The Benefits of Salt Room Therapy

In a world of go,go, go, rest and relaxation have never been more important. A variety of different therapies have become popular. Whether it be cryotherapy, mud treatments, body wraps, or aromatherapy, people are constantly searching for the next calming treatment to take the stress of everyday life away for 45 minutes or less or longer. Some are more effective than others, so what is the new craze over these salt caves? 

Salt Room Therapy, otherwise known as Halotherapy, is a form of alternative medicine that is said to increase breathing quality, naturally boost immunity, and decrease inflammation. Here, we will discuss exactly how salt therapy works, the benefits it provides, and some common questions associated with this type of therapy.

Salt Room Benefits

The benefits of halotherapy are said to include improved respiratory health, skin health, stress reduction and overall wellness.

Improved breathing

When discussing respiratory, it is believed that breathing in these microscopic salt particles can work to thin mucus, making it easier to expel any obstructions or irritating elements in the lungs. By clearing the lungs, breathing can be improved. This can provide a sense of relief for those suffering from allergies or ailments such as acute asthma. 

One common consideration to keep in mind for those with respiratory ailments - it has been reported that an increase in coughing can occur after visiting salt rooms and halotherapy centres, expelling those loosened mucous cells from the body.

Healthier skin

Benefits go farther than the lungs, Halotherapy also has the potential to benefit those with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. The discussion around skin health and salt caves insinuates that salt particles flow over the skin can loosen or release dead or dying skin care particles while helping to hydrate the healthier surrounding cells. The result of this may leave skin feeling smoother and with a more even skin tone. 

Stress Relief

Aside from the potential physical health benefits, stress reduction and feelings of wellness are the most true effects you can experience form halotherapy. Most treatment rooms are set in calming environments, sometimes accompanied by relaxing music and lighting. Stress relief itself has the potential to benefit the immune system and improve sleep quality.

How it Works

So, the benefits seem great, but how does it work? 

Consider salt room therapy as a complementary approach to overall wellness. Salt rooms can either be ‘active’ or ‘passive’. Active halotherapy entails salt particles being broken down by a machine and then circulated into and enclosed space, ensuring the salt particles are both inhaled and exposed to the skin. Passive salt rooms are generally more meditative spaces. You can find these rooms filled with various salts in climate-controlled conditions. These rooms might be what you think of when you hear people mention salt caves. Results vary because there are no defined standards for how Halotherapy, passive or active, is managed.

Where did salt therapy come from?

The idea came about when Polish doctors began to notice that, unlike coal miners, workers coming from salt mines had much better lunch and respiratory health, rarely contracting ailments of their counterparts such as lung cancer. First observed by Dr. Feliks Boczkowski, this Polish doctor joined forces with Hungarian geologist Dr. H. Kessler. Together, they conducted studies and paved the way for what was known then as Speleotherapy, which would later act as the foundation for modern Halotherapy. 

Where to Try Salt Room Therapy

Salt Room in the Shore Spa in Inveraray

If you are interested in giving Salt Therapy a try, experience full days of relaxation in Inveraray. Shore Spa at Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa has a cosy salt room between a steam room sauna and the entrance to a 15-metre pool. The professionals recommend enjoying a relaxing treatment before continuing your rejuvenation in the salt room to allow the body, mind, and soul to continue reaping the benefits of your treatment.

Book a Spa Day at the Shore Spa in Inverary. 

Salt Room in the Coast Spa in Nairn

The Coast Spa at Golf View Hotel & Spa also has a luxurious salt room in case you haven’t had enough salty ocean air by the seaside during the day. As part of a larger Thermal Experience, enjoy a Kurland-Steinbad Stone Bath, the first of its kind in Scotland, before cooling down in the salt chamber. Before returning to use the pool with views of the Moray Firth, rinse off in the experiential shower. Powerful jets can be switched between ice cold or warm while the changing colours provide a full-body experience.

Book a Spa Day at Coast Spa. 

*Please discuss any medical concerns with a doctor. Halotherapy should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care, advice, or medication. Note that scientific evidence related to this therapy is limited. At this time, safety concerns are limited. However, if you have underlying medical problems or are pregnant, we recommend first discussing them with a doctor before participation.