Salt Therapy is Complementary Treatment for Children with Asthma

by Brielle Bleeker

According to statistics, the prevalence of asthma among children continues to grow, and the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services New Jersey reports that 10 percent of New Jersey’s children suffer from asthma, which is one of the highest rates in the nation. Many point to growing pollution and an increase in environmental toxins as the culprit.

While there is no known cure for asthma, symptoms can be controlled with effective treatment and management. While taking medications and avoiding known triggers that may cause asthma symptoms has long been thought of as the only way to manage symptoms, parents of asthma sufferers are looking to complementary treatments. Salt therapy is a 100 percent natural, drug-free treatment without the potentially dangerous side effects of medication. It is non-invasive and makes use of the natural healing properties found in salt to detoxify the body and improve function.

With salt therapy, also called halotherapy, tiny salt particles enter the respiratory system, cleansing and detoxifying the body, which helps to improve breathing and reduce inflammation. Young children are more prone to breathing issues because their respiratory systems are not fully developed until around the age of 9. In addition, a child’s nasal passageway is narrower than that of an adult, making the occurrence of colds and viruses more frequent which can trigger an asthma attack.

Salt Breeze, located in Fair Lawn, simulates natural salt caverns traditionally found throughout Eastern Europe. Featuring separate adult and child treatment rooms, the aim is to provide a safe and effective compliment to traditional medical treatments. While the adult room is a quiet and tranquil atmosphere, the kids room features play activities to keep children busy while experiencing all the salt has to offer. Children can enjoy the sessions without even being aware they are receiving treatment. Children up to 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult into the salt room. The benefits of improved health and an increase in energy are quick to result. Salt therapy can be a wonderful holistic health option for children suffering from asthma.

In clinical studies, children have responded very quickly to this form of treatment and in many cases, it has alleviated the frequency of asthma attacks. A child’s lungs are not able to filter out large pollutants as well as an adult’s, and this form of natural therapy can aid in doing so. The treatment works well to improve the natural functioning of the lungs while also helping to build up the immune system. Although salt therapy is not a cure, it can play an important role in relieving symptoms.

Salt Breeze is located at 5-05 Saddle River Rd. For appointments, call 201-254-9492. For more information, visit SaltBreezeNJ.com.

Brielle Bleeker is a contributing writer for Natural Awakenings magazine.

About the Author

Brielle Bleeker Brielle Bleeker is a mother of two from Bergen County, a student at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and a contributing writer for Natural Awakenings magazine.