Salt therapy: A doctor explains if it's a wellness trend or real treatment

In recent years, a growing number of people have been visiting salt caves and salt rooms to take part in a wellness trend known as salt therapy or halotherapy. This practice involves sitting in a room filled with fine salt particles in the air, often designed to mimic the environment of a natural salt cave. Advocates of halotherapy claim it can help with a range of issues, particularly respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis and allergies.

How does it work?

The idea behind halotherapy is that when you inhale tiny salt particles suspended in the air, they may help clear out mucus from the lungs and sinuses, reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, and improve airflow. It’s believed that salt’s natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are the reason behind these benefits.

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To get a clearer picture of whether salt therapy truly works, we spoke with Dr. Trupti Agarwal, a dermatologist at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital. According to Dr. Agarwal, sitting in a salt room might offer short-term relief, especially for people dealing with congestion or mild breathing issues. She explained that the inhaled salt particles can help thin out mucus and potentially reduce inflammation, which may lead to easier breathing—for a little while.

What the science says

Despite the growing popularity of salt rooms and the testimonials shared by wellness enthusiasts, scientific support for halotherapy remains limited. Dr. Agarwal emphasized that there is currently not enough strong clinical evidence to fully back up the many health claims associated with salt therapy.

She pointed out that while some people may feel better temporarily after a session, this doesn’t necessarily mean the therapy is treating the underlying condition. In fact, most of the studies available are small and lack rigorous controls, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions about its effectiveness.
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Warnings for people with respiratory conditions

Dr. Agarwal also issued an important caution for individuals who suffer from chronic or serious respiratory problems, such as asthma. She strongly advised against using salt therapy as a replacement for prescribed medical treatments. “It’s essential to remember that halotherapy is not a substitute for medications or other therapies recommended by your healthcare provider,” she said.

If you're curious about trying salt therapy for general wellness or relaxation, it may offer some momentary benefits. However, always consult your doctor before trying any new health practice, especially if you have underlying conditions. While salt caves may be trendy, your health decisions should always be grounded in sound medical advice.