Salt therapy works by using salt infused air to promote deep relaxation. Discover the restorative power of salt therapy at About Time Bathhouse. As part of their wellness experience, combined with infrared saunas, massage and magnesium pools, it provides the ultimate nourishment for mind and body. Relax in the warm sensorial space of Surround through a combination of colour, heat, breath and salt-infused air. Immerse yourself in the hot magnesium pools which aid relaxation through the absorption of magnesium chloride. Salt therapy has its roots dating back to the 12th century in salt caves. However, modern salt therapy began in the 1800s when a doctor noted salt miners in Poland had excellent respiratory health. Today salt therapy has become a popular wellness trend with specialised salt rooms and magnesium pools used for relaxation and breathing improvement.
How Does Salt Therapy Work?
Salt therapy works by breathing in microsized salt particles that are dispersed in a room. These particles also land on the skin to help with skin conditions. It works on the principle that salt can have beneficial effects when inhaled or absorbed through the skin as natural salt has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Salt therapy is beneficial for the respiratory system, skin and mental wellness.
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Respiratory system: When inhaled, salt particles coat the airways and enter the lungs, breaking down mucus congestion and increasing lung capacity. The salt works by absorbing excess moisture in the respiratory tract and reducing inflammation. The airways become calm which makes breathing easier.
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Skin: The natural properties of salt reduce inflammation and flush out impurities in the skin. Salt therapy is excellent for skin conditions like acne, psoriasis and eczema. It calms redness and swelling, cleans pores and balances oil production. Exposure to salt rich air can even exfoliate the skin, leaving it smoother and improving overall texture.
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Mental wellness: Salt therapy creates a calm environment that promotes relaxation, encourages deep breathing and reduces stress hormones like cortisol. Specifically designed for serenity and calm, salt rooms offer a sanctuary for mindfulness, emotional rest and improved sleep. Negative ions released by the salt room can boost mood and increase feelings of wellbeing. The spa-like retreat of a salt room improves mental clarity and results in a more positive mindset.
Types of Salt Therapy
Salt therapy can take place in purpose built salt rooms, natural environments, at home, and in hot magnesium pools. The main types of direct salt therapy are wet and dry and each offers a different experience and application. Dry salt therapy can take place in passive and active salt rooms, while wet salt therapy involves salt dissolved in water. Magnesium salt therapy takes place in hot pools designed specifically for therapeutic and relaxation benefits.
Dry Salt Therapy
This is the most common form of salt therapy which may take place in salt rooms or salt caves. They are lined with salt crystals or bricks and have a halogenerator that releases fine particles of salt into the air. Dry salt therapy can be passive or active.
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Active salt room: This involves a halogenerator which crushes and grinds the salt into micro-sized particles to be dispersed into the room. Here the salt aerosol is inhaled into the lungs and exposed to the skin. Known as halotherapy, About Time Bathhouse has a halogenerator which disperses pharmaceutical grade salt particles into the room. This is part of the "Surround" experience, which combines chromotherapy, steam, and salt therapy in a dedicated room. This form of salt therapy is often used for conditions like sinus congestion, asthma, allergies, asthma, bronchitis and stress relief.
- Passive salt room: This type of room does not have a machine to break down the salt. Instead, it is filled with large amounts of varying salt types such as Himalayan, rock salt and Caribbean. Usually passive salt rooms are designed to control the climate by regulating the air flow so it remains allergen and pollutant free. Known as speleotherapy, these passive salt rooms are based on natural salt caves but in a man-made environment. Passive salt rooms are excellent for relaxation, meditation and overall wellbeing.
Wet Salt Therapy
Wet salt differs from traditional methods as it uses liquid form like salt baths, inhalers or nebulisers. This type of therapy is most widely used in conventional medicine and often recommended for nasal congestion and respiratory issues. The salt solutions can help flush out bacteria and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Saline rinses are a type of wet salt therapy that are often used for sinus relief, while salt water baths are excellent for muscle relaxation and skin conditions.
Natural Salt Caves
These natural salt caves or mines are often used by people who wish to enjoy the benefits of salt therapy that is not man made. Most natural salt caves are in locations where there are extensive ancient salt deposits. These natural salt caves offer high concentrations of mineral salts and clean, allergy free air. They are ideal for a meditative experience but usually not practical for regular use.
At Home Salt Therapy
Many people practice salt therapy at home. Types of products that provide this type of therapy in a domestic setting include himalayan salt lamps, salt pipes and crystals, or portable salt inhalers. While these methods can provide some relaxation, they are not as effective as the salt therapy in professional halotherapy settings.
Magnesium Pool Salt Therapy
Magnesium rich minerals are added to the hot pools to provide a silkier water feel and offer therapeutic benefits through transdermal absorption. In the magnesium pools, muscles relax, sleep quality gets better, and skin conditions like eczema improve. A 40°C magnesium soak for 20 minutes enhances recovery after training, reducing muscle tension, soreness and cramping. The high magnesium content calms the nervous system and lowers cortisol levels.
Benefits of Salt Therapy
Salt therapy is proven to have extraordinary benefits for wellness, health, relaxation and stress reduction. Breathing in the microsized salt particles or having them land on the skin is great for the body, mind and spirit. Many people notice significant improvements in their health and mental wellbeing after a session. The most common benefits are:
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Improved breathing: Many people use salt therapy to help with breathing issues. It helps alleviate respiratory issues including asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, COPD, allergies and hay fever. By using the anti-inflammatory properties of salt, mucus is loosened and the airways are less inflamed. Air flow improves through the lungs and coughing and wheezing decreases.
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Infection fighting: The anti-bacterial property of salt therapy helps to fight infection. Breathing in salt particles clears the airways and reduces pathogens.
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Healthier skin: Most skin conditions like psoriasis, acne and eczema improve with salt therapy. It also often improves general skin appearance. The salt penetrates the skin which balances the pH and encourages skin regeneration. Salt aids in draining the lymphatic system as it detoxifies the body, clearing the skin of acne and other blemishes. Halotherapy works on superficial and deeper skin layers increasing activity and improving the skin’s protective properties which aids in healing skin problems.
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Boosts immune system: By reducing bacteria and allergens in the throat and lungs, salt therapy helps to support and boost the immune system. It reduces inflammation and improves respiratory function which assists the body’s defenses to work effectively, boosting immunity and enhancing overall wellbeing. Many people who use salt therapy report fewer colds and fast recovery from illness.
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Stress reduction: Salt rooms are designed to provide the ultimate in relaxation by creating a calm, meditative environment. In a purpose built salt room, quiet time is the focus with soft ambient lighting, comfortable seating and the natural beauty of salt crystals. This quiet environment provides the perfect space to unwind and relax, reducing stress and calming the mind and body. Thoughts slow down and a warm sense of relaxation takes over.
- Athletic recovery: Salt therapy can help with athletic recovery as it helps to relax the muscles and promote faster recovery. The salt particles help improve oxygen intake, support lung capacity and speed up recovery.
Risks of Salt Therapy
While salt therapy has a myriad of benefits and is generally considered very safe, there are some instances when it may not be ideal. Salt therapy may cause some of these issues:
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Increased mucus and coughing: This therapy has a cleansing effect which causes the lungs to clear phlegm. Occasionally this can lead to more mucus production and increased coughing.
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Throat irritation: Sometimes a mild tickle in the throat may occur.
- Headaches: Some individuals experience headaches but this is very rare.
You should potentially avoid salt therapy if you have any of these conditions:
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Circulatory problems: Avoid salt therapy if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems or kidney disease. Inhaled salt can affect sodium levels, which is risky for those with heart conditions or hypertension.
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Pregnancy: While salt therapy is generally considered safe for pregnant women, it is always wise to consult your doctor first.
- Blood disorders: People with anaemia, haemophilia, or clotting issues may need to avoid salt rooms.
Salt therapy is a wonderful treatment for those with respiratory issues, skin problems or even trouble sleeping. Salt particles enter the salt room which are then inhaled or land on the skin. With the benefits of anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, salt is a great way to reduce inflammation, clear the airways and encourage overall wellbeing. Magnesium pools are another form of salt therapy that provide wellness and relaxation benefits. At About Time Bathhouse, the warm sensorial space combines a steam, chromotherapy and salt room to support deep restoration through colour, heat and salt-infused air.