The therapeutic benefits of salt have been known for centuries but were not clearly defined until the 1800s, when salt miners in Eastern Europe found they could breathe better while working. Consequently, the general public began spending time in salt mines. In the mid-1900s, the Russians created a device known as a halogenator that grinds pure salt into microscopic particles and disperses them in the air. Modern halotherapy grew out of using this device in a climate-controlled room and has been utilized for several decades throughout Eastern Europe.
In the US, saline - in the form of sinus irrigations, nebulizer treatments, and dry inhalation - is widely recognized by physicians as beneficial to the upper and lower airways. Salt inhalation absorbs allergens and pollutants, accelerates the transportation of mucous, and reduces airway inflammation.
Like any salt therapy, regular use is recommended to see sustained benefits. We recommend 4 sessions a week for patients with chronic conditions such as COPD and cystic fibrosis. Please see the chart below for a general guideline on typical treatment courses for particular conditions.
Apart from helping the airway, halotherapy has been shown to benefit chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The beauty and tranquility of our salt cave are also the perfect settings to stretch, have a massage, and meditate.
Halotherapy Treatment Guide
Asthma: 4 sessions/week for 5 weeks (20 sessions), 1-2 times per year
COPD:* 4 sessions/week for 5 weeks (20 sessions), 2-4 times per year
Cystic Fibrosis:* 4 sessions/week for 5 weeks (20 sessions), 5-7 times per year
Allergies: 3-5 sessions/week for 4 weeks (12-20 sessions), start before season
Cold/Flu: 3 sessions/week for 2 weeks (6 sessions)
Sinusitis: 3 sessions/week for 3 weeks (9 sessions)
Laryngitis: 3 sessions/week for 3 weeks (9 sessions)
Stress/anxiety: 2- 3 sessions/week as needed
Eczema/psoriais: 4 sessions/week for 5-8 weeks (20-32 sessions)
*As these are chronic diseases, patients ideally should treat continuously.
Improvement is still possible with less frequent sessions, however, for best results, consistency and regularity is important, especially until you reach a point where you can enter into a maintenance regime. Once you are on top of the symptoms, they become easier to manage and therefore less frequent sessions are required.