by Matilda Willows

Created on: December 23, 2011   Last Updated: December 26, 2011

Among the many kinds of natural therapies available is Salt Therapy. But what is salt therapy exactly? Well, it’s sometimes also called Halo therapy ('halos' is salt in Greek) and is basically a type of natural non-invasive type of therapy which relies on the natural beneficial elements of pure unrefined rock salt to treat a number of ailments, especially respiratory conditions. There are a number of ways to receive salt therapy, sometimes in a Salt Cave or a Salt Room specially catered to provide the right climate for the saline therapy – where patients are exposed to special salt air.

But why salt? Well, salt is known to have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and when breathed into the lungs, the salt particles can embed deeply into the lower lungs – where most respiratory problems occur. The salt clears away mucus and bacteria, which would otherwise block the breathing passages. It is said that the dry saline-diffused air purifies, reduces inflammation and clears blocked passages as well as removes allergens and bacteria. Many say they notice a big difference after just one session and come back for more and many doctors advise such a treatment to be used in addition to conventional prescriptions.

Salt therapy is considered especially beneficial to those suffering from a range of respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic bronchitis and pneumonia as well as allergies like eczema. It’s also beneficial for those with Cystic Fibrosis, sleeping disorders, arthritis, psoriasis and even snoring.

It is said that the air is pure and healing in salt caves and rooms. It is said that the pure salt balances the body and restores health and vitality, especially the lungs and efficiency of the respiratory system.

The salt therapy where patients sit in salt rooms is given the specific name of halo therapy, and is where patients breathe in pure salt aerosol which is scattered into the air. The salt aerosols are small particle-sized pieces of dry salt that can enter every cavity of the bronchi and thereby destroy bacteria and fungi.  

There are a number of places to receive salt therapy throughout the United States and Europe, with other countries seeking to offer places.

The use of pure unrefined salt as a form of therapy has been known for hundreds of years, but it gained a sort of revival when physicians noticed miners who stayed in salt mines in Eastern Europe as having no respiratory problems. Other forms of salt therapy are that of bathing in the Dead Sea.

Salt therapy is a natural alternative form of therapy argued to have positive effects upon a range of ailments, especially those with breathing or respiratory problems. It is a non-invasive breathing form of treatment, where patients breathe in pure unrefined rock salt.

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