The Benefits of Salt Therapy
Since the ancient times, the inhalation of salty air from caves and salt mines had been known to offer many health benefits.[1] These benefits can be seen today, beyond the caves and mines, as modern-born salt therapy sessions offer simulations of such environments.[2]
According to the Salt Therapy Association, salt therapy is beneficial to both the respiratory and integumentary systems. For the respiratory system, due to its anti-inflammatory and absorbent nature, the inhalation of salt widens the airways and rids them of tar and allergens. This may help with respiratory symptoms associated with a variety of conditions, such as the common cold, allergies, and smoker’s cough. Meanwhile, for the integumentary system, by stirring the skin’s ion channels and supplying pH normalization, salt therapy enhances one’s skin quality, appearance, and rigidity. In addition to this, it has been known to help with acne, eczema, and dry skin.[3]
A review of scientific literature gives further insight into salt therapy’s health benefits. These include:
Possible treatment of viral infections. This is because salt has an ability to increase responses from certain types of white blood cells.[4]
Acting as an anti-depressant by releasing negative ions in the air.[5] Salt rooms are known to contain negative ions, as these types of ions are produced by the salt.[6]
Improving the wellness of those inflicted by sinus issues caused by cystic fibrosis. This may be due to salt stimulating a clearance of mucus within the sinuses.[7]
Bettering the psycho-emotive state of the patients, as salt therapy rooms offer a comforting environment.[8]
Offering preventative measures to help children who suffer from chronic ENT disorders.[9]
Benefits to children who suffer from mild asthma.[10]
It must be noted, however, that while all of this is beneficial, salt therapy is not a one-for-all cure. As a safe and helpful therapy, it offers relief and treatment for certain problems, but only in conjunction with professional medical advice. Those with serious conditions should always consult medical professionals before considering this therapy.
Sources:
[1] Mukhina, M.Y., Nevzorov, A.Y. (2013). “Speleotherapy as a form of alternative medicine”. Бюллетень медицинских Интернет‐конференций, 3(2), 177.
[2] Watts, S. (2019, July 23). Does salt therapy actually work? I tried it to help ease my summer allergies. Retrieved from: https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/does-salt-therapy-actually-work-i-tried-it- help-ease-ncna1028531
[3] Benefits of Salt Therapy (2018). Retrieved from: https://www.salttherapyassociation.org/benefits-of- salt-therapy
[4] Gupta, M., Singh, S. (2020). “Inhalation of Hot Salt Could Serve as the Promising Therapeutic Against Viral Infection: Short Note on COVID-19 Infection”. GMJ Medicine. 4(1), 229-230.
[5] Terman, J.S., Terman, M. (2006). “Controlled Trial of Naturalistic Dawn Simulation and Negative Air Ionization for Seasonal Affective Disorder.” American Journal of Psychiatry. 163(12), 2126-33.
[6] Lotz, S. (2015, August 28). Benefits of Salt Therapy. Retrieved from: https://www.organicspamagazine.com/benefits-of-salt-therapy/
[7] Achkar, M.A., Geller, D.E., Slaney, A.P., Layish, D.T. (2015). “Halotherapy in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: A Pilot Study”. International Journal of Respiratory and Pulmonary Medicine. 2, 3.
[8] Panajotova, L., Vladeva, E. (2018). “Halotherapy – Benefits and Risks”. Scripta Scientifica Salutis Publicae. 4, 25.
[9] Khan, M.A., Kotenko, K.V., Korchazhkina. N.B., Chervinskaya, A.V., Mikitchenko, N.A., Lyan, N.A. (2016). “The promising directions for the further development of halotherapy in pediatric medicine”. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult. 93(6), 61
[10] Bar-Yoseph, R. Kugelman, N., Livnat, G., Gur, M., Hakim, F., Nir, V., Bentur, L. (2017). “Halotherapy as asthma treatment in children: a randomized, controlled, prospective pilot study”. Pediatr Pulmonol. 52(5), 587.