When it comes to maintaining a healthy diet, a “pinch of salt” is fine, but excess sodium is the culprit in a long list of ills. However, when not ingested in food, salt can enhance your health in many ways.
We recently spoke to Ellen Patrick, co-founder of and yoga therapist at Breathe Salt Rooms, which has two locations in Manhattan and two in Westchester (Dobbs Ferry and Katonah), about dry salt therapy and its many benefits.
What is dry salt therapy and how long has it been used?
“Dry salt therapy, or halotherapy, is a holistic, drug-free, natural therapy using micro particles of salt to promote better breathing, healthier skin, sounder sleep, improved physical fitness and endurance, and overall wellness. Dry Salt Therapy also helps to alleviate symptoms of many respiratory and skin conditions. Salt has been used therapeutically for nearly all of human history.”
It seems to have become a trend in recent years; what do you think accounts for that?
“In recent years, health and wellness have become the ultimate trend, and with dry salt therapy being a natural and holistic treatment for adults and kids, I think people value an alternative natural remedy without having to resort to harmful drugs and medications.”
Is there one specific type of salt that is used, or can more than one type be used?
“At Breathe, we use micro-particles of pure salt. During a session, pure salt is ground into tiny particles by our state-of-the-art halogenerator, and then aerated into the salt room or bed. The inhaled salt aids in reducing respiratory inflammation, drying mucus, eliminating toxins and allergens. The non-inhaled particles landing on the skin help to balance pH, reduce inflammation, and exfoliate. Specific to Breathe Salt Rooms is the use of Himalayan salt crystals and bricks as a beautiful aesthetic and to generate relaxing negative ions that counter the agitating positive ions we are bombarded with from electronic equipment.”
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What are the primary benefits of the therapy?
“Dry salt therapy helps to reduce inflammation, widen the airways, accelerate mucus transport, soak up and eliminate toxins and allergens, and strengthen the immune system. The non-inhaled particles landing on the skin induce the reparative and regenerative processes in the skin, increasing rigidity and stimulating cell growth and microcirculation.”
What is the difference between the treatment in a salt room and a salt bed?
“They both benefit the respiratory system equally. Salt-room sessions last 25 minutes in a group setting and will only affect the skin areas that are exposed by normal clothing. Those wishing to experience salt therapy to primarily target skin issues, such as eczema and psoriasis, would benefit more in a salt bed due to the level of privacy, which allows one to completely disrobe.”
Is salt therapy hygienic?
“As salt is antibacterial and anti-fungal, when the salt is dispersed throughout the room, it literally kills any living bacteria. The salt room is considered more sterile than a hospital room.”
Are there any side effects or adverse reactions to the treatment?
“Since dry salt therapy is 100-percent natural and drug-free, there are no negative side effects. After sessions, you may experience a slight cough, minor tightness in the chest, or runny nose, but this is simply the salt doing its work to remove mucus and toxins from the lungs and airways.”