Halo what? Yes, that’s what I thought the first time someone introduced me to this as well. Let me break it down for you.

What is Halotherapy?

Halotherapy, also known as dry salt therapy, is where 99.9% pure grade sodium chloride is heated, ground, and crushed into microparticles. These dry microparticles are then dispersed into the salt booth where they are inhaled and penetrate deep into the respiratory system, as well as being absorbed by your skin.

The dry salt microparticles have three primary benefits that help them achieve results:

• They are super absorbent
• Provide anti-inflammatory benefits
• Act as a natural anti-bacterial agent

Who It’s For

People of any age can integrate Halotherapy into their wellness routine. According to the Salt Therapy Association the following respiratory conditions are some that may benefit from Halotherapy.

• Asthma
• Chronic bronchitis
• Coughs, colds, flu
• Emphysema
• Sinus infection &/ sinusitis
• COPD
• Cystic fibrosis
• Allergies &/ hay fever
• Ear infections

Now let me go into more detail on those benefits:

Benefits to the Respiratory System

As you inhale the super absorbent salt microparticles they maneuver through your body, acting like a sponge attracting foreign substances and removing any build-up that can cause breathing issues.

The inhaled microparticles also help to reduce inflammation by widening air passages that result in higher oxygen intake, increased energy, and improved immune system. (All good things during a pandemic that specifically attacks the lungs, no?)

Aids in Allergy Relief

This time of year in the South, everyone is talking about allergies and the amount of pollen in the air. What do you think happens to that pollen as you breathe it in? It gets caught up in your mucus and then your cilia helps to move that mucus out. But if there are too many things “caught up” in that mucus, it can become thick and difficult to move, which leaves you feeling terrible.

The salt microparticles in the Halotherapy chamber will thin out that mucus and make it less sticky so it’s easier to dislodge and expel – along with pathogens, debris, and pollutants. The first thing that you will feel after a session may be a need to blow your nose. That’s a good thing! It means you are moving the mucus out.

I don’t know about you – but the thought of that makes me extremely happy and much more motivated to get active outside. I feel like this time of year, I try to take as shallow of breath as possible and not take in all that yellow pollen (I know that really doesn’t make a difference- but it makes me feel like I am trying to keep all of that pollen out of me!)

Benefits for Your Skin

While there have not been as many studies related to skin and halotherapy, there are reported benefits. Dry salt is super absorbent, the small particles can sink into your skin’s epidermis and absorb the oils that cause acne. The pure sodium chloride used further acts like an astringent and anti-inflammatory agent, meaning it pulls impurities from the skin’s protective layer while alleviating some skin conditions.

Dry salt therapy can ease skin conditions such as:
Acne
Psoriasis
Eczema

How Does Halotherapy Work

Wondering what a session in the Halotherapy chamber looks like? You can go in with your normal clothes on, or you can wear a wrap or robe. If you are looking for skin benefits, you would want to expose as much skin as possible. You will have a seat and the session will begin. If you are worried about getting it in your hair, we have disposable shower caps ready for you. For the next 10 minutes you can relax, meditate, or just think about what you want to do next weekend.
Upon exiting you may need to blow your nose, taste a little salt on your lips, or even feel a bit of the salt on your skin. All of that is normal.

Halotherapy, like many of our services, works best when it is done consistently. For most people two to three sessions per week is advised to achieve the most benefit.

Now, who is ready to get salty?