Treating Inflammation with Salt Therapy
Inflammation refers to the process by which the human body fights against injuries, infections, toxins, and other things that harm it in an attempt to heal itself. When the cells are damaged, the body releases chemicals triggering a response from the immune system.
However, chronic inflammation can also impact the tissues and organs of the body negatively. Symptoms of chronic inflammation include fatigue, abdominal pain, chest pain, and many more. There are various ways to treat inflammation. Let’s talk about salt therapy for inflammation.
What is Salt Therapy?
Salt therapy is a natural healing treatment for patients suffering from allergies or respiratory issues like the ones caused by inflammation.
Salt therapy;
- Decreases inflammation
- It opens up airway passages
- It helps eliminate toxins and allergens from the respiratory system.
Salt therapy takes place in a calm environment, and it’s safe, simple, and highly effective for treating inflammation. Both children and adults can benefit from salt therapy.
However, those pregnant or nursing should talk to their doctors before stepping into the salt room. Also, the Salt Therapy Association does not recommend salt therapy for those with contagious diseases, open wounds, severe hypertension, or active tuberculosis.
Salt therapy utilizes a machine called a halogenerator to disperse salty air in a salt cave or spa. When in this space, you are required to sit down and relax while breathing the salty air and probably meditating. Some spas offer yoga and meditation classes in addition to salt therapy.
Types of Salt Therapy for Inflammation
Salt therapy is offered in many ways, but they’re all grouped into two categories.
Dry Methods
The dry salt therapy method takes place in a salt cave. It uses pharmaceutical-grade salt that is 100% sodium chloride. Dry salt therapy is more effective than wet salt therapy. When the salt particles are inhaled, they break up mucus, reducing inflammation.
Most spas use cutting-edge technology to size the salt particles making them ideal for everyone.
Research indicates that taking too much salt causes high blood pressure. But with dry salt therapy, you’re breathing a dry salt aerosol. The fine salt particles do not enter the digestive tract; they go to the respiratory system. This way, the salt particles won’t cause health problems.
Wet Method
As the name suggests, the wet salt therapy method uses water and salt. You can do this in various ways, including;
- Drinking saltwater
- Bathing in saltwater
- Filling flotation tanks with saltwater
- Gargling saltwater
- Nasal irrigation using saltwater
Can You Do Salt Therapy at Home?
Yes. You don’t need to go to a spa or a salt cave to enjoy salt therapy at home. You can make your own salt room at home. First, identify the salt therapy method that works for you. Choose between dry and wet methods. The wet methods are easy to do at home, but they are not very effective.
If you choose the dry method, purchase a salt machine. Here, you’ll use an ultrasonic sanitized salt machine. The next step is to identify and buy the suitable salt for the therapy. Place the machine in any of your rooms and power it up. The salt machine will break down the salt into fine microscopic particles before releasing them into the air in the room.
Alternatively, use an inhaler-like device to breathe the salt particles.
The Bottom Line
Salt therapy is a natural, safe, and effective remedy for treating inflammation. The therapy takes place in a salt cave or spa, but you can also do it at home.
The period for taking the therapy varies depending on factors like the type of condition you’re treating and your body’s response to the therapy.