named Feliks Boczkowski and promoted the idea of salt treatment.

Types of Halotherapy

This treatment is usually done in two types of salt rooms.

  • Active salt room: This room consists of equipment known as a halo generator filled with salt, it breaks down the salt into tiny particles that circulate in the room, to be breathed in and exposed to your skin. 
  • Passive salt room: This type of room does not have a machine. Instead, it is filled with various types of salt such as  Himalayan salt, Dead Sea, or rock salt with controlled temperature and humidity. This room has lower salt content than the active room and is for relaxation and meditation purposes.

What makes salt therapy effective?

Salt is super absorbent. It possesses natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

The inhaled salt causes your mucus to thin and liquefy to easily dislodge and expel it along with pathogens, debris, and pollutants.

It stimulates your body’s natural cilia movement to keep your airways clear of mucus and dirt. Besides natural exfoliation, it is also beneficial to your skin as it regulates the pH level and promotes “good bacteria” on your skin. 

Benefits of Halotherapy

It provides benefits for various respiratory, skin, and lifestyle-related conditions such as 

  • Clear the respiratory tract from pollutants, smoke, and allergens.
  • Provide relief from the symptoms of asthma, chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD), sinusitis (inflamed sinuses), rhinitis (swelling of the mucous membrane of the nose) and hay fever, cold / flu, or tonsillitis (inflamed tonsils).
  • Relief from skin irritation, itching, and inflammation associated with eczema and psoriasis
  • Improve endurance and stamina.

Halotherapy provides a wide array of health benefits, however, it still lacks scientific credibility. You can give it a try but if you have any underlying health condition please consult your doctor first.

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