Nasal congestion and chronic sinus discomfort? Try Halotherapy

As I See It by John Appleton

Way back in the '70s I visited the famous Wieliczka salt mine in Poland. I recall that having travelled what seemed like miles down underground in a lift, I was surprised to find that it felt refreshing to breathe the air. Back in the mid-19th century, a Polish doctor Feliks Boczkowski noticed that salt miners seemed to be free of the lung problems that plagued miners of other minerals. He attributed this fact to the inhalation of airborne salt particles.

Moving ahead to the 21st century, I have recently discovered Halotherapy (halo is Greek for salt). On the North Shore in Sunset Road, a former Nepalese Doctor Prashant Saraf has set up a remarkable ‘Salt Cave’ where people can experience the benefits of inhaling dry Himalayan salt air while they relax in comfortable ‘loungers’ and listen to soft music.

I have had several sessions of 45 minutes and I can definitely say that my nasal passages are significantly clearer with much less stuffiness in the morning. Coming from Nepal, the home of Himalayan salt, Prashant knows a lot about salt and he is passionate about its use to support respiratory wellbeing.   

Prashant’s ‘Salt Cave’ is a very impressive room lined on all four sides with Himalayan salt bricks which are back lit. The ceiling is covered with salt crystals and the floor is like a pink salt beach. During a 45 minute session, a Halogenerator produces micronized mineral rich salt particles that are breathed in as one inhales through the nose.  Himalayan salt contains all the 80+ minerals and trace elements found in the human body. The salt emits negative ions which counter the positive ions emitted by cell-phones and electronics. Diseased cells are electron deficient, so submitting the body to an electron-rich environment can be very helpful.

The potential benefits of salt therapy are wide-ranging. Salt levels affect the activity of all of our cells, our energy and many bodily functions.  Salt is known to have anti-septic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and it can loosen mucous thus opening airways which results in improved breathing.  

Bacteria breed in our four pairs of sinus cavities, thriving in the warm moist environment. Sinus infections are very difficult to treat and antibiotics at best provide only temporary relief. It makes a lot of sense to me that if one can dry up the mucous by inhaling dry salt air which has antibacterial properties, bacteria will have a far less hospitable environment in which to set up camp.  I read an article in an American magazine where the author says: “I went to a salt chamber and all I got were clear sinuses.” 

As with any such non-toxic therapy, the naysayers will demand scientific evidence. Dr. Norman Edelman, Senior Scientific Advisor to the American Lung Association, suggests that, potentially, salt therapy could be more than just a placebo effect. Most people with obstructive lung disease such as asthma or COPD cough sputum (a thick mixture of saliva and mucus) and trying to bring it up can be very distressing. Dr. Edelman suggests that it's possible that salt therapy offers relief to these symptoms.  For people with asthma, Halotherapy could be combined with a Buteyko course at Glenn White’s Buteyko Breathing Clinic in Ponsonby. 

I don’t need convincing. Halotherapy certainly has a place when it comes to many respiratory conditions.  At Prashant’s ‘Salt Cave’ six people can experience Halotherapy at the same time. As I see it a ‘Salt Cave’ is not a bad place for an individual or a group of friends interested in a pleasant peaceful and inexpensive therapy that could have quite significant wellness benefits.  Dr Oz is a big fan too.

To find out more Prashant can be contacted on 09 390 7886 or 022 060 8886 www.saltcavenz.co.nz

 

- John Appleton 09 489 9362 john@johnappleton.co.nz  www.johnappleton.co.nz