What is Salt Therapy (Halotherapy)?
Salt Therapy, also known as Halotherapy (Greek: Halos – salt; therapy – treatment) or Speleotherapy (Greek: Speleon – cave; therapy – treatment) originated in salt caves and mines. Salt therapy has been used for centuries and recently more and more studies have been done to better understand how it works.
How does Salt Therapy work?
Aside from the the already rich Himalayan Salt, which is the only salt to boast the 84 elements our body consists of, a salt generator also crushes White Himalayan salt comprised of 99.8% NaCl (Sodium Chloride) into micron-sized dry aerosol particles that are inhaled. The white Himalayan salt has a higher concentration of Sodium Chloride than the Pink Himalayan salt; this is especially beneficial for respiratory health. Both White Himalayan and Pink Himalayan salt particles have anti-inflammatory properties which open the airways and reduce or eliminate mucus from the lungs.
Salt Therapy (Halotherapy) is based on salt’s natural anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory properties and the negative ions it produces. The rich negative ion effect can be felt in nature in places like the ocean, near waterfalls and in pine forests. Our micro climate of negative ions and abundant minerals and elements packs the benefits of three days at the ocean into a 45 minute session. In this day and age we are exposed to a barrage of electromagnetic fields that produce positive ions such as from TV’s, cell phones, computers, power lines, appliances, etc. Himalayan salt’s natural production of negative ions benefits the whole body system and combats the effects of free radicals (positive ions) from our environment.
Who can benefit from Salt Therapy?
Anyone can benefit thanks to Salt Therapy’s mood and immune enhancing effects. More specifically, Salt Therapy can be a great benefit to those who suffer from the following conditions: Allergies, Asthma, Acne, Immune System Deficiencies, Respiratory Conditions, Bronchitis, Cystic Fibrosis, Cold and Flu, Cough, Infections, Eczema, Emphysema, Nasal Congestion, Psoriasis, Sinus Infections, Snoring, Sore Throat (in addition to many others).
How long is the Salt Therapy session?
All sessions are 45 minutes long and begin on the hour every hour. We offer private and public sessions.
What is the temperature in the Salt Room?
The air temperature is between 67F – 70F , humidity is less that 45%. There is no steam and you will not sweat during the session. Makeup will remain perfect. If you should feel chilly we provide blankets.
What should I wear during the Salt Therapy session?
Wear comfortable clothing to ensure a relaxing session. It is not necessary to remove your shoes in our therapy room. For clients who have skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, we recommend that you expose those areas. So a T-shirt and shorts would work in that case for maximum exposure. For respiratory ailments, there is no need to expose the skin.
What do I do during the Salt Therapy session?
Our Salt Therapy room was designed to help you leave your worries behind with the aid of soft golden lighting from the Himalayan Salt, peaceful music, and comfortable Zero Gravity lounge chairs with fresh blankets provided. We encourage this quiet time to be used for relaxation or meditation. This will ensure a quality experience for all in attendance.
Can I bring a child with me?
There is no age limit for Salt Therapy. However, we offer separate sessions for children where they are not expected to remain quiet. Children must be accompanied by parents and reservations are required.
What is a public or private session?
We can accommodate up to 10 people in each public or private session. When you schedule as part of a public session you will be in the salt room with other people. For an extra charge you can schedule a private session and have the entire room just for you and your party, this may include children.
Do I need to make a reservation for a Salt Therapy session?
We strongly recommend that you schedule an appointment due to limited seating. However walk-ins are still welcomed. Please always specify how many people are coming with you and if any are under the age of 12. Ages 12 and under may be scheduled in a children’s/family session. Reservations for children are required. To schedule an appointment please call us at 828-855-9980.
What is the size of the Salt Room?
Our Salt Room is 400 sq. ft. and very spacious but there are no windows. If you are claustrophobic please visit us to take a look at the room before you schedule your appointment.
Are drinks or food allowed during the Salt Therapy session?
No food or water is permitted in the Salt Room. If there is a medical condition that demands the use of water during the Salt/Halotherapy session, accommodations can be made.
Do you offer treatments other than the Salt Therapy?
We offer Massage Therapy, Reiki Sessions, Reflexology, and Intuitive Counseling. These sessions are not held in our Salt Room.
Is credit card information required to hold Salt Therapy appointments?
Credit card information is not required to reserve space in a public salt therapy session. However we do require a credit card in order to reserve private salt therapy sessions.
Is credit card information required to hold spa services appointments?
Credit card information is required to reserve time for spa services. We do not charge your card at the time of booking. You may choose whatever payment method you wish upon arrival.
What is the Salinity Cancellation Policy?
Scheduled therapies are reserved for you and a 24 hour advance notice is required to cancel any service with no charge. If your appointment is not cancelled within this notification period, your appointment is considered confirmed. If changes or cancellations are made after the 24 hour time frame you are subject to a charge for each service.
What time should I arrive for my Salt Therapy Session?
It is highly recommended that you arrive fifteen minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. This will give you time to fill out paperwork as well as visit the restroom, in order to ensure an uninterrupted session in the Salt Room.
What will happen if I arrive late to my scheduled Salt Therapy session?
Arriving promptly for your session is imperative, as once the session has begun, out of respect for those already enjoying the effects, we do not interrupt the session that has started. If you cannot arrive on time, we will need to reschedule for the next available opening. *Salt Therapy sessions are 45 minutes long and begin every hour on the hour.
Is Salt Therapy covered by my insurance?
Although salt therapy is partially covered by health insurance in Canada and some European countries, it is not covered by health insurance in the U.S.Note: You may want to check with your healthcare flexible spending administrator because Salt Therapy may be considered a valid flex spend cost.
Can electronics be brought into the salt rooms?
Electronics are not allowed in the salt room. Although we encourage you to lock your valuables in your car, we do provide a locked cabinet for you to store your items while in the Salt Room.
Do you need to stop taking medications if receiving salt therapy?
No. Salt room therapy should be used as a complementary treatment. People who come for salt room therapy often find that they can reduce their dependence on certain medications and that their episodes are not as frequent or severe. However, you should always follow your doctor’s advice and your prescribed medication regimen.
Is one salt therapy session enough?
You may feel some improvement after a single session, but a series of treatments is required to achieve long-term results. Some people use treatments as a preventative measure to avoid the common cold and other respiratory viruses. Salt treatment is most effective when it is used at least twice a week.
How sterile is the salt room – could someone pick up germs?
Salt naturally absorbs bacteria. The himalayan salt used within the Salt Room creates an almost sterile environment. In addition, after a session, the room is fully ventilated for 15 minutes.
When should Salt Therapy be avoided?
Salt Therapy (Halotherapy) is not recommended for individuals with the following conditions: • Any kind of infectious disease • Acute respiratory disease • Cardiac insufficiency • COPD with 3rd stage of chronic lung insufficiency • Coughing of blood/bleeding • Infections accompanied by fever • High blood pressure/hypertension in IIB stage • Any form or stage of tuberculosis • Intoxication • Chronic kidney disease • All internal diseases of decompensation
If you are unsure if salt therapy is appropriate for you, please contact your physician.
Isn't introducing salt into the body bad for you?
Eating too much salt is linked to high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However with salt therapy the salt enters your respiratory system, not your stomach, heart and kidneys. In addition, the concentration of salt is .5-10 mg/m3 (milligrams per cubic meter). To put that into perspective, the daily recommended salt intake for the average adult is 6g (grams). Therefore, the amount of salt entering your respiratory system is extremely low. Even if you eat that amount instead of breathing it, the amount of salt is insignificant. Salt entering the lungs kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, and loosens mucus.
Is there research to support Salt Therapy (halotherapy)?
Salt therapy has been researched and studied in both Russia and Eastern Europe. The first medical study on Cystic Fibrosis has been conducted in Florida with very positive effects. For a list of research articles please see The Salt Therapy Association’s website http://salttherapyassociation.org.