Salt Therapy for Breathing Health

Read on to discover how salt therapy could benefit you this Summer!

 

Salt Therapy

It is no secret that salt therapy, or halotherapy as it is also known, has many benefits for our health, especially for those of use with respiratory conditions or allergy issues. I remember first hearing about its benefits for Cystic Fibrosis in the 90s when salt therapy rooms/caves were first becoming a thing in Ireland. But as I was in my teens and quite healthy with my lung disease, I didn't look any further into it.

As usual, it is generally not until we are on our knees in desperation that we seek help from alternative therapies, especially those that have stood the test of time. Salt therapy is one of those therapies as it has been around for centuries in several different cultures. It was then re-established for therapeutic purposes in the 1840s. Shortly after this discovery, the world of salt rooms and mineral spas was born.

So How Does it Work?

Salt has many healing properties, some of which are;

• Antibacterial

• Anti-inflammatory

• Immunity-Boosting

• Balances fluids and electrolytes in the body

• Mucolytic effects: loosens excessive mucus

• Speeds up mucociliary transport (the clearance of mucus and substances trapped within the mucus)

• Removes pathogen agents (e.g. airborne pollen)

• Repair skin cells

 

  

 

Who Should Use Salt Therapy?

Basically, anyone that breathes!

But if you have any kind of respiratory condition, skin issue, or allergy, then I'm sure you've come across the benefits of salt therapy by now, but let me refresh your memory. Remembering how this therapy works from the above list.

It is clear that everyone can benefit from engaging in salt therapy but there are a few of us who may benefit even more than the average person, such as those who suffer from;

• Cystic Fibrosis

• Asthma

• COVID-19 or 'Long-COVID'

• Hay Fever

• Other respiratory conditions e.g., COPD or Bronchitis

• Chest infections

• Sinus infections

• Throat infection or pharyngitis

• Common cold

• Rhinitis

• Tonsilitis

• Acne and rosacea

• Skin allergies

• Rash

• Eczema

• Psoriasis

• Muscle discomfort

• Dermatitis

• Fungal infections, e.g. Onychomycosis 

 

Salt therapy can also help with snoring, enhance the performance of athletes, and can even help with anti-aging and wrinkles!

 

 

How to Incorporate Salt Therapy into Your Every-Day Life

 

1. Salt Rooms

Manufactured salt rooms imitate natural salt caves. They are the modern alternative, a convenient way to access the very same benefits that the salt caves offer.

The best salt rooms ship salt from caves in Poland, Romania, etc. The halogenerator then blows pharmaceutical salt and Himalayan salt inside the room during the session.

Mineral salt particles are inhaled and accelerate mucus clearance to help detox the lungs and reduce bronchial inflammation.

 

 

There are no microbes or allergens in the salt rooms, allowing the immune system to rest during the session. The salt particles convert positive ions into negative ions. This is vital in increasing our body's immunity.

Salt rooms usually hold 6- 10 people per 45-minute session. I was lucky enough to have the room to myself for my session though :) I just cozied up on the sun lounger with a blanket (the rooms mimic the temperature of natural salt caves so they're a bit chilly!) and read my book. I think I also may have had a quick snooze! You could also do a meditation either as the ambiance is so calming.

Some salt rooms offer children's sessions where kids can access toys or the TV might be on. This is ideal for younger kids as they probably won't even realise that they are having therapy as they entertain themselves!

The price per session is usually approx. €30 and in my opinion is very reasonable and worthwhile.

 

 

2. Salt Lamps

Himalayan salt lamps are also a lovely alternative way to incorporate salt therapy into your home or workspace, to preserve the quality of air. They are also extremely calming to be around with their low lighting.

Salt lamps don't have the same strong benefits as salt rooms or other salt therapy options as the salt doesn't circulate around the room, but they are a lovely addition to a space. I have three in different rooms in my home. They cost about €20 and need a small bulb at 15W.