How Salt Therapy Was Born
The use of salt therapy has been around for hundreds of years and has been shown to be a great alternative method to treating respiratory and skin conditions. Also called halotherapy; halo meaning salt in Greek, it is the inhalation of salt-infused air in a specially equipped salt room. The microclimate of the salt treatment room is very similar to that found in natural salt mines and caves.
Around 1843, Polish physician Felix Boczkowski came to the realization that men working in salt mines had fewer respiratory problems than the general population and often had a more youthful appearance due to good skin condition. Typically, mining jobs were thought of as dangerous to one’s health, but Boczkowski found that miners were working in an environment where they were able to unintentionally take advantage of the natural benefits of breathing in salt air. Boczkowski went on to publish his findings in “About the Breathing of Salt Dust.” the first comprehensive study of the effects of breathing natural salt air. In addition, he opened the first health resort in Poland featuring salt baths.
In the 20th century, physicians in Eastern Europe developed ways to simulate the conditions found inside natural salt caves and were able to treat a wide assortment of medical conditions and ailments. Today, those treatments continue to alleviate symptoms and work either as an alternative or a complement to medical treatment. Purified Himalayan salt is crushed into the tiniest particles and expelled into the air of the salt room by a generator. The inhaled salt penetrates deep into the lungs, helping to loosen mucus and and lingering viruses and bacteria. Salt is of great use when managing bacteria and inflammation by reducing irritation in the airways. In addition, it can be helpful in treating skin conditions including psoriasis, eczema and allergies.
Not yet extensively researched in the U. S., many spas and wellness centers are beginning to incorporate salt therapy into their facilities. Salt Breeze, located in Fair Lawn, is a new facility offering halotherapy to both adults and children. Featuring a salt room and a special kids’ treatment room, Salt Breeze sessions help with a variety of conditions including asthma, sinusitis, dermatological diseases, fatigue, stress and anxiety. Clients are invited to inhale, exhale and relax and enjoy all the benefits halotherapy has to offer.
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.
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