How does salt therapy work?

A patented machine called a halogenerator produces dry saline aerosol by mechanically crushing rock salt grains to the size of 1 to 5 micrometers. The generator is installed on the outside wall of the salt rooms. The dry salt aerosol is blown into the rooms via a small opening in the wall. In addition to a halogenerator, the walls of salt therapy rooms are covered with mineral salt. The salt-filled room provides a negative ion environment (like the seashore), which contributes to well being and promotes stress reduction in addition to helping your particular condition. These small particles of salt are negatively ionized and bear very high kinetic energy. This way they can travel into the deepest and smallest parts of the lungs. Negative ionization of salt aerosol increases the efficiency of healing. Inhaling the micro-salt particles assists you in expelling mucous and helps open constricted airways. It also boosts the immune system.

What conditions are improved by salt therapy?

When should salt treatment be avoided?

Isn’t introducing salt into the body bad for you?

Eating too much salt is linked to high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However with salt therapy the salt enters your respiratory system, not your stomach, heart and kidneys. In addition, the concentration of salt is .5-10 mg/m3 (milligrams per cubic meter). To put that into perspective, the daily recommended salt intake for the average adult is 6g (grams). Therefore, the amount of salt entering your respiratory system is extremely low. Even if you eat that amount instead of breathing it, the amount of salt is insignificant. Salt entering the lungs kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, and loosens mucus.

Are there side effects?

Rarely. If you have a lot of mucous, it is not uncommon to experience increased coughing after a treatment. This is the body’s way of responding to the salt treatment by draining the accumulated mucus.

Is salt therapy safe for children?

Yes. Salt therapy is a completely drug-free treatment for children and adults. Children as young as 3 months have benefitted greatly and respond quickly and effectively to Halotherapy. Children are more prone to respiratory problems because they pick up more viruses and their lungs are not fully developed until about the age of 9. In addition, the environment is filled with pollutants which children have a harder time keeping at bay.

Is salt therapy safe for pregnant women?

Yes. Salt therapy is a great choice for women who do not want to rely heavily on over-the-counter or prescribed medication for sinusitis, asthma, allergies, and other respiratory illnesses. Pregnant women who have come to Respira have experienced relief for their congestion and chronic respiratory problems. In addition, the ionized salt particles help boost their immune system.

Should I stop using my medication during salt therapy?

No. Salt room therapy should be used as a complementary treatment. People who come for salt room therapy often find that they can reduce their dependence on certain medications and that their episodes are not as frequent or severe. However, you should always follow your doctor’s advice and your prescribed medication regimen.

How many treatments will I need?

Every experience is different and it depends on the type and severity of your condition. Generally speaking, to maximize the healing process we typically recommend a course of 12-15 treatments over a period of 8 weeks. You may feel some improvement after one session, but a series of treatments is best for longer-term results. After a series of treatments your breathing will become easier and symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and shortness of breath will improve noticeably. People also come for treatments as a preventative measure.

What will I experience when I sit in the salt room?

You enter a room resembling a a salt cave. The walls are covered in mineral salt. The room is designed to enhance the treatment experience, so adults will sit in adjustable and comfortable massage beds. The room’s temperature and humidity is maintained for optimal treatment conditions. The lights will dim and you can choose to listen to relaxing music. Many people like to close their eyes and meditate. All sessions last for 45 minutes. It is common to taste a hint of salt on your lips. You will feel relaxed and energized.

What about picking up germs in the salt room?

One of the natural properties of salt is that it absorbs bacteria. The walls are also covered in salt, which creates the nearly sterile conditions in each room. In addition, after a session, the room is fully ventilated for 15 minutes.

Is salt therapy covered by insurance?

Although salt therapy is partially covered by health insurance in Canada and some European countries, it is not covered by health insurance in the U.S. Note that our clients have successfully submitted their salt therapy bills to their healthcare flexible spending administrator and it was considered a valid flex spend cost.

What clothing do I wear in the salt room?

You do not need to wear anything special. Come as you are. For clients who have skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, we recommend that you expose those areas. So a T-shirt and shorts would work in that case for maximum exposure. For respiratory ailments, there is no need to expose the skin.