What is halotherapy? *
The word halotherapy comes from the Greek word “hals,” for salt. Halotherapy is a modern yet natural method made possible by a special device, called a halogenerator, which micronizes and disperses very finely ground salt particles into a salt room, where clients breathe in the dry salt-saturated air while relaxing in comfortable furniture.
Halotherapy mimics the natural microclimate of subterranean salt mines, yet does so in the comfort of accessible, above-ground spas and health facilities. The term was introduced in the late 1980s by scientists of the Institute of Pulmonology in St. Petersburg, Russia who rigorously studied the characteristics of numerous natural salt caves known for providing therapeutic benefits. Their pioneering work resulted in the development of the first above-ground artificial salt cave.
Halotherapy belongs to the category of non-invasive and non-drug healing methods, which safely optimize health by supporting the body’s natural immunity. It also helps salt room clients achieve a level of deep relaxation, reducing stress and boosting mood.
Halotherapy is particularly helpful in treating certain chronic illnesses, such as asthma and bronchitis, and other respiratory and allergy-related conditions, as well as certain skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Salt room visitors often report that halotherapy enables them to reduce the use of medications and prevent recurrence, lengthening and stabilizing remission periods.
*The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration nor Health Canada.
History of Halotherapy
1839 Polish salt works physician Feliks Boczkowski opened the first salt bath facilities in Wieliczka, Poland.
1958 Professor Mieczyslaw Skulimowski started regular treatments in the salt chambers, thereby initiating a new field of medicine – subterraneotherapy.
1968 A subterranean clinic specializing in treatment for allergies opened in Solotvino, Ukraine.
1980-1990 The first artificial salt caves were constructed and the first Dry Salt Aerosol Generator (halogenerator) was developed. Halotherapy was introduced to health care professionals and the public. In Eastern Europe, Halotherapy was developed as a conventional medical method. By the late 1980s developers worked on the challenges of inconsistent dry salt aerosol (DSA) concentration in salt rooms. Rigorous testing proved the efficacy of consistent, moderate-dose Halotherapy and that at too-high concentrations of dry salt aerosol (the mixture of micronized salt and air) salt room visitors could experience bronchospasm and that DSA at too-low of dose was not therapeutic. Also, researchers began to gain greater understanding of the need for treatment protocols for different conditions, and the importance of small salt particle size to deliver therapy to the minute structures in the lungs and sinuses.
1990-1991 Controlled Halotherapy was born. Aeromed (a member of Aeromed-Halomed Group) developed the first halogenerator outfitted with a sensor, which could measure the level of DSA concentration throughout Halotherapy sessions.