Health Benefits of Salt Therapy (Halotherapy)

While consuming too much salt can be bad for your health, halotherapy, also known as salt therapy, is excellent for your health!

While consuming too much salt can be bad for your health, halotherapy, also known as salt therapy, is excellent for your health! If you’ve been to the beach, you know what I’m talking about. As you listen to the waves rhythmically crash onto the shore, you can probably smell the sea breeze and salt in the air. There is a reason why this is so peaceful (and good for you too).

What Is Salt Therapy?

Salt therapy is pretty simple. There are two types: dry salt therapy and wet salt therapy. Dry salt therapy in an active salt room is a 100% natural remedy where you breathe in pharmaceutical-grade dry salt in a relaxing environment. A halogenerator emits microscopic salt particles into the room as you breathe deep, inviting those particles into your lungs. Salt therapy is safe for babies, children, and adults of any age. Sometimes, the salt therapy environment is equipped with books, games, and other comfort items you can enjoy during treatment.

A passive salt room is similar, except the walls are made of dry salt, and there is no halogenerator. Rock salt, salt from the Dead Sea, or Himalayan salt can be found in the walls. The airflow and humidity regulate, allowing the salt crystals to absorb water and evaporate. This neat process releases great quantities of negative ions.

Wet salt therapy involves using a Neti Pot or salt inhaler to clear your airway and nasal passages of mucus, bacteria, and germs. Salt has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties, making it the perfect treatment for all upper respiratory issues. You may also like bathing in a salt environment as a part of wet salt therapy. It can do wonders for your skin!

On the other hand, salt inhalers are small ceramic devices filled with pink Himalayan salt crystals. You put your mouth on the mouthpiece and inhale. This is a great alternative therapy for respiratory issues.

Salt Therapy Benefits

What crunchy mama doesn’t like feelings of peace and calm while enjoying a host of additional health benefits? If you’re curious about the many salt therapy benefits, look no further. Allow me to share a bit of a roundup:

Cleanse and detox lungs – Dry salt particles can cleanse mucus and rid the lungs of allergens.
Moisturize skin – While most of us associate salt with drying things out, dry salt therapy can help absorb foreign or bacterial substances that land on the skin while keeping skin soft and supple.
Treat skin conditions – Salt therapy is excellent for treating skin conditions including, but not limited to, psoriasis, rash, dermatitis, acne, rosacea, and even wrinkles.
Supports cell rejuvenation and improves skin rigidity. This helps keep you glowing.
Stress relief – Inhaling dry salt scents can instill feelings of calm and clarity.
Relieve respiratory symptoms – This may include asthma, smoker’s cough, and bronchitis.
Stabilizes mood – In addition to stress relief, dry salt therapy can help stabilize your mood and evoke feelings of peace and security.
May aid in helping you stop snoring – An unobstructed airway means less likely you will snore and disturb your sleep and those around you.
“Ultimate Healing” – These benefits combined provide a multifaceted approach to whole-body healing and wellness.
Zero side effects – Since salt is a pretty naturally occurring substance, there are no side effects or blatant risk factors to salt therapy, except the possibility for increased coughing when you first start. Just be sure to follow your practitioner’s instructions and ask any questions you may have.

You can research your local spas and wellness centers to find a salt room near you.

Beyond the Salt Room

Some crunchy mamas may ask, “Can I get the benefits of a salt room without traveling to go to one?” The answer is, to a certain extent, you can. Himalayan salt lamps are smaller, more portable ways to enjoy the benefits of dry salt therapy. Just be sure you do a little research to purchase the one that is right for you. They make great night lights, by the way!

Speaking of salts, did you know that bath salts can help filter chlorine water? I make chlorine neutralizing bath salts so I can soak in my tub without worrying about excessive chlorine exposure. I primarily use sea salt when putting my recipe together. As a mom, I know I’m doing everything possible to ensure my kids bathe in healthy, safe, and clean water that won’t damage their skin.

Wet salt therapy is great for clearing sinuses, especially during the flu and cold season. You can use a Neti Pot made of plastic or ceramic. Mix purified water and Himalayan sea salt, or saline wash, to create the cleansing mixture. Simply pour the mixture into one of your nostrils, and the water (and mucus) will expel from your open nostril. Switch sides and repeat.

There is something truly rewarding about natural detoxification, don’t you think?