How Salt Therapy Can Help Asthma and COPD

How Salt Therapy Can Help Asthma and COPD

Here at WonderCare, we understand how difficult it can be to live with respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. Symptoms such as coughing, tightness in the chest, and a buildup of mucus can be frustrating and sometimes scary, and finding therapies that relieve these symptoms can be life-changing. Many people value salt therapy as a low-risk and accessible treatment for respiratory conditions, and we’ll examine it here.

What is Salt Therapy

Salt therapy is based on the inhalation of fine particles of dry salt (sodium chloride), and it can be accessed using a salt inhaler, a saline air purifier or a salt cave or salt room, which is purpose-built for this therapy. Natural salt caves were a popular treatment method for breathing disorders in ancient medicine, when the benefits of salt inhalation were first observed to have a positive effect on such conditions. Modern salt therapy, or halo therapy, aims to create the same atmosphere and replicate the benefits of these natural environments.

There are many accounts of salt therapy being used throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, and the first therapeutic centre was set up in Poland in 1839 when studies on miners showed how beneficial salt inhalation could be. Many medical professionals and therapists across the world value the practice of salt therapy today, and it can be accessed in therapy centres and hospital settings.

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Salt Therapy at Home

Salt therapy delivers salt particles into the lungs, where they can be seen to promote healing and ease breathing. Salt inhalers and salt air purifiers disperse salt particles that can help to reduce inflammation and create a cleaner environment in the body.

There are many ways in which salt therapy can help to alleviate respiratory conditions, including:

• Thinning mucus. Salt particles can attract liquid, and this can help to loosen thick mucus in the chest and nasal passages so that it is easier to alleviate the blocked-up feeling and shift the mucus by coughing.

• Improving air quality. Using a salt-based Air Purifier can have a positive impact on the quality of the air in your indoor environment, and this can be especially helpful at night. Easier breathing can promote healthy sleep, which can have a very positive impact on your respiratory system and on your general health.

• Antimicrobial effects. Salt is an excellent curative because it has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, and this can help to promote healthy conditions in the body. Before these effects had been scientifically studied, anecdotal evidence made salt therapy a popular choice for those with respiratory complaints due to the benefits they felt.

• Soothing the skin. Salt therapy can also be beneficial for skin conditions, such as eczema and acne, since the particles of salt in the air can assist in hydrating the skin. Allergies and inflammatory skin conditions can react well to salt therapy, and many people find this helpful.

• Conditions that affect the respiratory system and make breathing more challenging can cause a great deal of stress, and this can exacerbate the problem, as well as create other health issues in the body. Creating a clean, calming environment can soothe the system and enable slow and steady breathing, which is associated with accessing the parasympathetic nervous system and enabling deep rest. This is helpful for general well-being as well as respiratory problems, and can be seen to promote better physical and mental health.

Studies into the use of salt therapy for respiratory conditions suggest that this can be a very helpful way to support the body alongside the use of conventional medicine and inhalers. Most asthma sufferers use Ventolin or Salbutamol inhalers for daily management of the condition and in acute situations, and symptoms may vary at different times of the year.

Using Salt Therapy Safely

As with any medical or alternative treatment, it is important to be aware of any potential negative effects of salt therapy and to use it with caution. Some people may find that inhaling salt is irritating, and some users have reported coughing or spasms in the chest. However, most users report profound positive effects, including a reduction in daytime coughing and relief of regular symptoms, as well as clearer nasal passages and calmer breathing.

It is advised to check with your doctor or pharmacist before commencing salt therapy, especially if you have very severe COPD or uncontrolled asthma.

Salt therapy air purifiers, such as the Salin Plus, are designed to deliver a continuous stream of salt particles into your home or office environment. This can be a useful addition to your asthma care routine and is a gentle introduction to using salt therapy in your daily life. You will need to follow instructions carefully to ensure that you use your air purifier correctly, and this includes replacing filters and ensuring that the area is properly ventilated. Begin by using the device for short periods of time and monitor your response to it, using your prescribed inhaler if symptoms worsen. If you find that salt inhalation affects you negatively, you should discuss this with your pharmacist or doctor before attempting to use the device again.

Exploring Salt Therapy

Salt therapy has been reported to have very positive effects on respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD, and studies have shown that it helps clear mucus. It is a popular form of therapy to support standard healthcare and can be used alongside your prescribed inhalers. At WonderCare, we can help you to explore the benefits of the Salin Plus air purifier system and help you find the best solution for your symptoms and your lifestyle.

The Salin Plus works by delivering a fine, constant spray of sodium chloride into the environment, which changes the ionisation of the air. It makes use of filters that contain micro-crystalline salts, which are completely natural and safe to use. It’s easy and convenient to operate, and can help to reduce the frequency and severity of bronchial infections and alleviate the symptoms of asthma and COPD. Use at night is recommended to provide maximum exposure to salt particles, and filters will need replacing after around four months.

Find Healthcare Support at WonderCare

If you would like to explore the benefits of salt therapy, you can pop into our Milltown store and chat with our experienced team to find out more. We have a good selection of alternative therapies and remedies that can support your health and wellbeing, and we will be happy to help you explore our range.

At WonderCare, we are here to support you as you take care of your health, and we have an extensive range of essential healthcare products for babies, children and adults. We also stock a wide variety of hair and beauty products, skincare and gift sets so that you can find everything you need in one place. We deliver across Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK, and we offer free shipping on orders over €40. Shop on our website for collection in store, or pop in and meet our friendly team.