HaloTherapy
What is HaloTherapy?
Halotherapy is an alternative treatment that involves breathing salty air. Some claim that it can treat respiratory conditions, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and allergies. Others suggest it can also:
- ease smoking-related symptoms, such as a cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing
- treat depression and anxiety
- cure some skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne
The origins of halotherapy date back to the medieval era. But researchers only recently started studying its potential benefits.
Health benefits of HaloTherapy
Studies have found that halotherapy can have benefits for respiratory conditions, skin problems, and allergies.
Salt is a natural and safe ingredient. It does not have any notable side effects. It is also:
- Mucoactive, clearing up mucus from your airways
- Antibacterial, helping prevent infections
- Anti-inflammatory
- Immunity-boosting
- Anti-allergic
Areas of Treatments
Research has found that because of these properties, halotherapy can be used as part of the treatment of:
- Lung infection
- Throat infection or pharyngitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Smoking-related breathing problems
- Respiratory allergies
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Cold or cough
- Pneumonia
- Sinusitis
- Rhinitis
- Tonsillitis
- Cystic fibrosis
Halotherapy can also be used to treat breathing problems caused by COVID-19, improving your breathing and the amount of oxygen in your blood.
Can be used to Treat
Tiny salt particles used in halotherapy can also help repair your skin cells and protect your skin from aging and infection. This therapy can be used to treat:
- Acne and rosacea
- Skin allergies
- Rash
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Dermatitis
- Fungal infection such as onychomycosis
- Wrinkles and signs of aging skin
HaloTherapy Methods
Dry Methods
The dry method of halotherapy is usually done in a man-made “salt cave” that’s free of humidity. The temperature is cool, set to 68°F (20°C) or lower. Sessions usually last for about 30 to 45 minutes.
A device called a halogenerator grinds salt into microscopic particles and releases them into the air of the room. Once inhaled, these salt particles are claimed to absorb irritants, including allergens and toxins, from the respiratory system. Advocates say this process breaks up mucus and reduces inflammation, resulting in clear airways. The salt particles are said to have a similar effect on your skin by absorbing bacteria and other impurities responsible for many skin conditions. Salt is also said to produce negative ions. This theoretically causes your body to release more serotonin, one of the chemicals behind feelings of happiness. Many people use Himalayan salt lamps to get the benefits of negative ions at home. However, there’s no evidence that these lamps have any benefit other than adding ambience.
Wet Methods
Halotherapy is also done using a mixture of salt and water. Wet methods of halotherapy include:
- gargling salt water
- drinking salt water
- bathing in salt water
- using salt water for nasal irrigation
- flotation tanks filled with salt water
Does HaloTherapy have any risks?
Halotherapy is probably safe for most people, but there aren’t any studies on its safety. In addition, halotherapy is usually done in a spa or wellness clinic without trained medical staff on hand to handle medical emergencies. Keep this in mind as you weigh the pros and cons of halotherapy.
While it’s said to treat asthma, halotherapy might also constrict or irritate the airwaves in people with asthma. This can make coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath worse. Some people also report getting headaches during halotherapy. Halotherapy is a complementary therapy that’s meant to work with any medications you’re on. Let your doctor know you want to try this approach. Don’t stop any medications without discussing it with your doctor.
Supporters of halotherapy claim it’s safe for children and pregnant women. However, there’s little research to back up this claim. According to a 2008 study, inhaling a 3 percent saline solution is a safe and effective treatment for infants with bronchiolitis. However, there’s no standardization across halotherapy clinics. The amount of salt administered can vary greatly.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE?
The best way to determine your candidacy for treatments is to schedule a consult.
Max 20-25 mins
Varies
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