Salt room therapy comes to Hyderabad

Banjara Hills: Salt Therapy or Halo-therapy, which is becoming popular form of natural treatment in many countries, is now also available in Hyderabad for the first time. The therapy is said to be beneficial for people with respiratory and skin disorders and for those who wish to boost their immunity.

Salt therapy aka Halo-therapy is a holistic treatment which takes place under simulated conditions of a 'man-made' salt cave and is a much sought-after treatment for the people in Europe, Australia, and the US.

"Salt therapy is a natural, no-drug and complementary therapy effective in treating conditions like Asthama, rhinitis, nasal and chest congestion, tonsillitis, hay fever, acne, eczema, ear infections, sinusitis, coughs, colds and to help build immunity towards these aliments," said Mitali Sanghi, owner of Salt World which is Hyderabad's only such Spa in Banjara Hills. "Salt Therapy is a proven solution to enhance the quality of sleep, lower stress and anxiety and promote overall wellbeing. For the sporting fraternity, it helps in building endurance, improving lung capacity and hastening sports recovery process," she adds.

Besides these, salt therapy is also a great option for athletes, singers and sportspersons who rely on outstanding lung function. Being drug-free, there are no side effects in this treatment, and it can be taken in conjunction with prescribed medications. The origins of Halo-therapy date back to the medieval era. But researchers recently started studying its potential benefits. The concept of salt room therapy is started three years back in India. But it has been practiced in foreign countries from the time of World War I. In India, the therapy is done in various metro cities like Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and now Hyderabad.

How it works

The sessions of Salt or Halo-therapy take place in the salt rooms that simulates a natural salt cave environment which is free of humidity. The temperature is cool, set to 68 to 69°F (20 to 21°C) or lower. Sessions usually last for about 45 to 55 minutes in a room, enriched with salt particles of about 0-5 microns (0.05 mm).

A device called a halogenerator grinds the salt into microscopic particles and releases them into the air of the room. Once inhaled, these salt particles are claimed to absorb irritants, including allergens and toxins, from the respiratory system.

Practitioners say this process breaks up mucus and reduces inflammation, resulting in clear airways. The salt particles are said to have a similar effect on skin by absorbing bacteria and other impurities responsible for many skin diseases.

Salt is also said to produce negative ions. This theoretically causes human body to release more serotonin, one of the chemicals behind feelings of happiness. Particles larger than 5 micrometers are caught in the nose and throat, while the smaller particles penetrate deep into the lungs.

The therapy duration is for about an hour and all we need to do is relax, read, enjoy the music or even take a nap while receiving all the benefits of salt therapy.

Salty benefits

• Improves breathing and alleviates sneezing, coughing, and shortness of breath

• Removes allergens and relieves congestion of airways, lungs, and sinuses

• Reduces bronchial inflammation

• Strengthens the immune system

• Improves and rejuvenates skin and alleviates skin irritation and itchiness

• Improves general health and quality of life