10 Himalayan Salt Cave Benefits
Relaxing in a Himalayan salt cave has 10 amazing health benefits. Find out which ones in this article.
What is a Himalayan salt cave?
A Himalayan salt cave is a natural opening in the earth (large enough for a human to enter) formed within Himalayan rock salt by the action of groundwater.
These caves are scattered across the Himalayan mountain range.
The most well-known is in Khewra (Northern Pakistan).
Breathing in the microclimate of a Himalayan salt cave has therapeutic effects due to its1,2:
- Stable air temperature
- Moderate to high humidity
- Airborne particles of natural rock salt
- Other beneficial minerals (iodine, magnesium, calcium, and potassium)
- Absence of airborne pollutants and pollen
Himalayan salt cave vs room
With the intent to provide salt therapy beyond the Himalayas, salt rooms are made by creating an atmosphere similar to a salt cave.
These rooms have walls consisting of salt bricks mined in the Himalayas, while the ground is made up of looser salt.
A dry salt aerosol generator (halogenerator) creates a controlled air medium rich in rock salt particles, similar to a natural salt cave2,3.
Breathing in a salt cave is called speleotherapy, whereas inhaling in a salt room is known as halotherapy1.
10 Himalayan salt cave health benefits
Breathing in the microclimate of a Himalayan salt cave has 10 amazing health benefits:
1. Treats respiratory tract diseases
The main factor that improves health in a salt cave is the airborne particles of natural rock salt1,3.
Once inhaled, these particles penetrate all layers of the respiratory tract and go deep into the lungs.
NaCl aerosol particles have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties1,3,4.
Also, they facilitate the expectoration of air pollution and allergens by dissolving excess mucus and improving mucociliary transport1,2,3,4.
Studies have shown that salt therapy is effective in relieving respiratory tract diseases, such as1,3,4:
- Sinusitis
- Bronchiectasis
- Bronchitis
- Asthma
- Chronic pulmonary disease
Related: 7 Strongest Natural Antibiotics
2. Absorbs mold
Exposure to indoor mold from excess moisture in buildings can cause non-respiratory and respiratory diseases, including asthma and pneumonitis5.
Researchers recommend avoidance in addition to salt cave or room therapy following prolonged exposure to indoor mold1.
Airborne salt particles absorb irritants and moisture from the respiratory system3.
Related: 10 Strongest Candida Killer Supplements
3. Strengthens the immune system
Salt cave therapy strengthens the immune system.
It increases the phagocyte activity of macrophages, giant immune system cells that engulf and digest microbes3,4,6.
Also, it improves the production of antibodies that neutralize pathogens3.
On the other hand, rock salt particles reduce IgE levels1,3. IgE are antibodies linked to immune system over-sensitivity3.
Related: 13 Health Benefits Of Diatomaceous Earth
4. Heals skin conditions
Himalayan salt cave therapy alleviates chronic skin conditions like3,4:
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Pyoderma
- Atopic dermatitis
Aerosol rock salt particles penetrate deep into the skin, absorbing bacteria and other impurities responsible for many skin diseases3.
Related: 13 Benefits Of A Bentonite Clay Detox Drink
5. Promotes relaxation
Breathing in a Himalayan salt cave has a relaxing effect on the central nervous system4.
While it calms the mind and emotions, it increases energy levels and promotes rejuvenation3.
A study has revealed that salt cave therapy increased energy levels in kids with persistent coughs and colds and adults3.
Related: 13 Himalayan Salt Bath Benefits
6. Reduces joint pain and muscles cramps
Breathing in a Himalayan salt cave lessens joint pain and helps reduce muscle cramps3.
Rock salt particles have namely anti-inflammatory properties1,2,3.
Moreover, studies have shown that salt caves improve recovery following intensive exercises in athletes2.
7. Improves sleep
Himalayan salt cave therapy promotes better sleep.
Patients have reported that one hour of relaxation in a salt room improved their sleep3.
Related: 6 Best Home Remedies For Deep Sleep
8. Detoxifies the body
Airborne salt particles penetrate deep into the respiratory system and skin, absorbing bacteria, mold, pollen, pollutants, and toxins3.
Also, breathing in a Himalayan salt cave is beneficial for detoxifying the body from radiation emitted by medical devices, computers, and cell phones.
In addition, research has revealed that salt water (brine) can reduce radioactive cesium by at least 50%7.
Related: How To Detox From Radiation Exposure Naturally
9. Reduces anxiety and boosts the mood
Similarly to oceans and waterfalls, the walls of a Himalayan salt cave release negative ions beneficial to health3.
Himalayan pink salt comes from an ancient sea that deposited salt in the Himalayan region million years ago before the mountains formed.
When they reach our bloodstream, negative ions increase serotonin levels, a hormone that regulates mood and prevents depression3.
As a result, Himalayan salt cave therapy reduces anxiety and boosts mood2,3.
10. Unclogs ears
Earwax is a yellowish, brownish sticky substance secreted into your ear canal.
It eliminates dead skin and dirt, repels water, and fights microbes.
However, a build-up of earwax can cause various symptoms, including hearing loss8.
Research has revealed that several patients who suffered from clogged ears noticed an improvement after spending an hour in a salt room3.
Related: Ear Irrigation Procedure For Earwax Removal At Home
How to practice Himalayan salt therapy
- Find a salt cave and spa in your local area by typing “Himalayan salt cave near me” on Google.
- How long should you stay in a salt room? One session usually lasts between 30 minutes to one hour.
- The number of sessions advised depending on your objective (detox, smoker, respiratory or skin condition, athlete, stress, kids wellness, etc.) usually varies between 10-20.
- You will sit in a comfortable reclining chair, breathe normally, and relax.
Summary: 10 Himalayan salt cave health benefits
Himalayan salt caves provide health benefits thanks, in particular, to the airborne rock salt particles present inside them.
One can benefit from salt therapy beyond the Himalayas, as salt rooms are available in numerous towns.
These rooms have a microclimate similar to a natural Himalayan salt cave.
Their walls consist of Himalayan salt bricks, while a halogenerator creates a controlled air medium.
Himalayan salt caves and rooms have the 10 following amazing health benefits:
- Treats respiratory tract diseases
- Absorbs mold
- Strengthens the immune system
- Heals skin conditions
- Promotes relaxation
- Reduces joint pain and muscle cramps
- Improves sleep
- Detoxifies the body
- Reduces anxiety and boosts the mood
- Unclogs ears