Lynnette Browning, 54 gets a halotherapy treatment for her severe asthma as her husband Griff Browning sits in the salt room with her. (Anne Cusack /Los Angeles Times)
A couple of years ago I interviewed a woman, in her early twenties, who had cystic fibrosis. She had become an ambassador for an organization called “Pipeline for a Cure” which touted the therapeutic benefits of surfing for cystic fibrosis. The salt in the water helps to open up the airways and clear mucus, making breathing easier for a patient with cystic fibrosis. This was the first time I had heard about salt and it’s healing properties.
Fast forward to today and the Health section of the LA Times. There was an article entitled, “Salt Room Sanctuaries” which explored salt rooms and the healing properties in which users claim they have. Called Halotherapy, a user will sit in an all white room, made to look like an ice cave, with salt plastered on the walls and floor, while a generator fans out salt into the air. The article concentrated on exploring the Salt Chalet, a salt room treatment center that recently opened in Encino, CA–the first of it’s kind on the West Coast. Users vary from allergy sufferers, to those with psoriasis, and the aforementioned patients with respiratory problems.
Although doctors state that the claimed benefits of salt therapy are unproven, they can understand why it’s become popular. The salt used in most centers comes from the Dead Sea. As the LA Times reports, the Dead Sea is special because, “. . . of the sea’s unique properties — it is the lowest point on Earth and has the highest concentration of minerals in a body of water. . .” As a result, many claim that it treats a variety of ailments, especially skin conditions.
If you Google Salt Therapy, you’ll see everything from companies who make salt therapy machines to use in your own home, to blog entries stating it was “the only thing that worked” to advertising for salt room treatment centers across the globe. Whether or not it works, this is one trend that seems to be gaining momentum.
Ras 40 years ,I am suffering with heavy cough when i exposed to cold wind or take a cold drink or exposed to dusty atmosphere .First throught start itching and coughing,dry cough,i cant control my coughing but no wheezing for the past 20 yaers.Now it repeatedly effecting and antibiotics and alergy tablets not giving good responce as before.Now with medication it remains for 20 to 25 days.My Dr:(Pulmonologist) recommend me to use continious use of flixotide 250 diskus (2inhalation morning and 2 at evening),is there any alternative treatment available for me
Comment by ras — February 12, 2011 @ 10:39 am
We brought a salt room to our city, first and foremost to help our daughter with asthma use less medication. Since completing therapy she was able to easily use 80% less medication (her pulmonologist even said she could stop 100% after a lung function test, but kept her on a small dose for spring allergies). Now, mid-summer, she’s off 100% of meds and is more active than ever. A great majority of our clients have had similar results that were more amazing than any of us thought possible, including serious cases of CF, severe allergies, chronic sinusitis and many more that did not respond well to mainstream medicine. Doctors have seen the results, jaws dropped open in many cases, but won’t refer anyone to us. Hmmm, could it be because we haven’t lowered ourselves to the tactics of billion dollar pharma company reps?
Comment by Clay J — July 23, 2011 @ 10:28 am
double blinded clinical trials would be nice…
So called ‘natural’ therapies never seem to want to do these.. I do wonder why..?
Comment by fastpoose — January 3, 2012 @ 1:48 am