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There is a new trend growing in spa treatments worldwide, resulting in the opening of more Salt Float Spas. These salt therapy benefits are documented as early as the medieval era. Halotherapy or salt therapy is offering some treatments aimed at healing skin and respiratory problems. I had the chance to experience a salt float tank and salt cave and thought I’d dive in and learn everything I need to know about them.
Dream it.
What is Halotherapy or Salt Therapy
Think of salt therapy as breathing in the salty air but with more benefits than just sitting on a beach. Common salt therapy treatments you may be more aware of include:
- salt scrubs
- saltwater flushes
- neti pots
- Himalayan salt lights
- salt rooms or caves
- sensory or salt float tanks
Read More: How to Pamper Yourself at Home DIY Spa Day
Plan it.
What the Advocates of Salt Therapy Say
The experts who swear by salt therapy treatments claim that sitting in a salt cave will help with skin and respiratory conditions. They feel that breathing in the salty air can boost immunity, clear skin and relieve asthma and bronchitis.
Read More: A Look at the Best Body Oils For Dry Skin
How Does Salt Therapy Work?
The salt molecules in the air break down after entering the lungs, where they break down and release negative ions that cleanse and kill bacteria and germs. These negative ions are said to:
- can reduce inflammation in the lungs and clear mucus
- naturally, moisturize the skin by attracting moisture
- ease coughs and shortness of breathe
- improve skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis and acne
- help and reduce stress
- reduce headaches
- aid in the treatment of depression, anxiety and stabilize mood
What the Critics of Salt Therapy Say
The issue with those who question salt therapy benefits is that there haven’t been sufficient studies to prove the health benefits. The lack of research makes health professionals question the validity of all the claims.
Live it.
Different Salt Therapy Treatments Available
Salt Scrubs
Using salt scrubs to exfoliate the skin helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and kill bacteria, resulting in rejuvenating the skin. Those who use them say their skin appears firmer, fresher and it provides a younger-looking glow.
Salt Water Flushes and Neti Pots
Those with sinus problems or who had severe sinus infections, as I have, may have been introduced to saline irrigation. This therapy involves using a water and salt solution to flush out nasal passages. One of the oldest treatments consists of the use of a Neti pot which looks like a small teapot. Pour the salt solution into the nostril, and the water flushes the mucus and allergens out the other side.
Himalayan Pink Salt Lamps
Aside from the aesthetically pleasing look these salt lamps provide in your home, salt lamps attract air pollutants and clean the air. However, I think a good quality air purifier will work better as there are many fake salt lamps out there, which will produce no results other than offering a salt glow in your room.
Salt Float Tank (Sensory Deprivation Tanks)
I experienced my first salt tank float at the Salt Spa of St. Augustine and loved the experience so much that I’m now hunting for more spas that offer this treatment. They fill the tanks with 1000 lbs of Epsom salts in water, heated to body temperature.
The sensory deprivation tank is a place to relax, float and meditate for one hour, mimicking the feeling of being in a mother’s womb. This treatment is said to reduce pain and inflammation, increase energy and ease stress.
Read More: Discovering the Benefits of Salt Therapy at the Salt Spa of St. Augustine
Himalayan Salt Cave or Salt Room
This salt therapy treatment involves a room-covered floor to ceiling in Himalayan Pink Salt. There is a generator in the cave which sends salt particles out into the air. Next, they cool the salt room to 69 degrees (20 C) with 60% humidity, dimmed lights, and soft music plays.
Spending an hour inside a salt cave is the equivalent of breathing in three days of beach air. As I mentioned above, the salt cave treatment improves respiratory conditions from colds and flu to asthma and bronchitis.
