“I know a cure for everything: salt water,” offers Jonathan Maersk, a melancholic character in one of Danish author Isak Dinesen’s Seven Gothic Tales, published in 1934. “Yes, in one way or the other. Sweat, or tears, or the salt sea.”
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“I know a cure for everything: salt water,” offers Jonathan Maersk, a melancholic character in one of Danish author Isak Dinesen’s Seven Gothic Tales, published in 1934. “Yes, in one way or the other. Sweat, or tears, or the salt sea.”
“You speak wildly, Jonathan,” came his interlocutor’s reply.
Well, maybe not that wildly. Salt therapy — from bone-dry salt rooms to soaking-wet salt float baths, to microscopic particle-blown halotherapy —has become a popular healing modality of late, as wellness seekers turn to it for deep relaxation and natural relief from conditions, chronic and otherwise, including asthma, acne, tonsillitis, dermatitis, stress and more.
Salt Therapy Then and Now
Typically categorized as “alternative,” the roots of salt therapy stretch back to the 12th century when, according to WebMD, the practice of visiting salt caves for therapeutic reasons, also known as speleotherapy, became common in Eastern Europe. Seven centuries later, Polish salt miners, who spent much of their days in the 1800s underground, were found to be unusually healthy and less likely to contract common colds or coughs than those who stayed on the surface. Research attributed this to the salty air the miners breathed, which helped keep their lungs free from infection and allergies. As a result, salt mines and caves in the region began attracting visitors with lung problems from all over the world.
More recently, the Boca Raton-based Salt Therapy Association predicted “accelerated growth” of at least 20% for the salt therapy industry in 2023, building on momentum from previous years. Meanwhile, a survey of 5,000 salt therapy users by the Global Wellness Institute found that close to 45% received treatments four or more times per month; around 85% reported feeling less stressed; 60% said they could “breathe easier;” and approximately 95% of respondents suffering from long COVID prior to receiving salt therapy said the treatments helped their symptoms significantly.
If you think salt therapy may be a bitter pill to swallow — or wallow in — consider this: 99% of the Global Wellness Institute survey respondents said they “like” attending salt therapy sessions.
Related: Discovering the Benefits and Healing Measures of Salt Therapies
Salt Therapy Spa Integration
As chief wellness officer of Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, I’ve seen growing enthusiasm for and positive results from salt therapy among guests since our spa and wellness center began offering various modalities as part of our focus on “touchless wellness” a few years ago.
We started with Halotherapy + Infrared, a natural and effective solution for respiratory health and hygiene that combats stress and supports immune health. Laid out like a sauna with a comfortable wooden interior where guests can stretch out, breathe deeply, and relax without sweating, Halotherapy + Infrared uses a halogenerator to disperse tiny particles of salt into the air. Guests inhale these particles into their lungs and absorb them through their skin. This soothing experience is natural and safe, helping to improve breathing and treat issues such as throat infections, sinusitis, coughs, colds, asthma and even cystic fibrosis.
One guest stands out in my mind: a middle-aged man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Though on 10 medications and unable to climb a flight of stairs, he was determined to improve his well-being. He committed to using our Halotherapy + Infrared every day for an entire year. By the six-month mark, he had cut his medications by half. After 12 months, he was medication-free and could climb stairs with ease. Anecdotal? Sure. But, it’s also a powerful example of the potential impact salt therapy can have on overall health and quality of life.
I’ve also seen strong interest in the salt float bath we offer at Carillon. A pod-like tub with sleek curves, a propped lid, and depth enough for guests to float weightlessly in water seasoned with 800 pounds of Epsom salt, the salt float bath lulls people into deep relaxation while allowing them to absorb magnesium. This stimulates blood flow, releases endorphins, relieves muscle pain, calms anxiety, reduces stress and improves sleep.
Our most recent salt therapy addition, the Salt Chamber, was made by Leo Tonkin, who is the founder of SALT Chamber and The Salt Therapy Association (STA), and includes a striking wall of pink Himalayan salt bricks. Soothingly lit and minimally designed, the chamber invites guests to recline in vibrating lounge-style seating as a cutting-edge SALT FX halogenerator disperses microscopic particles of pure-grade sodium chloride into the air. Like Halotherapy + Infrared, the chamber works to alleviate inflammation and mucus buildup in the lungs, providing relief from respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies, bronchitis, sinus congestion and COPD.
Beyond their therapeutic and healing effects, much of the equipment used in salt therapy has the added benefit of aesthetic appeal, encouraging guests to try it. And try it they do: Since Carillon first introduced Halotherapy + Infrared as a “touchless wellness” option during the pandemic, we’ve welcomed nearly 1,000 guests interested in salt therapy treatments, which we offer à la carte, as part of packages, or within wellness circuits focused on different aspects of healing.
Salt therapy may not cure everything. But, for wellness seekers looking to breathe and sleep easier, it can be a breath of fresh air.
Tammy Pahel, VP of spa and wellness operations at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, is a transformative and strategic spa, wellness, fitness and retail executive with 30 years of leadership experience. She’s responsible for all spa, health, wellness and fitness operations at Carillon, including forecasting, talent acquisition, learning and development.
