Hello Halotherapy

By Cassie Johnson

Salt therapy has been used throughout history in all sorts of ways. Salt is a common cooking ingredient, used on snowy and icy roads, as a preservative, and even as currency in centuries past. Salt has also been used in many healing, therapeutic, and medicinal ways including saline solutions, nebulizers, skin scrubs, salt baths, and Nettie pots, mostly known as wet salt therapy. Salt’s quality to absorb moisture is one of the main health benefits. Halotherapy is also called Dry Salt Therapy.

As a natural alternative, Halotherapy is being provided throughout Europe, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. It’s a complementary way of improving general wellness, respiratory issues, skin conditions, detoxification, athletic performance, and more! Halotherapy is now available in our area.

History of Salt Therapy (Halotherapy)

In the mid-1800s, Felix Bochkovsky, a health official in Poland, observed salt mine workers rarely suffered from any colds, respiratory ailments, or lung diseases. Bochkovsky attributed this to the salt miners inhaled daily. When people with asthma, allergies, emphysema, and other respiratory problems began heading to the salt mines, Speleotherapy (salt cave therapy) was born. Dry sodium chloride’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help in treating ear infections and certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema. Salt therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free, chemical-free, all-natural solution.

How does Salt Therapy work?

A machine called a halogenerator grinds and crushes pure sodium chloride. During a typical session, these dry aerosol micro-particles of salt are dispersed into the salt room. While relaxing in the salt room, the micro-particles land on the skin and are inhaled. The particles penetrate deep into the lungs, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli as well as into the deeper layers of the skin. People suffering from conditions like asthma, allergies, bronchitis, COPD, and cystic fibrosis have reported they can breathe more easily after treatment.

“Just because we can’t see or feel the toxins and bacteria in our lungs doesn’t mean it’s not there,” said Sharon Buerhaus, owner of Salt of the Earth Halotherpay in Paducah. “The dry salt therapy cleanses the bacteria we breathe in every day from our lungs.”

Is salt bad for you?

Some people with high blood pressure or hypertension are concerned about the intake of salt because of issues relating to diet. This type of salt intake is connected to the digestive tract. Dry salt therapy is associated with the respiratory system, not digestion. There is no risk to your health when inhaled because the amount of micro salt particles entering your respiratory system is extremely low. It kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, and expands airways.

What type of salt is used?

Pure-grade 99.99% therapeutic sodium chloride is used in the halogenerators. The clinical studies and research for Halotherapy involve only using this pure sodium chloride. The salt comes from the earth/seas and goes through a process of eliminating and removing all debris and contaminant. It is not processed with any additives or caking agents such as table salt.

Treatments

Treatments are simple and very relaxing. Salt Booths offer a 10-minute express session and the Salt Room is a 45-minute session. Wear comfortable clothing. Salt air does sometimes leave a slight residue, but it can be easily brushed off. To receive additional benefits, you can wear shorts and t-shirts to expose your skin as well. You may have a slight taste on your lips at the end of the session. It is suggested to hydrate with water after each session.

“Leave your phone in the hallway, find a zero-gravity chair, and pretend you’re at the ocean!” said Buerhaus. “With Himalayan salt on the floor, it’s like sitting on an indoor beach. It’s very important to remember not to take your phone or tablet in the salt room. Even though it’s all-natural, salt can be corrosive when exposed to moisture.”

As with anything else, consulting with your doctor before beginning Halotherapy is important. You can learn more about salt therapy at salttherapyassociation.org or saltoftheearthpaducah.com.

Who benefits from Halotherapy treatments?

Salt therapy is great for overall wellness, benefits people of all ages with respiratory and skin issues. Those with the following conditions will benefit from Salt therapy:

Allergies

Asthma

Emphysema

Psoriasis

Bronchitis

Pneumonia

Bronchial Infections

Rhinitis

Chronic ENT illnesses

Sinus Infections

Cold/Flu

Sinusitis

COVID-19 Recovery

Sleep Apnea

Cystic Fibrosis

Smoker’s Cough

Dermatitis

Snoring

Ear Infections

Stress and Fatigue

Eczema

Wheezing