Think your spa has experienced every trend? It’s time to explore the latest in wellness: salt therapy (or salt therapy). For spa professionals, introducing a salt sauna could set your services apart. But it’s not just about following trends. Understanding the true benefits of these salt-infused shelters is vital. Do they offer real value to your customers or are they just a passing fad? Along with these newer treatments, we’ll also discuss science-backed salt treatments like salt scrubs to give you a well-rounded view. Let’s dive in to learn more about “salty” sanctuaries.
What is Allotherapy? | Benefits | Scrubs & Other Salt Treatments | Can everyone enjoy salt treatments? | Salt sauna installation
What is Allotherapy?
Salt therapy, commonly known as salt therapy, is a wellness practice that involves breathing air infused with fine salt particles. Its roots are found in the natural salt mines and caves of Eastern Europe, where Europe monks He first observed that patients treated in salt caves experienced faster healing. But the most pivotal moment in the history of salt therapy occurred in the 19th century when Poland doctor Felix Boczkowski observed that the miners working in the salt mines had remarkably good respiratory health, despite their dusty working environment. This led to the hypothesis that breathing air infused with salt had beneficial health effects, inspiring the modern idea of salt saunas and the opening of the first health facility in a salt mine in 1839.
In a salt sauna or salt therapy chamber, the concept of inhaling salt-infused air is recreated in a controlled environment. There are two main types of salt sauna:
Active Salt Rooms
These rooms are equipped with a device called halogen. This machine grinds the salt into fine particles and disperses them in the air of the room. This method is more active in that it artificially creates the salt-enriched atmosphere found in natural salt caves.
Passive rooms with salt
Passive salt rooms are more about replicating the aesthetic and feel of a natural salt cave. They do not use a horse generator, but are decorated with various types of salt, such as pink Himalayan salt. The atmosphere is set for relaxation and meditation, offering a peaceful environment that resembles natural salt flats.
What are the benefits of a salt sauna?
The principle behind both types of salt sauna involves inhaling air that is saturated with tiny salt particles. Functional medicine specialist Melissa Young, MD says Cleveland Clinic that there is not a “mountain” of scientific facts but a lot of anecdotal evidence. “Sometimes, it can be frustrating that there aren’t enough well-designed studies looking at a particular treatment, or different study results can be conflicting,” explains Dr. Young. “But that doesn’t mean there isn’t potential benefit from this treatment.”
This treatment has been associated with many health benefits:
- Skin rejuvenation: Regular exposure to the unique microclimate inside a salt sauna has been said to promote healthier, more radiant-looking skin.
- Stress reduction: The calm environment of the salt sauna is ideal for relaxation and is said to help reduce your stress levels.
- Respiratory Health: Inhaling salt particles is thought to thin mucus and improve lung function, potentially helping people with respiratory conditions.
- Skin health: The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of the salt are said to soothe the appearance of inflamed skin.
- Improved Traffic: There are suggestions that salt therapy can enhance blood circulation.
While the scientific evidence for the health benefits of a salt sauna remains limited, Himalayan salt stone massage has emerged as a rejuvenating practice that spa professionals can confidently offer to their clients. Keep reading to know the benefits.
Scrubs & Other Salt Treatments
In skin care, salt serves as an effective exfoliating agent to exfoliate and polish skin for a smoother appearance. Salt scrubs are known for their particles, making them ideal for smoothing tougher areas of skin such as feet and elbows. During facials, it is used to gently polish the skin and in body treatments, it helps to smooth and rejuvenate the skin while promoting relaxation and improving circulation.
In the Eminence Organic Skin Care, we recommend ours Stone Crop Revitalizing Body Scrub that transforms into a luxurious, creamy lather. It’s formulated with mineral-rich sea salt and hydrating stone to brighten and improve your client’s skin.
While the health benefits of salt saunas may still be under scientific scrutiny, the effectiveness of salt scrubs used in treatments (such as Himalayan salt massage therapy) is well recognized. Himalayan salt stone massage is a unique healing experience that uses the natural properties of Himalayan salt, a type of mineral salt rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium and potassium. Known for its distinctive pink hue, this salt is mined from the Himalayan mountain range that stretches across many countries in South Asia. Estheticians strategically place hot stones on various parts of the body, including the legs, back and feet, and gently glide them over the skin. This massage not only provides the natural benefits of exfoliation and pain relief, but also enhances the emotional well-being of your clients, making it a valuable addition to your spa treatment menu.
Can everyone enjoy salt treatments?
While salt saunas and salt treatments can be a beneficial wellness treatment for many, they are not universally suitable as they depend on individual health conditions and personal tolerance. It is always recommended that your clients consult a health professional, especially those with specific health conditions, before trying new wellness treatments.
Who should avoid salt saunas?
They with:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease or cardiovascular concerns
- Respiratory diseases such as asthma or bronchitis
- Skin conditions or open wounds
- Claustrophobia or anxiety
- Impaired immune system
- Those who are pregnant
- Those who tend to experience dizziness
Who should avoid a Himalayan salt stone massage?
Himalayan salt massage is best avoided for those who have:
- Serious skin diseases
- High blood pressure
- Kidney Disease
Should I apply a salt sauna?
Implementing a salt sauna in your spa can be an interesting and potentially beneficial addition to your spa, but there are several factors to consider for a successful integration.
Challenges & Thoughts
When considering adding salt saunas to your spa, there are several key aspects to consider:
- Space requirements: Assess the space required for installation. Salt saunas require a dedicated space that can accommodate the sauna structure while ensuring comfort and safety for users.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is vital to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your salt sauna. This includes cleaning salt surfaces and managing moisture levels to prevent corrosion.
- Cost: Consider the initial investment, which includes the sauna unit, walls or salt blocks, and any additional features such as a halogen heater.
- Spa staff training: Your staff should be well trained in halotherapy, including the benefits and ideal candidates. Operational training to safely manage the sauna and maintain optimal conditions is also vital.
Remember, the success of incorporating a salt sauna into your spa depends on well-informed planning, strategic execution, and clear communication with your staff and clients. Consulting experienced professionals in this field can provide invaluable insight and guidance.
Thinking of adding this service? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below or learn how to become an Eminence Organics Spa Partner here.
