Salt Therapy: What Is It And What Does It Do?

Whilst salt therapy has gained popularity recently as an alternative natural therapy for cleansing the airways and aiding the treatment of skin conditions.

History of salt therapy

The origin of salt therapy can be traced back to the salt mines and caves of Eastern Europe and Russia. Salt miners, though always under dangerous working conditions, appeared to still be healthy and did not suffer from respiratory issues. Studies were conducted and it was discovered that the health benefits came from the miners’ constant exposure to salt. As salt contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is the perfect aid for treating and preventing lung and skin conditions.

Upon studying this phenomenon and ensuring the veracity of the claims, Dr Feliks Boczkowski opened the first health resort facility at the Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland in 1839. He offered salt baths using the natural brine from the underground mine.

The practice was continuously improved and perfected throughout the decades. In 1958, Professor Mieczyslaw Skulimowski became the official physician of the Wieliczka Salt Mine. He started regular treatment of patients in the salt rooms. The Skulimowski method of salt treatment was named after him, where salt rooms are exclusively underground as underground treatment proved to be more effective than regular inhalation.

From then on, salt therapy or halotherapy has gained traction, especially in the medical community and has claimed its place in the wellness industry.

Benefits of salt therapy

Salt therapy helps clear airways and cleanse the skin, improving one’s health and well-being in a natural and holistic way. It is carried out in a special room, filled with a dry salt ground using a halogenator which releases the salt particles in the air. These salt particles are then breathed in, fighting infection and de-clogging the airways of pollutants, dust, pollens, and other such allergens. It also helps in treating conditions such as asthma and bronchitis as it loosens congestion in the lungs and improves oxygen intake.

Urban Float salt rooms in Melbourne are designed especially to utilise the natural healing properties of salt in a calm, peaceful environment. Call  03 9870 4777 to book a session with us or visit our float centre today!