I recently realized there were a couple of items I needed to add to the Natural Health page on my website. Yay, for more holistic practices to share! How had I not added these items before?!
It's funny the way that we live our day-to-day lives, automatic and routine. So often when I'm asked how I manage this or that (allergies, for example), I draw a complete blank because...what do I do again? I'll start paying attention as I go about my days and realize I do quite a lot! And how had I forgotten about this or that or the other?
This is exactly the case for me when it comes to salt therapy. So, let me document things here so that next time you or anyone asks, I can pull this up and remind myself.
I came upon salt therapy in my holistic pursuits while dealing with allergies and respiratory concerns. Treatments are used for detoxing, stress relief, pain relief, and more. If you've ever spent time in or near the ocean and noticed healing results, it may have been the benefits of salt therapy.
There are several ways I put salt to therapeutic use. I use a neti pot, a tool to clean the sinuses with distilled water and salt (I also add a drop of lavender essential oil), to help relieve environmental allergies. I use salt in baths to help detox, relieve pain, relax, and supplement beneficial nutrients. And I also use a Himalayan salt air inhaler. I'll describe this last one a bit more, since so many people are unfamiliar with it...
If you've ever had trouble breathing you know how alarming, even terrifying, it can be. When I was a kid I had issues like chest pains whenever I was in a pool for a while (I suspect due to chemical sensitivities). But it wasn't until my late 20s that allergies grew bad enough to trigger breathing issues. At one point I was prescribed a medicated inhaler, but I was so worried about possible side-effects that it just sat on the shelf unused while I continued to struggle. That's just how I am, what can I say?
Around the same time a salt room popped up in my area and, curious, I tried it out. The premise of a salt room is that by inhaling dry salt aerosols (which are piped into a salt chamber you relax in), you cleanse, sanitize, and reduce inflammation of the airways, among other benefits. While the experience was intriguing I wanted something more convenient for day-to-day living. That's when I came across Himalayan salt air inhalers, which are porcelain pipes filled with salt. I drip a drop of eucalyptus essential oil in mine and the combination of essential oil and salt therapy is a personal life-saver.
I accidentally left my inhaler at work last week. After a full weekend of spring cleaning I realized how much I rely on this tool! And I was immediately caught by a confused looking co-worker Monday morning as I inhaled, exhaled, and calmed the tension in my chest. I'll admit, being seen using one while I'm driving or even in the office is a bit awkward, but my lungs don't care anything about that.
If you're interested in trying salt therapies I recommend Solay Wellness. They only source fair trade Himalayan salt, products are eco-friendly, sustainably sourced, and they focus on handcrafted material (in the case of the inhaler, it's made in the USA). And, bonus, on your first order you can receive 15% off.
