Salt vs. Seasonal Allergies

Originally posted Sept 9, 2020

Halotherapy, also known as "salt therapy" can be a boon for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. During a 45-minute session in our beautiful Salt Room, our state-of-the-art halogenerator grinds pharmaceutical grade sodium chloride into tiny particles which settle in the lungs, bronchi, and sinuses - in short, wherever mucous lurks. Salt has three properties which make it useful for allergy sufferers.

First, salt has anti-inflammatory properties. Swelling in part of seasonal allergies, especially in the lining of the nose. Tiny particles of salt will reach inflamed tissue and, while its presence is not felt, the salt will reduce swelling and offer relief from the itching and irritation of hay fever.

Second, salt has anti-microbial properties. Salt has been used as a preserving agent for millennia, its effectiveness stemming from its ability to prevent microorganisms from multiplying. Sinusitis, or an infection in the sinuses, is usually caused by a cold or allergies. These ailments lead to a perfect breeding ground for microbes as excess mucous cannot drain because of inflammation of the tissues.

Finally, salt is hydrophilic, which means it attracts water. You may have made use of this property while cooking to extract water from an ingredient such as eggplant. During a Salt Room session, you are breathing salt to wherever you have congestion. Water is drawn to the salt, thins your congestion and enables it to drain, allowing you to breathe more comfortably.

There are no hard-and-fast recommendations for frequency of use of the Salt Room, but most of our guests find that doing two or three 45-minute sessions per week helps them when their symptoms are most acute. The Salt Room itself is quite lovely, with its backlit Himalayan salt brick walls, and the gentle hum of the halogenerator itself makes a white noise that people find quite relaxing.