Have you tried salt room therapy yet?  If not, you are missing out on a natural and holistic approach to improving overall well-being. Indeed, it is now my one-stop treatment for glowing skin, better breathing, stress reduction, and better immune function. In this post, we discuss the remarkable benefits of salt room therapy, how it works, and how to prepare for your visit.

How Does Salt Room Therapy Work?

Salt room therapy, also known as halotherapy, is a non-invasive, drug-free alternative for various conditions. Indeed, many of us are no longer satisfied with getting a medical prescription for every little thing.  We understand the importance of self-care and use both Western and traditional healing practices. Hence, the increasing popularity of using salt rooms in the U.S.  

A salt therapy room or halotherapy room mimics the natural salt caves, salt mines, or salt grottos that have been used for therapeutic properties for centuries.  The modern salt rooms trace their roots to the European salt mines and caves. Notably, Dr. Feliks Boczkowski observed and documented that the salt miners experienced significant health benefits despite the grueling work. Specifically, they had younger-looking skin and rarely had colds or other respiratory diseases compared to others in the community. Dr. Boczkowski later opened a health resort at the Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland in 1839.

Modern salt rooms have salt-lined walls and floors that act as a buffer for the air. They may also have salt lamps hanging from the ceiling and large chunks of Himalayan salt on the wall and floor. However, the therapeutic benefits come from the halogenerator. This machine continuously releases clean, dry air filled with microscopic salt particles.  Indeed, this acts like a dry air nebulizer that releases negatively charged particles of sodium chloride. Clients breathe in the salt aerosol as well as let the skin absorb them.

The scientific research behind dry salt therapy is ongoing. However, scientists believe dry salt therapy has natural antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergenic properties.  

Health Benefits of Dry Salt Room Therapy

The salt aerosol (particles) and negative ions in the salt room penetrate deep into the lungs and nasal passages, helping to clear mucus and reduce inflammation. The particles also absorb excess oil, exfoliate dead skin cells, and promote healthy skin cell regeneration. Here are six of the most notable benefits of halotherapy.

Improves The Respiratory System

The particles in the salt room penetrate deep into the lungs and nasal passages. The mucolytic properties of the salt break up mucus, making it easier to cough it out and clear the lungs. The salt particles also have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. Regular salt therapy sessions may improve the breathing of clients with:

• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Chest congestion
• Persistent cough
• Sinusitis
• Rhinitis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Allergies
• Other respiratory conditions

Salt room therapy is also a common preventative measure during the cold and flu season. Many individuals with breathing problems caused by COVID-19 are trying halotherapy alongside their medical regimen.

Read: Ease a Sore Throat with a Warm Salt Water Gargle

Promotes Healthy Skin

One of the most surprising benefits of dry salt therapy is healthy, glowing skin. Remember, the skin is our largest organ. So, the dry salt particles exfoliate dead skin cells and regenerate healthy cells. They also absorb excess oils, promoting a natural, healthy glow. Regular sessions in a salt room improve the skin conditions of clients with:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Rosacea
• Hives
• Acne
• Other skin conditions

Reduces Stress

Salt rooms provide a calm, peaceful environment that reduces stress and promotes relaxation. Don’t be surprised if you fall asleep a few minutes into your session. Indeed, the key is to inhale and exhale deeply. I like to do a few rounds of box breathing to aid in relaxation.

Improves Sleep Quality

Salt room therapy promotes better sleep quality. Indeed, a session late in the afternoon helps to calm and relax the body and mind, leading to a better quality of sleep.

Boosts the Immune System

Another surprising benefit of salt room therapy is that regular sessions help to boost the immune system. So, how does that work? Well, the natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of salt may strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of respiratory infections and other illnesses.

Enhances Athletic Performance

Athletes, weekend gym warriors, and those training for an event can benefit from halotherapy. The therapy enhances athletic performance by improving respiratory function and reducing inflammation. Regular sessions combined with other regimens may improve endurance, reduce recovery time, and increase lung capacity.

What to Wear to a Salt Room Therapy

I browsed the website before making an appointment.  Although there was an option to make an appointment online, I visited the store to ask questions in person.

Clothing

What you wear depends on your goal and comfort level.  For example, many individuals with skin conditions choose to wear a swimsuit or shorts and a tank top.  However, many people wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.  Pajamas are OK. You can wear jeans and a T-shirt, as did one of the guests in the room with me. I wore a swimsuit with a beach wrap and removed the wrap once seated. There are lockers with keys in the changing room for your personal belongings.

Footwear

You cannot wear shoes of any kind in the salt room. My spa had a basket of clean socks to use, but I had my own. Putting disposable booties over your shoes is not allowed. Let’s be honest; many individuals will take the booties off when no one is looking. For safety reasons, many spas do not allow you to go barefoot. Please check with your facility.

Headwear

If you are concerned about your hair, then wear a cap or wrap your head in a scarf. So, why is that? Well, the halogenerator releases fine salt particles during the session, which fall on all exposed body surfaces. After all, that is why you go there. I have short hair that I wash or rinse daily, so it was not a problem for me. However, if you have long hair, have a high-maintenance hairstyle, or wear braids, dreads, or wigs, then I suggest using a scarf or hat.

Eyewear

The room is very dim. My room had a few glowing salt lamps, but no electric lamps overhead lights. If you wear glasses, take them off and put them in a sealed bag once seated. Again, if you don’t, they will be covered with salt particles, and the screws may get corroded. Please call ahead if you wear contact lenses to see if they are OK. My eyes did not burn or feel dried out, but I used a few drops of artificial tears after the session.

Jewelry

Remember. Salt corrodes. So, do not wear any jewelry in the salt room. Instead, remove it and put it in the locker. The attendants do a great job of reminding you.

9 Things to Expect During a Salt Room Therapy Session

I heard about a local halotherapy spa from my massage therapist. Her description piqued my interest, so I browsed the website before making an appointment. Although there was an option to make an appointment online, I visited the store to ask questions in person.

Although my masseuse described what to expect, she did not do it justice. Now, you don’t want to miss this. Each salt therapy spa has its own personality and additional offerings.  For example, the one I visit has a gift shop that sells jewelry, crystals, local honey, sage bundles, essential oils, salt lamps, and other unique items.  The tea kettle is always on and sits next to a jar of local honey on a warming plate. 

Here is a detailed description of what to expect during a salt room therapy session:

1. Session length. Most sessions last 45 minutes. This is sufficient time to experience the optimal benefits of salt-infused air. My spa offers 45-minute sessions on the hour. They use the next 15 minutes to clean and ready the room for the next guests.
2. Welcoming atmosphere. My salt room had salt bricks on the back wall and large salt-covered panels on the side walls. The floor was covered with salt crystals. The room had salt lamps that emitted a soft, golden glow. Relaxing music in the background helped to create a tranquil atmosphere.
3. Comfortable seating. My room had six zero-gravity chairs that were arranged in a circle. The chairs had a headrest and a reclining option. Some spas have benches instead of chairs.
4. A cool room. The recommended temperature for a slat room is 66-68°F (19-20°C). The attendant offered me a blanket, but I brought my own. I threw off the blanket after a few minutes because I had on a swimsuit and wanted maximum exposure to the salt.
5. Salt-infused air. Once settled, the halogenerator starts, and you begin to experience the therapeutic effects of the salt-infused air. The seat closest to the halogenerator is the prime spot because you experience the most particles. The generator has a soft, soothing, whirring sound that makes it easy to take a nap.
6. Deep breathing. To maximize the benefits, inhale deeply through your nose. Let the salt-infused air go deeply into your lungs.
7. Relaxation time. Salt room therapy offers a time to unplug since no electronic devices are allowed. Indeed, the light is so dim that it is hard to read a book. So, close your eyes, nap, meditate, or do another mindful practice.
8. Beverage. My spa offered a complementary selection of hot teas in thermal mugs. I also had a bottle of water. One of my friends brought a mimosa in a sippy cup.
9. Post-session hydration. Drink plenty of water after the session to stay hydrated.

Precautions and Potential Side Effects of Salt Room Therapy

Salt room therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated for most adults and older children. You may experience minor side effects such as coughing, nasal congestion, or skin irritation. Additionally, you may experience some redness or irritation if you have very sensitive skin. These side effects are usually temporary and mild. My attendant did an excellent job in telling me what to expect after the session, but I did not have any issues.

Salt room therapy is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with claustrophobia. Additionally, it should not be used if you have:

• Open sores or wounds
• Fever
• Tuberculosis
• Persistent coughing
• Flu
• COVID
• Bacterial or viral infection
• Hypertension

Remember, halotherapy is not a substitute for medical treatment by a licensed health professional. Please seek medical advice if you have an underlying health condition.

Now, It’s Your Turn

Well, I hope you feel more educated about using salt room therapy. I use it to relax, treat my eczema, and ease my breathing. Salt room therapy works well with your other medical treatment. However, the information provided here is for general education and does not contradict advice from your healthcare provider.  Talk to your doctor or other medical professionals before trying halotherapy, especially for respiratory issues and lung problems.

I think you will also enjoy the blog posts on progesterone-rich foods for PMS and menopause, natural remedies for vaginal dryness,  magnesium for menopause,  essential oils for menopause, apple cider vinegar for hot flashes, and intermittent fasting for women over 40.

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