What Is Halotherapy? I Tried It
By Marissa Del Mistro
If you’re wondering what is halotherapy, you’re not alone. You may have heard of this growing wellness trend. I was curious so decided to investigate and try it for myself. And I did some digging on what the treatment includes and any scientific research behind it.
So is this self-care trend worth the hype? Here’s what I found:
Trying Halotherapy
Driven by intrigue and curiosity about what is halotherapy and hoping to knock off a spring cold, I recently headed to a local salt room. Upon entering the halotherapy room, I felt like I had stepped inside a Himalayan salt lamp and sat cross-legged on a comfortable chair like a genie. My eyes danced around the room—comprised of chunks of pink Himalayan sea salt that crunched underfoot and large slabs on the walls.
I was the only person who had booked a mid-afternoon stint, so I had the dimmed, pink, and white cave all to myself. Gentle, relaxing music filled my ears, partnered with the soft yet shrill whir of the halo generator, grinding salt into microscopic particles and releasing them into the room’s air.
Himalayan salt accessories, especially lamps, are everywhere nowadays, but I never imagined being inside one. Increasingly, there have been studies around how Himalayan sea salt can purify and heal the body, but it’s been around for a minute. So I set out to find out more about what is halotherapy and why people swear by it.
What Is Halotherapy?
So what is halotherapy exactly, and where did it come from? Halotherapy comes from the Greek word “halos,” which means “salt.” During the 12th century, seeking therapeutic benefits by visiting salt caves, known as speleotherapy, was prevalent in Eastern Europe. In the 1800s, salt miners in Poland worked arduously, yet they experienced remarkable health, devoid of respiratory ailments. In addition, they were resistant to common colds and coughs.
Scientific investigations revealed that the miners’ inhalation of the salty air was crucial in keeping their lungs free from infections and allergies. As a result, Halotherapy remains popular, with an estimated 300 salt caves in the United States.
“Upon entering the halotherapy room, I felt like I had stepped inside a Himalayan salt lamp”
How Does Halotherpy Work?
The idea is that once the salt particles from the halo-generator are inhaled, they are meant to absorb irritants, such as allergens and toxins, out of the respiratory system. Breathing in these particles strives to thin out the mucus in the lungs, which prompts coughing, getting phlegm out, and, overall, getting things moving.
But that is not all. The intended benefits of salt therapy are to:
Treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and allergies
Ease smoking-related symptoms
Ease coughs, shortness of breath, and wheezing
Treat depression and anxiety
Detoxify the body
Reduce the signs of aging
Increase energy output and improve athletic performance
Enhance immune system function
Supports certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne
It’s important to note that the salt used is 100% pure Himalayan rock salt. So, sadly, you cannot buy this from the store and enjoy the same benefits. The benefit is due to the relatively neutral substance of salt, which is composed of negative chloride ions and positive sodium ions molecules. In the case of salt air, found in the salt caves, these ions offer health benefits, particularly the negative ions.
What Does Science Say About Halotherapy?
When researching salt therapy, I found plenty of testimonials from avid users raving about salt rooms. People love them for improving fitness levels, removing coughs, and helping with other respiratory problems.
The benefits of halotherapy sounded great until I adjusted my focus toward scientific research, where it all got very, well, dry. Scientists have not focused much attention, so there are few tangible studies on the topic that speak about the benefits. Most research is either inconclusive or conflicting. Critics state that the benefits are more placebo than anything.
Would I Try Halotherapy Again?
When I look at the benefits claimed by halotherapy, one stands out that is akin to my personal experience: “treating depression and anxiety.” Maybe it was a combination of things, such as being alone in the cave, but I found it incredibly relaxing. It was a full 50 minutes of zero technology, zero interruptions, and zero distractions. Just me and my thoughts. Nothing was required of me for the entire session. All I needed to do was sit back and focus on my breathing. That was a real treat in my busy life.
When my session finished, I noticed my mood did feel lighter and calmer, though physically, I still had an annoying cough. I also noticed my eyes stinging slightly, likely from the dry salt. I was told to drink lots of water, which I obliged, and this did help.
When it comes to trying again—if I am honest, I don’t think I would *jump* at the chance, but it does feel like something that could be lovely for a once-in-a-while treat, like getting my nails done. I loved the chance to sit in a room with relaxing music without a single distraction, but I also think I could recreate that self-care indulgence with a soothing warm bath, soft music, no phone, and a firmly locked door to avoid interruptions!
I firmly believe in creating a personalized self-care routine that supports physical and mental health, so I would not advise against halotherapy. Still, I also would not tell everyone to try it. Instead, I’ll stay on the hunt for other wellness practices and be sure to report back. Check back every Tuesday for more I Tried It stories.
Do you have a wellness trend you’re curious about? Share it with us by tagging @Runstreet on Instagram.
Related Posts: I Tried Ocean Dips: Are They Worth the Hype?, I Tried Micro Workouts: Here Are My Tips As a Trainer
Marissa Del Mistro is a writer, editor, and always on the hunt for the perfect workout. Marissa absolutely loves trail running, dancing, and cycling. When she’s not writing, Marissa loves cooking, podcasts, traveling, and exploring her home in the beautiful unceded Coast Salish Territory of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ nations.
