Salt, also called “white gold”, would have many virtues… It is in any case on this principle that halotherapy, salt therapy, is based! We explain everything you need to know about this natural therapy.
What is halotherapy?
The term “halotherapy” is formed from the word therapy and the word “halos”, which means “salt” in Greek. It is therefore a salt therapy. At the beginning of the 20th century, some doctors made the surprising observation that salt mine workers were less sick than others… Sanitizing and soothing, salt has many virtues. It would fight against certain diseases such as asthma, psoriasis and allergies.
Salt also has an immunostimulating effect and is thought to reduce hay fever symptoms. If it is not always easy to find a salt cave near you, know that some wellness places offer treatments around halotherapy, such as a salt wall in front of which to relax, with or without meditation. Indeed, it is the concentration of salt in the atmosphere that will have a therapeutic effect. It can therefore be reproduced synthetically, thanks in particular to a filter system or the presence of a large amount of salt in a room. It would also act on psychological well-being.
How does halotherapy work?
Rich in trace elements and minerals, salt is good for our health! If we are used to consuming a little too much nowadays, mainly because of the profusion of processed and industrial foods, we must not deprive ourselves of it. However, it should be noted that halotherapy is not recognized as a type of medicine. It is therefore more like a wellness treatment than a real remedy. Indeed, no studies demonstrate the beneficial effects of this therapy. This is why, if you suffer from asthma for example, it is essential to consult your doctor.
Halotherapy is almost harmless (salt can have an irritating effect on certain mucous membranes), you can use it but only in addition to real medical care. You can find spas and wellness institutes in your city, which offer halotherapy treatments. In a room whose air is loaded with particles of salt crystals, you will rest and let the salt do its work. A session lasts about 20 minutes, to be practiced in cure of 2 to 3 sessions per week.
What are the benefits of halotherapy?
Its benefits have yet to be scientifically proven. Nevertheless, centers that practice halotherapy highlight many benefits, such as:
- Softening of the skin;
- A reduction in dermatological disorders;
- Better digestive comfort;
- A thyroid balance;
- Improved blood pressure;
- Respiratory tract relief;
- A strengthening of the immune system;
- Regulation of the nervous system.
Caution: Halotherapy is not recommended for people with hypotension and hyperthyroidism.
How does salt work on our body?
Air loaded with salt cleans the airways and dissolves mucus to promote its elimination. It also acts on stress thanks to the negative ions it releases. It can thus reduce stress or on the contrary, stimulate you. In addition, salt helps restore a balance in the minerals and trace elements present in the body:
- magnesium– It regulates the heart rhythm, participates in the production of insulin and intervenes in the relaxation of muscles and the transmission of nerve impulses, it is also a natural antidepressant;
- potassium– it ensures good nerve transmissions and optimal vitality to vital organs;
- iodine– Excellent expectorant, it evacuates bronchial secretions and plays an important role for the thyroid;
- selenium– antioxidant, it helps fight against oxidative stress and participates in the regeneration of immune system cells;
- calcium– Essential to the health of bones and teeth, it also participates in muscle development and helps regulate heart rate;
- iron– An essential trace element, iron is particularly involved in the transport of oxygen frommons and throughout the body;
- zinc– antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, zinc improves liver and digestive function and plays an important role in immune response, growth, and neurological and reproductive functions;
- copper– it participates in bone mineralization and acts on the nervous, cardiovascular and digestive systems;
- chromium– it helps regulate insulin function by acting on the metabolism of lipids and sugars in the body;
- fluorine– it allows the prevention of dental caries and enters the composition of teeth, bones and cartilage;
- lithium– This alkali metal present in the body is a regulator of the nervous system and a mood stabilizer, it is used in particular in the treatment of mood disorders;
- silica– it fixes calcium, stabilizes and lubricates joints while reducing inflammation of joint tissues;
- phosphorus– essential to lipid metabolism, it is involved in the formation of collagen and is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous and muscular systems;
