Halotherapy, or salt therapy, has been used in Europe since the 1800s. Halotherapy was discovered when workers were mining in the European salt caves. At this time, mining was known to be very dangerous and often took a toll on the miner’s physical health, but Dr Felix Boczkowski discovered that the salt miners were always in surprisingly good health. None of the miners had respiratory issues, and they were known for their beautiful skin. Later in 1949, German physician, Dr. K.H. Spannahel, observed that the people who were hiding in salt mines and caves from the bombs of WW2 had respiratory health benefits. After that, it didn’t take long for the first salt cave, named the Kinga Health Resort Hospital, to be opened in Poland.
Halotherapy is the inhaling of pharmaceutical-grade dry salt in a temperature-controlled environment. Studies have found that halotherapy can improve respiratory conditions, skin problems, and allergies. Our halogenerator will disperse microscopic salt particles into our Himalayan salt cave. All you need to do is inhale these particles deep into your lungs and allow them to land on your skin. This benefits a number of different skin and respiratory conditions, because the salt has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Halotherapy also helps you expel mucus by stimulating the bodies cilia to move.
Skin conditions Halotherapy helps:
- Eczema
- Dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Rashes
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Skin Aging
Respiratory conditions Halotherapy helps:
- Bronchitis
- Allergies and Hay Fever
- Stuffy nose
- The Common Cold
- Tonsillitis and Tonsil stones
- Asthma
- Pneumonia
- Cough
- COPD
- Sinusitis
- Respiratory Infections
Halotherapy can help support your emotional health as well. A 2006 study found that the detoxifying benefits combined with the anti-inflammatory properties of salt therapy had an antidepressant effect. The negative ions released by the salt are another way that the salt can improve mental well being. Negative ions neutralize the positive ions in our bodies. Positive ions eventually would’ve turned into free radicals which cause oxidative stress.
Emotional Benefits of Halotherapy:
- Enhances mood
- Promotes better sleep
- Lowers stress
- Gives you a space dedicated to relaxation
Come try our salt cave and feel the benefits for yourself! This Saturday, September 10th, we are offering free salt cave sessions to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Chambers Apothecary! Please call our office at 717-660-2320 and book your free session in advance, we can’t wait to see you!
References
Jewellery, M. I. P. I.-+. (n.d.). The Harmful Effects of Positive Ions on The Body. Infinity Pro – Ionic + Magnetic Jewellery. Retrieved September 6, 2022, from https://www.infinitypro.com/blogs/news/9246473-the-harmful-effects-of-positive-ions-on-the-body
The Salt Suite. (2021, August 20). Does Halotherapy Reduce Stress? The Salt Suite. Retrieved September 6, 2022, from https://www.thesaltsuite.com/blog/2021/3/25/does-halotherapy-reduce-stress/
Benefits of Salt Therapy. (n.d.). Salt Therapy Association. Retrieved September 6, 2022, from https://www.salttherapyassociation.org/benefits-of-salt-therapy
What Is Halotherapy? (2021, May 10). WebMD. Retrieved September 6, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-halotherapy
What is Salt Therapy? (2021, August 16). Salts of the Earth. Retrieved September 6, 2022, from https://saltsoftheearth.com.au/what-is-salt-therapy/
History & Background. (n.d.). Salt Therapy Association. Retrieved September 6, 2022, from https://www.salttherapyassociation.org/history-background