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Natural Awakenings South Central Pennsylvania

The Wellness Benefits of Dry Salt Therapy

Jul 31, 2020 05:28PM ● By Melanie McGuire
Dry salt therapy, also known as halotherapy (halos in Greek means salt), is a natural, safe practice for adults and children. By removing toxicity from the respiratory system, improving the function and appearance of the skin and boosting the immune system, halotherapy can be beneficial for overall wellness.

Dry Salt Therapy for Respiratory Care

Healthy lungs and a clean respiratory system are essential for vitality, energy and longevity. An average adult takes about 12 to 15 breaths per minute; children take about 20 to 30 breaths per minute. The main function of the lungs is to deliver oxygen to red blood cells and rid the body of carbon dioxide.

The respiratory system acts as a very important defense mechanism by filtering pollutants and foreign substances from the air. It regulates the pH level of blood by managing the carbon dioxide levels and helps control blood pressure by converting the chemical in the blood called angiotensin I into angiotensin II.

A study done by A.V. Chervinskaya, A.N. Alexandrov and S.I. Konovalov, “Halotherapy: History and Experience of Clinical Application,” at the Clinical and Science-Research Respiratory Center, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, found that inhaled dry salt particles have bactericide, mucokinetic, hydrophilic and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce inflammation in the entire respiratory tract and widen the airway passages. Dry salt particles are also known to accelerate the transportation of mucus, the elimination of residual tar and foreign allergens.

Dry salt is super absorbent and acts like a sponge attracting foreign substances along its path through the respiratory tract. The dry salt can be imagined to behave like a toothbrush that cleans through the respiratory system removing buildup of foreign elements that cause various respiratory ailments and conditions.

People are exposed to pollutants, airborne diseases, bacteria, allergens and other irritating factors on a daily basis. Halotherapy is a method to cleanse and detox the lungs as well as invigorate the entire body with increased lung capacity and oxygen intake. Clean lungs are healthy lungs; a clean respiratory system naturally results in higher oxygen intake, increased energy and an improved immune system. Establishing a regular halotherapy practice is an excellent way to aide breathing and improve quality of life.

Anti-Aging and Beauty Benefits for Skin

Our skin is a very complex and intelligent organ that has many important functions. It is the largest organ and, like the respiratory system, has a major role to protect and defend the body against bacteria, viruses and other microbes. It also excretes wastes, regulates temperature and prevents dehydration by controlling the level of perspiration. It houses sensory receptors that detect pain, sensation and pressure.

Quality and aesthetic appearance of the skin is an important aspect related to how we are viewed by others and can have a profound psycho-emotional impact on how we feel about ourselves. As we age, our skin is the first organ to show the impact of time and life. Dry salt therapy is an excellent solution to improve the overall quality and appearance of the skin. Regular halotherapy can be an important tool that aids the healthy aging process of the skin. The truth is, healthy, glowing skin is beautiful at any age.

How Dry Salt Therapy Improves the Integumentary System

Scientific research has confirmed that the microparticles of salt have a beneficial influence on the integumentary system (skin protective layer) and hairs providing healing and cosmetic effects. The microparticles of salt increase the activity of skin cell ion channels and activate electrophysiological activity that determines the skin’s protective properties. The salt provides pH normalization and induces reparative and regenerative processes in derma, increases skin rigidity, stimulates growth and improves hair health. The dry salt impacts the skin microcirculation and assists cellular membrane activity used in dermatology and cosmetology and enhances their effectiveness.

Contraindications

Halotherapy is recognized as a safe and effective wellness practice for preventive and restorative health care. It is not a medical treatment and does not offer a cure. Halotherapy is not recommended for people with contagious diseases, fever, open wounds, cancer, severe hypertension, mental disorders and active tuberculosis. Pregnant women should consult with their doctors before using halotherapy. It is recommended that anyone with serious health concerns seek proper medical advice and care.

 

Melanie McGuire is the owner of SaltEFX, located at 6009 Allentown Blvd., in Harrisburg. For more information, call 717-635-9271 or visit SaltEFX.com.