The History of Salt Therapy: A Treatment Over the Ages

Natural remedies are passed down from generation to generation. Long before we had the advanced technology and medicine we’re used to, there were home remedies. For example, turmeric has been used when issues with pain and inflammation have arisen. Ginger is another common home remedy to treat pain and nausea. If you’re having digestion problems, mint will do the trick for you. All these remedies have been around for over hundreds of years. They can still be effective when used right. One treatment that’s been used since the 1800’s is salt therapy. Salt therapy still isn’t commonly known.

What is Salt Therapy?

Salt therapy is the process of inhaling small salt particles invisible to the eye. In turn, these salt particles will cleanse your respiratory system. This will substantially improve your breathing. This is due to the fact that mucus is being expelled more easily. Additionally, salt is a natural anti-inflammatory substance. If you have inflamed airways, the salt will help reduce that. Your respiratory system will maximize air intake, improving overall breathing. More air getting to the lungs means more oxygen is reaching your blood. Additional oxygen to the blood has a number of positive effects. Some of these effects include raised energy levels, stimulated brain activity, boosted concentration and increased memory capacity.

Not only does salt therapy help with your lungs but it can do wonders on your skin and mental state. Salt has upwards of 84 minerals that can be absorbed through the skin. Mineral salts don’t dry out the skin, but rather attract moisture. This will nourish the skin and promote cell regeneration; it will be leaving your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated. With anti-inflammatory properties, salt therapy can address problems like psoriasis and eczema. For many, salt therapy isn’t just seen as a treatment, but a way to unplug as well. Salt consists of negative ions. When you’re around negative ions, it boots your mood and gives you more energy. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious about life, a session in a salt room can unwind you.

History of Salt Therapy

Salt therapy comes from origins of salt mines and caves in eastern Europe. European monks noticed a pattern that patients treated in salt caverns healed faster than those treated elsewhere. From this discovery, Polish physician Felix Boczkowski took the reins on seeing the effects of salt therapy. In 1839, Bockowski studied men working in the salt mines. The conclusion made was that the men working in the salt mines had fewer respiratory problems than others. This phenomenon was traced back to inhalation of salt dust. Bockowski later opened the first health facility in a salt mine.

During the second world war, salt mines were a common area for bomb shelters. The disturbances made from bombs dropping emitted salt dust out in the air. German physician Dr. K.H Spannahel noted that individuals taking cover in the mines actually had respiratory benefits. Spannahel then began to conduct observation experiments to observe the climatological conditions. He confirmed the medical effectiveness of underground environments. The results of these studies were very promising. Spannahel’s work laid the foundation for Speleotherpy. Speleotherpy is salt therapy that’s done in an actual salt cave.

Therapy as a Modern Approach

Unfortunately, not many of us live by caves. Visiting actual salt caves in North America is possible, however it’s definitely a more costly option. Thankfully, we have come very far with salt therapy since then. Modern day therapy allows for numerous options on how you’d like to get treated. Spas are now designing salt rooms to mimic that of a salt cave. The rooms are kept much cooler, between sixteen to eighteen degrees Celsius. In some cases, spas will even offer salt baths.

There’s also the option of doing salt therapy at home with the purchase of a salt machine. A salt machine will bring the salt caves right to your home and is the most cost-effective treatment option. You can do this therapy whenever you please and don’t have to worry about booking an appointment in advance. Home salt therapy is considered one of the best options. This is because your body improves the more you are exposed to it. If your machine is left on while you sleep, you can easily get 7-8 hours of salt inhalation a day. This will improve your overall quality of life and everyday function. Additionally, results will be seen more quickly.

The history of salt therapy comes from a very interesting background. It’s exciting to see in what way salt therapy will continue to adapt to modern day techniques. Whether it was back in the 1800’s or in present day, salt therapy provides so many benefits to everyday life. Try this wonderful natural home remedy today.