If you're not familiar with salt (aka halotherapy) and float therapy, you may find this information interesting. I've known about The Salt Room in Saginaw for a few years and I love going there. It's a beautiful spa environment aimed at healing (and I'm all about healing). What I've learned about salt therapy is that is works like an expectorant and accelerates mucus clearance while improving lung function and killing bacteria and soothing the respiratory system. Who doesn't need that! Sessions are typically 45-60 minutes and it's a fabulous place to relax, listen to music or read your favorite escape novel. All this while breathing in microscopic salt particles that may lead to repairing some of the damage our lifestyle and environment have done over the years. Salt therapy also promotes healthy skin. Skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, acne and skin aging can be improved with regular salt sessions. Sleep is also effected in a positive way…many say their sleep is improved after a salt session. 

 

Salt therapy is excellent for adults and children. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects about 300 million people in the world, many of them children. Salt therapy is another option to help widen the airways and humidify the bronchial secretions to reduce bronchospasm and make breathing easier. Salt therapy can also help with seasonal allergies, bronchitis, cold and flu, ear and sinus infections and more. Even people with emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may benefit from regular use. Many, like the Salt Room in Saginaw, have special rooms for kids where they can play in the salt with dump trucks and other toys while in the salt environment. 

 

Regular sessions in a salt room may also help with stress and anxiety. The time away from social media and the demands of life alone are helpful. Spent in a quiet, relaxing salty environment takes it to the next level. This is especially true for those who leave their cell phones in their locker.  Salt rooms are typically like a salt cave…salt on the floor, walls and ceiling. There are often relaxing anti-gravity chairs to utilize or you can sit or lie in the salt on the floor. Salt is filtered in through a vent and aerosolized for inhalation (without being obvious...it's not thick in the air). You may notice a salty film on your clothing and skin when you leave but it's recommended not to shower for an hour or two afterwards to get the best effect from the session. A shower cap may be used to cover your hair. 

 

Float therapy is another salty treatment that many find rejuvenating. At the Salt Room in Saginaw you will be floating in 1,100 pounds of medical grade Epsom salts that will make you feel like you are floating on air. By removing the force of gravity that pulls on the body constantly and removing all distractions, you can effortlessly get relief from pain, PTSD, anxiety/depression and more. 

 

Float sessions are often 60 minutes though extra time should be planned for showering before and after your session ("primp" rooms are provided). It is recommended that a light snack or meal is eaten about an hour before your float session and that caffeinated beverages are avoided for 3 hours prior. Another important tip is to not shave for at least 24 hours prior to your salt session as this could be pretty uncomfortable.

 

Float therapy is done in a couple different ways. There are float pods that offer complete darkness and silence and there are float rooms that are more open but a little less dark. Some calming lights are available in both settings. Float therapy has been associated with reduced muscle tension, decreased blood pressure, fewer stress hormones and increased endorphins (feel-good hormones). A 2018 study showed that a single one-hour float session in a sensory deprivation tank was capable of a significant reduction in anxiety and improvement in mood in the 50 participants with stress- and anxiety-related disorders. 

 

Intrigued? Check out the Salt or Float availability in your area. You may find it useful for respiratory and mental health!