What is Salt Therapy?
Salt therapy, sometimes called halotherapy, involves inhaling fine salt particles, which can improve breathing and provide various other health benefits.
It is believed by many that inhaling this salty air can help stimulate the respiratory system, reduce inflammation, fight infection, clear blockages, and reduce discomfort. Salt therapy has been claimed to help treat respiratory conditions like allergies, asthma, and bronchitis as well as stress, depression and skin conditions like eczema, acne and psoriasis.
The presence of salt therapy dates back to the 12th century when people would visit salt caves for therapeutic reasons and to treat various ailments. In the 1800s, a Polish doctor observed that salt miners in Poland had low occurrences of respiratory problems and were unusually healthy, especially for working in mines.
Salt therapy can be divided into different categories; dry, wet, passive, and active. Halotherapy typically involves an active salt room using a machine (halogenerator) to break down dry salt particles and spread a high concentration throughout the air. Passive salt rooms are man-made environments containing varying types of salt (like Himalayan, Rock Salt, etc.) but don’t use a halogenerator; you may have or know someone who has a salt lamp - this is the same idea. Wet salt therapy usually involves using a solution of salt and water in various ways; drinking, gargling, bathing, etc.
As it’s an alternative treatment, halotherapy medical research is not as prevalent. Although its origins date back hundreds of years, researchers have only recently started studying all of its potential benefits.
How does halotherapy work?
A halogenerator is typically installed in a small room (salt room) with a specified humidity. Salt is added to the halogenerator, ground up and dispersed in the air.
The Jacuzzi® HaloOne Salt Therapy machine is different in that it uses a saline mixture which can disperse tiny salt particles in just about any environment - sauna, bathroom, bedroom, etc.
Salt is a natural ingredient with many beneficial properties, including: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunity-boosting, anti-allergic, and mucoactive (thins out mucus in your airways). When salt particles from a halogenerator are inhaled, it’s reported to absorb allergens and toxins from the respiratory system and break up mucus which helps clear airways. It’s also believed to help repair and protect skin cells by absorbing bacteria.
Conditions that potentially benefit from salt therapy:
- Asthma
- Cough or cold
- Bronchitis
- Allergies
- Lung infection
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Smoking-related breathing problems
- Ear Infections
- Sinusitis
- Tonsillitis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Acne and rosacea
- Skin allergies
- Rash
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Dermatitis
- Wrinkles
Although rare, halotherapy can have some side effects, so if you have any pre-existing health conditions, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider first.
Conclusion
Salt therapy or hydrotherapy can be a great addition to your wellness routine by helping improve breathing and clearing out your lung passages. Beyond the potential benefits to your respiratory system, hydrotherapy has been reported to benefit your skin, combat some infections, and aid in relaxation. Although most halotherapy machines require a controlled environment and a specific room/space, the Jacuzzi® HaloOne Salt Therapy unit can be used in just about any room due to its proprietary cartridge and dispersal design.