What is Salt Therapy?
Salt therapy, also known as halotherapy, involves spending time in a room or chamber with walls made of Himalayan salt, pink salt, or sea salt. This therapy aims to provide various health benefits by inhaling the dry salt-enriched air. People often relax in these salt rooms. It is 100% natural and drug-free. The salt particles in the air have positive effects on respiratory health, skin conditions, and overall well-being.
Originating from ancient practices, it has evolved into various forms, including salt caves, rooms, beds, and salt lamps.
The History of Salt Therapy:
Salt therapy, also known as halotherapy, might seem like a new health trend, but it actually has a long history. Let’s go back in time to discover where it all began and how salt therapy has been a part of different cultures for a very long time.
Ancient Beginnings:
- Ancient civilizations recognized salt’s healing powers.
- Greeks documented the benefits of inhaling salt-infused air in caves for better breathing.

Eastern Wisdom:
- India and China incorporated salt into traditional medicine.
- In Eastern cultures, people use salt caves and inhalation for respiratory issues.
European Salt Spas:
- 18th-century European salt mines became therapeutic.
- The robust health of salt mine workers inspired salt spas, with Dr. Feliks Boczkowski advocating for salt inhalation benefits.
The Rise of Halotherapy:
- Dr. Mieczyslaw Skulimowski coined the term “halotherapy” in the early 20th century.
- Salt rooms and halotherapy facilities gained popularity in Eastern Europe.
Modern Revival:
- Late 20th-century resurgence, with the discovery of Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland.
- Global interest in recreating salt cave environments for wellness.
Scientific Recognition:
- Advancements in science and technology led to a deeper understanding of salt therapy.
- Research studies explored effects on respiratory conditions, allergies, and skin ailments, gaining acceptance in mainstream wellness.
Global Spread:
- Salt therapy transcended cultural boundaries and became widespread.
- Salt rooms, halotherapy centers, and spa treatments now offer a natural approach to respiratory and skin health globally.
The history of salt therapy showcases its ancient roots and the continuous belief in salt’s healing properties. From traditional practices to modern science.
Types of Salt Therapy:
Salt rooms, also known as halotherapy rooms or salt caves, are designed to provide therapeutic benefits through exposure to salt-infused air. There are two main types of salt rooms: active salt rooms and passive salt rooms.
Active Salt Rooms:
- Mechanism: Active salt rooms use specialized equipment to disperse a fine aerosol of salt particles into the air. A device halo generator grinds pharmaceutical-grade salt into tiny particles and releases them into the room.
- Controlled Environment: Active salt rooms usually have a controlled environment. In these salt rooms, the concentration of salt in the air depends on individual needs or treatment.
- Customizable: The concentration of salt aerosol in active salt rooms can be customized to address specific respiratory or skin conditions, making them adaptable for various therapeutic purposes.
Passive Salt Rooms:
- Natural Environment: Passive salt rooms create an environment where salt is naturally present, typically in the form of salt-covered walls and floors. The salt used in these rooms for instance Himalayan Salt, Sea Salt, and Pink Rock Salt is often sourced from natural salt caves or other salt-rich environments.
- No Mechanical Dispersal: Unlike active salt rooms, passive salt rooms do not rely on mechanical devices to disperse salt into the air. Instead, the salt is integrated into the room’s design, and the air circulates naturally.
- Limited Control: Passive salt rooms may have less precise control over the concentration of salt in the air compared to active salt rooms. The therapeutic effects are dependent on the natural release of salt particles.
Salt therapy comes in two forms.
- Dry salt therapy: also called halotherapy and speleotherapy. It is done in active salt rooms with a device called a halo generator. This machine spreads tiny, dry salt particles into the air, which you breathe in and your skin absorbs.
- Wet salt therapy: includes activities like bathing in salty water with minerals, gargling or drinking salty water, or passing salty water through your nose.

Health Benefits
Salt therapy, also known as halotherapy, is believed by some to provide various health benefits, particularly for respiratory and skin conditions. It involves exposure to a controlled environment with a concentration of salt aerosol. While many people report positive experiences with halotherap. It’s important to note that scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is still limited, and individual responses can vary. Here are some of the claimed health benefits of salt therapy:
Respiratory Conditions:
- Salt therapy for Asthma: Halotherapy helps in reducing inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe. Some individuals with asthma may find relief from symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): This therapy is a complementary approach to managing symptoms of COPD, such as coughing and difficulty breathing.
Allergies:
- Hay Fever and Seasonal Allergies: Inhaling salt particles may have a decongestant effect, potentially helping to alleviate symptoms associated with allergies, such as nasal congestion and sneezing.
Salt Therapy for Skin Conditions:
- Eczema and Psoriasis: This therapy has anti-inflammatory properties, which could benefit individuals with certain skin conditions. The salt particles may help soothe irritated skin and reduce itching.
Sinusitis and Respiratory Infections:
- Salt Therapy for Sinus Infections: Inhaling salt aerosol has antimicrobial properties, which might help in preventing symptoms of sinus infections.
- Colds and Respiratory Infections: Some people use salt rooms as a means to relieve symptoms of common colds and respiratory infections.
Stress and Well-Being:
- Stress Reduction: People often consider spending time in a salt room relaxing, and some individuals report experiencing reduced stress and improved well-being after Himalayan salt therapy sessions.
Improved Respiratory Function:
- General Respiratory Health: Salt therapy improves lung function by promoting better airflow and oxygen exchange in the respiratory system.
It’s crucial to approach halotherapy with caution and consult with healthcare professionals before incorporating it into a treatment plan. Additionally, this therapy is not a replacement for standard medical treatments. Moreover, individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers for comprehensive and evidence-based care.

Side Effects:
Halotherapy is safe for most people, but there are potential side effects that individuals should be aware of. It’s important to note that the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of this therapy is limited. Here are some potential side effects of salt therapy:
- Irritation or Discomfort:
- In some cases, individuals may experience irritation or discomfort in the eyes, throat, or skin during or after salt therapy sessions. This can be due to the salt particles in the air.
- Dryness:
- Salt therapy environments may have a drying effect on the respiratory tract and skin. This can be problematic for individuals who already have dry or irritated skin or those with conditions like dry eye syndrome.
- Coughing or Throat Irritation:
- Inhaling salt particles can potentially trigger coughing or throat irritation in some individuals, particularly those with respiratory sensitivity.
- Hypertension:
- People with certain health conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), may need to be cautious with salt therapy. Exposure to salt may exacerbate their condition.
- Not Suitable for Everyone:
- Salt therapy may not be suitable for everyone, including pregnant women, individuals with certain medical conditions, or those taking specific medications. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional.
- Cost of salt therapy:
- While some people report positive experiences with halotherapy, but Individuals should be cautious about relying solely on halotherapy for the treatment of serious medical conditions without consulting healthcare professionals.
- Quality of Facilities:
- The effectiveness of this therapy may depend on the quality and maintenance of the facilities. In some cases, the concentration of salt in the air may not be consistent or adequately controlled.
It’s crucial for individuals considering halotherapy to consult with their healthcare providers, especially if they have existing health conditions. Health professionals can provide guidance based on an individual’s medical history. They can help whether salt therapy is suitable for their specific needs. As with any alternative therapy, it should not replace conventional medical treatments. A well-informed decision should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals.