What is salt therapy and does it actually treat asthma? Read all about it

Unless you have been living under a rock, you must have heard of the Himalayan pink salt–a salt which has pinkish tint due to mineral impurities. These slight peachy-pink slabs of salts are known for their magical healing properties. In a typical salt therapy session, the participant relaxes in a room filled with dry salt particles which are known to heal the skin and cleanse the airways.

What does salt therapy do?

Salt therapy is actually known to be an alternative treatment for respiratory health conditions like asthma and bronchitis. A lot of people also believe that it can cure certain skin conditions like acne, eczema and even psoriasis. According to medieval beliefs, salt therapy may also relieve depression and anxiety.

How does salt therapy work?


A typical salt therapy session lasts for around 45 minutes and is divided into two different methods– dry and wet therapy. This therapy is also known as halotherapy.

Dry salt therapy


The dry salt inhalation therapy is conducted in a man-made salt cave in a controlled environment. In this salt room, a device called halogenerator grinds the salt and disperses microscopic salt particles into the air. It is said that the inhalation of these salt particles reduces inflammation and clears the airways. Additionally, it may also thin out mucus and absorb allergens and toxins present in the body.

These salt particles are also known to be beneficial to the skin as it absorbs the harmful bacteria and impurities from it. It is important to note that the salt used in this process is naturally anti-bacterial.

Wet salt therapy


As the name suggests it is done by using both salt and water. Some of the most common ways of wet salt therapy include:

1.Gargling with salt and water

2. Taking a bath in saltwater

How does a typical salt therapy session look like?

A normal session lasts for around 45 minutes. You are made to sit in a room with dimmed lights in comfortable clothing. You are ideally supposed to wear clothes which can enhance the benefits of salt therapy by increasing the exposure of the skin, like sleeveless T-shirts and shorts. Since the settings of session are private, one can also opt to go commando for added exposure to skin.

A word of caution

It is important to understand that if you are planning to undergo salt therapy, you must continue with your regular medications. The dry salt therapy should be considered as a complementary treatment to your existing medicines and treatments.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.