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Halotherapy is a type of treatment commonly found in spas and wellness centers, but what are the actual benefits of halotherapy? We did the research and have collected information on the health benefits, forms, and products associated with halotherapy. Read on to see if "Halotherapy" is something to include in your routine.
Medical Disclaimer: While we do out best to provide you researched backed information, our articles are just that: informational. Our team consists of members passionate about fitness and wellness, but no doctors at this time. Therefore this article can not and should not be considered medical advice, and we cannot be a judge of whether or not creatine is the best choice for you. Consult a healthcare provider before adding supplements to your daily routine.
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Introduction
Halotherapy, that is, salt-based therapy, has existed for centuries, its benefits dating back to the 1100s and likely before. Halotherapy has been shown to help heal certain infections, and can be consumed in a variety of ways. In this article, we will dive into the benefits of halotherapy and provide information about the different options available to those seeking natural, salt-based healing.
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Benefits of Halotherapy
Halotherapy includes any medical or therapeutic practices that include salt (NaCl) Salt has many properties including:
Antibacterial
Anti-inflammatory
Mucoactive
These beneficial properties make it a popular way to supplement overall health. It is not considered to be a primary remedy for any major conditions, but can be beneficial in a number of different ways.
Respiratory Benefits
Inhaling salty air may serve as a natural remedy for cleansing and strengthening the lungs. It can help clear out heavy mucous and help the immune system to fight any infections. This improves the lungs' ability to exchange fresh oxygen for the carbon-dioxide in alveoli.
This improves overall help and can supplement treatment for:
Asthma
Bronchitis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary lung disease (COPD)
Chronic Coughing
Cystic Fibrosis
Pharyngitis (throat infections)
Pneumonia
Respiratory Allergies
Overall, salt-infused air can help improve lung function. In patients with chronic breathing issues, it clears mucous and makes it easier to breathe. In patients with some form of infection, it helps the immune system to remove the bacterial overgrowth.
Skin Benefits
Halotherapy also has connections to skin health. It is considered a cleansing agent against infection. Additionally, salt scrubs use the coarse nature of salt crystals to remove dead skin cells and leave behind soft fresh skin. Anecdotal evidence suggests it could help cultivate clear, smooth skin.
These benefits could be beneficial for people with:
Acne
Eczema
Psoriasis
Rashes
Rosacea
There is no direct research to support these benefits, but there is anecdotal support dating back through ancient times with natural salt springs. Consult a dermatologist if you are considering halotherapy for skin benefits.
Other Health Benefits
Halotherapy could help serve as a preventative measure against infections. Salt-infused air purifies against toxins and bacteria. It clears the airways of mucous and reduce any inflammation caused by allergens. Historical observations note that salt-miners were known for never getting sick with lung or sinus-based infections.
There is also some anecdotal evidence that halotherapy can help improve the ability to relax and sleep. It is unclear if this is a direct result of the salt or a byproduct of going to a studio that offers halotherapy. These studios are typically within spas that try to create a meditative space which may contribute to relaxation.
Side Effects
Halotherapy is a very natural process and typically considered very safe. However, it could potentially have some side effects depending on the individual and the therapy. Salt baths may cause skin irritation and redness. Additionally, dry forms of salt-therapy may cause increased coughing (in the short-term) as any built up mucous loosens. Consult your doctor before starting to add halotherapy into your routine.
Halotherapy Research Studies
Halotherapy is not within the suite of traditional western medical practices. There has not been enough scientific studies performed to certify the benefits of salt-based treatments. We based our research on medically credible sources, but they also emphasized the overall lack of clinical research.
While there is not a breadth of scientific literature studying halotherapy, there is a significant amount of anecdotal evidence to support the benefits detailed above. This evidence is highly subjective and should be taken with a grain of salt (I am not sorry).
In addition, there are several established benefits of other salt-based treatments. Salt water and saline solutions are some of the most popular over-the-counter treatments for runny noses and sore throats. In ancient times, natural salt springs were a common prescription for ailments of both the mind and body.
Forms of Halotherapy
There are a variety of different ways one can consume halotherapy. While we can describe the different methods and benefits, it will be up to you to decide which method(s) best fit your lifestyle and desired results.
Wet vs. Dry Halotherapy
Wet halotherapy is a practice the involves the used of salt-infused water. It involves immersing oneself into a bath of warm saltwater for an extended period of time. This allows for direct exposure to the skin and nasal passage. However, it has no direct affect on the lungs. Certain studios may offer this type of treatment, or you may be able to recreate the environment with some candles, a bathtub and, obviously, salt. Be aware that there are different types of salt and only some are associated with halotherapy. Read below to learn more about Epsom Salts
Dry halotherapy involves sitting in a meditative space in a room containing high concentrations of salt. This is what you would receive from a conventional "salt room". The salt is infused with the air so that it can travel through the sinus cavity and into the lungs. This makes dry halotherapy better for the respiratory benefits listed above. Depending on the studio, dry halotherapy spaces can be created in either an active or passive form.
Active vs. Passive Salt Rooms
Active Salt Rooms have device called a halogenerator. This device salinates the air in the room and allows the small particulates to reach the lungs and respiratory tract. The room is kept very dry to prevent the salt from becoming trapped by moisture in the air. A halogenerator uses a blade to break the salt down into micro-sized crystals; and then these crystals are blown into the air by a fan. These devices are typically used in a sauna/studio environment because quality halogenerators can be expensive.
A passive salt room does not have a halogenerator. Instead, it contains a high volume of salt within it to recreate the kind of salt caves where the positive effects of halotherapy were first observed. The idea is to create a dry space with constant airflow and a large volume of salt crystals. This can be in both larger chunks of salt (think Himalayan Salt Lamp) or salt dust (think sea salt). Individuals can sit in this meditative space and focus on their breath as they inhale the salty air.
Finally, although the impacts have not been researched, you could also consider buying a salt lamp and placing it near your bedside, especially if you suffer from chronic congestion or skin issues. While it is known that these lamps do not add a significant amount of salt to the air, you may notice some benefit in the long-term.
Types of Salt
Not all salts are created equally. Your average table salt is what would be called "Iodized Salt", with iodine being added as nutritional supplement. This means it is fine for digestion, but should not be used as a therapeutic medium. Buying just any sea salt doesn't work because there could be contaminants that should not be inhaled. Halotherapy should be conducted with near-pure NaCl salt.
Medical-grade salts are used in commercial halogenerators, but near-perfect replacements can be used in other forms of halotherapy. Himalayan Pink Salt are the most popular as they are naturally 98% pure NaCl and aesthetically soothing. Dead Sea Salt is another option that is naturally pure and is popular for wet halotherapy. Hawaiian Salts are often used decoratively as they come in a variety of colors when mixed with other elements found on the islands.
Epsom Salt Baths
Epsom Salts are not real salt. That is to say they do not contain NaCl (sodium chloride). Epsom Salt is typically a form of magnesium sulfate, containing magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen in a crystallized form. While epsom salt baths are a popular method of relaxation and may have some benefits for the skin, it is not considered to be halotherapy.
CONCLUSION
Halotherapy is a form of therapeutic treatment that could serve as a powerful supplement in improving respiratory health and function. As it becomes more popular, there will be more research to support the anecdotal evidence of health benefits. Halotherapy should be considered supplementary and not a cure for any conditions or ailments. Before beginning treatment, more in depth research and consultation with a medical professional should be performed.
We hope this was informative and helpful in understanding the benefits of halotherapy! As always, feel free to reach out with any questions, stories, or inquiries.
Products We Recommend
Again, the most potent benefits of halotherapy require the use of a halogenerator which can be found in wellness studios and spas. However, there is some anecdotal evidence suggesting that benefits can be found by transforming at-home environments with the following products.
Salt Diffusers
We recommend the salt and aromatherapy diffuser provided by Pure. It is an all inclusive package with the diffuser, Himalayan Salt, and 10 essential oils. It is easy to use and creates a calm, ambient space.
Salt Inhaler
The Himalayan Salt Inhaler from Natural Solutions, acts as a way of recreating the effect of a halogenerator. It allows salt to diffuse into the air in a contained space that can be directly inhaled to help clear the respiratory tract.
Dead Sea Salts
For wet halotherapy, we recommend the Dead Sea salts by Minerva. This product is made to be used in either a bath or to soak a specific area of the skin. The Dead Sea is known for having healing properties and can now be found in the comfort of your home.
Epsom Salts
If you still prefer the most common method of salt baths, we recommend Dr. Teal's epsom salts. They are high quality and cruelty free. These do not fall under the category of halotherapy, but are still supported by anecdotal evidence as a way to enhance the relaxing atmosphere of a bath.
Salt Lamps
Again, while there is no significant evidence that a salt lamp is connected to halotherapy, there is anecdotal evidence for its relaxing and purifying abilities. If you are considering a Himalayan Salt Lamp, we recommend the one linked below by Himalayan Glow. Each lamp is hand crafted and certified for safety and authenticity.
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