Salt cave. Health benefits for adults, children

Halotherapy, including a visit to the salt cave, is considered an unconventional treatment for numerous chronic diseases. The health benefits lie in the general strengthening effect, prolongation of the period of remission and suppression of painful symptoms.

Description

There are 2 types of recovery with chloride vapors - halotherapy and speleotherapy. The difference between the methods lies in the design of the salt chambers. The latter involves visiting caves of natural origin.

In medical and rehabilitation centers of the corresponding specialization, sanatorium institutions equip rooms, all surfaces of which are finished with panels of halite or salvinite - natural minerals called rock salt.

The first is the crystalline form of sodium chloride. Salvinite is a sedimentary rock containing also potassium chloride. An isolated environment is artificially created in the treatment rooms.

The Salt Cave (health benefits due to the beneficial effects of sodium chloride, potassium and magnesium chloride vapors on the body) is a room with a special microclimate.

It constantly maintains:

• set humidity level;
• the desired atmospheric pressure;
• temperature regime;
• sterility.

The air is saturated with a finely dispersed suspension, which patients sigh. An atmosphere of emotional and physical relaxation is organized in the salt chamber - relaxing music sounds, dimmed LED lighting is installed.

Patients are comfortably seated on medical couches or sun loungers. Medical equipment is not used. The microclimate is controlled and maintained from the operator's room.

A modern and improved variation of the healing speleo chamber is called the halo room. The walls of the room are faced with microcrystalline salt panels. The interior is painted with natural landscapes that create the effect of being in a natural underground cave.

The treatment session is controlled by digital, fully automated climatic equipment, including a halogen generator unit, which saturates the atmospheric air with salt particles of size less than 5 microns.

Action on the body

The therapeutic effect is provided by the medical lining of the room and the microclimate maintained by the halogen generator. The mechanism of action on the body is inhalation.

The air inside the isolated treatment chamber is disinfected. It is free of pathogenic bacteria, allergens and dust particles. 1 m³ atmospheric air contains 3-5 mg of sodium chloride, potassium and magnesium.

The finely dispersed structure of the salt suspension is deeply embedded in the respiratory and circulatory systems, the cells of the body. Sodium and potassium ions, to which magnesium is sometimes added, create an environment unsuitable for the reproduction of pathogenic microflora.

They reduce the viscosity of mucus from respiratory diseases, making it easier to remove. Salt particles are deposited on the surface of the skin, deeply penetrating into its layers.

Sodium, potassium and magnesium ions eliminate the symptoms of chronic dermatological diseases, neutralize inflammatory and infectious processes. The procedure stimulates respiratory activity, has a tonic and muscle relaxant effect.

Indications

Halotherapy is used for chronic diseases and pathological phenomena that cannot be eliminated by conservative clinical methods.

The procedure is indicated for patients with:

• sleep disorders;
• low stress resistance;
• chronic fatigue;
• nervous physical exhaustion;
• neuroses;
• depression;
• depressed psycho-emotional state.

A visit to the salt cave is prescribed for pathologies of the respiratory system. These include bronchial asthma, rhinitis, spontaneous coughing fits. The therapeutic procedure is indicated for patients with a lowered immune status.

The salt cave, which has been scientifically proven to have health benefits, reduces allergic symptoms of unexplained etiology. Halotherapy sessions are indicated for intoxication and slagging of the body. They are used when there is an excess fluid content in biological tissues.

Other medical appointments:

• pulmonary diseases - tuberculosis, COPD;
• otolaryngological pathologies - sinusitis, sinusitis, rhinitis;
• prolonged migraine attacks;
• diabetes;
• hypertension of 1 and 2 degrees;
• drops in blood pressure;
• increased fragility of the vascular walls;
• systemic dermatological destruction - eczema, psoriasis;

Treatment with sodium, potassium and magnesium ions shows good clinical results in iron deficiency anemia. Patients with bronchial asthma are advised to visit the salt chambers only during the period of remission.

Contraindications

There are categorical medical prohibitions and situational clinical restrictions on halotherapy.

The absolute contraindications include:

• oncological processes;
• hypotrophy - a chronic violation of protein-energy metabolism, characterized by depletion of the body;
• diagnosed mental disorders;
• hypersensitivity to the sprayed components of the therapeutic aerosol;
• any metabolic disorders;
• chronic hematological diseases.

Treatment with salt chambers is not prescribed for patients in anorexic and cachectic conditions, in which there is a critical deficit in body weight and multiple organ failure develops.

From temporary medical prohibitions on the course of halotherapy, infectious infections, the presence of bleeding ulcers on the body, any violation of the integrity of the skin are distinguished.

It is forbidden to be exposed to the inhalation of a suspension of sodium chloride, potassium and magnesium for drug and alcohol addiction. The procedure is not prescribed for a patient with bronchopulmonary diseases in the acute stage.

Recommendations for pregnant women

The possibility of a halotherapy session during the period of childbearing is determined by the gynecologist on an individual basis. Special care should be taken in the 1st trimester. Any impact at the stage of fetal formation can cause serious consequences and intrauterine disorders.

With normal laboratory tests and good health, women are prescribed a visit to the salt chamber to suppress toxicosis and stabilize the psycho-emotional background. Halotherapy is recommended for pregnant women to reduce tissue edema, with nasopharyngeal and bronchial diseases.

Efficiency

There is scientific evidence to support the impact of visiting the salt cave. The most famous studies were conducted in 2014. We studied the dynamics of chronic diseases in 2 groups of patients with similar clinical indications. The condition of those who visited the halochamber improved in all pathologies.

In comparison with patients undergoing conservative treatment, the effectiveness is higher with:

• bronchial asthma by 76%;
• sinusitis by 71%;
• dermatitis by 92%;
• rheumatism by 80%;
• depressed state by 92%;
• anaphylaxis by 89%;
• chronic fatigue syndrome by 94%.

Many experts dispute these results and are skeptical about them due to the small number of subjects - 15 people in each group. Doubt is also caused by the individual characteristics of the course of the pathological process in each patient.

Benefit

Halotherapy has been observed to reduce the incidence of seasonal flu and colds. Many doctors emphasize the obvious benefits of visiting a salt chamber. The removal of pathological exudate from the respiratory tract, strengthening of immunity and other therapeutic effects are noted.

The salt cave helps to stabilize blood pressure and stimulates mental activity. The health benefits lie in the normalization of metabolic processes, improved blood composition, and increased metabolism.

Halotherapy has a muscle relaxant effect and has a positive effect on all functional systems of the body. Sodium, potassium and magnesium ions improve the condition of the skin and stop age-related changes.

The ability of halotherapy to slow down the aging of the body is known. Therefore, a visit to the salt chamber is recommended for cosmetic purposes and for the elderly.

For the nervous system

Halotherapy is considered an effective way to eliminate chronic insomnia and normalize circadian rhythms. Neurologists prescribe a visit to the salt cave for patients with increased anxiety and psychoemotional lability.

The procedure is useful for memory impairment in the elderly, permanent headaches, and musculoskeletal disorders. After several sessions, patients feel a surge of vigor and an improvement in the functioning of the central nervous system.

For skin

The technique is used in the complex treatment of psoriasis, acne, herpes infection. Ions of sodium chloride, potassium and magnesium inhibit the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms that provoke dermatological diseases.

It has a noticeable anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effect on the skin of the whole body. Halotherapy improves blood circulation, normalizes the work of the sweat glands, and contributes to the saturation of epithelial cells with oxygen and nitrogen.

Salt vapor has wound healing, regenerating and rejuvenating effects by stimulating collagen secretion. A mixture of sodium chloride, potassium and magnesium ions moisturizes the skin and relieves itching.

The procedure is included in the complex therapy of lichen and lentigo - squamous epithelial destruction, called melanocytic hyperchromia. The disease is characterized by an increased risk of malignant cell malignancy and is difficult to eliminate by other clinical methods.

For immunity

A visit to the salt chamber improves the body's defenses. The procedure increases the activity of immunocompetent cells. Halotherapy increases resistance to viral agents and pathogenic bacterial and fungal microflora.

This is due to a decrease in the incidence of colds and infection with seasonal influenza strains. The procedure has a positive effect on the local and general immunity of the body.

For the respiratory system

The salt cave, whose health benefits are recognized by official medicine, has a beneficial effect on the functioning of all respiratory organs. Halotherapy sessions partially suppress the synthesis of bronchial exudate and facilitate its excretion.

The technique improves the gas exchange function of the pulmonary alveoli and stimulates the ciliary epithelium. It reduces the pathogenic effect of bacterial microflora on the respiratory organs and reduces the frequency of exacerbations in bronchial asthma.

For ENT organs

Otolaryngologists and pulmonologists use this technique to treat the following chronic diseases:

Pathological process	Clinical characteristics
Rhinitis	Inflammation of the lining of the sinuses. It is provoked by pathogenic microorganisms, hypothermia, gassed and dusty atmospheric air.
Tracheitis	Inflammatory lesion of the trachea. It can be infectious and non-infectious. Halotherapy eliminates cough syndrome - a typical symptom of tracheitis.
Laryngitis	Acute or chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx. A visit to the salt cave relieves the swelling of the cavity tissues and eliminates other painful symptoms.
Bronchitis	Inflammatory-diffuse disease of the bronchial tree. Causes an abundant production of phlegm, which impedes breathing.
Pneumonia	Infectious inflammation of interstitial lung tissue with damage to the alveoli. The disease disrupts the function of gas exchange and leads to intoxication of the body.

Patients with adenoids will benefit from visiting the salt room. Inhalation of chloride vapor eliminates the swelling of the nasopharyngeal tissues, which eliminates the need to take medications that have side effects.

For the cardiovascular system

A visit to the salt chamber treats hypertension in the initial stage, eliminates brady-, steno- and tachycardia. The effectiveness of the technique in the prevention of myocardial infarction and ischemic pathology was recognized.

Salt fumes have a beneficial effect on the condition of the blood vessels. This is an effective prevention of thrombus formation and phlebitis disorders. Halotherapy increases the elasticity and strength of the arterial walls.

For allergy sufferers

Saline treatments have a positive effect on patients prone to immediate anaphylactic reactions.

This technique is used for allergies:

• obstructing respiratory activity;
• characterized by skin rashes and itching;
• manifested by an irritated state of the mucous membranes;
• associated with an increase in body temperature and an inadequate immune response of the body.

Halotherapy is included in the complex treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, rhinitis, sinusitis. It is effective for food and herbal anaphylaxis. A visit to the salt caves is recommended for patients with alveolitis, vasculitis, contact dermatitis and other allergic manifestations.

Benefits for children

Halotherapy sessions are contraindicated for newborns. It is possible to introduce a child to the therapeutic and relaxing technique from the age of 3. Preschool children visit the salt chamber only when accompanied by adults.

The procedure normalizes the psycho-emotional state of hyperactive babies. There is an acceleration of rehabilitation in children in the postoperative period and after viral diseases.

Salt cave (health benefits of zamet even with chronic ichthyosis and neurodermatitis) helps in adolescence age to get rid of obsessive states and psycho-emotional overstrain associated with hormonal factors.

Systematic exposure to chloride vapor can reduce the need for antibiotics in children with frequent colds and respiratory syndromes.

Salt aerosol has pronounced anti-edema properties, immunomodulatory effects and has a bacteriostatic effect. The technique covers a wide range of typical childhood pathologies.

How is the procedure

A group of patients is brought into an isolated halochamber. They sit comfortably on couches or sun loungers. The operator turns on the halogen generator.

When visiting the salt cave, the following rules must be observed:

• Do not use cosmetics, perfumes or any aromatic products.
• It is forbidden to bring mobile gadgets with you.
• Do not take food and drinks indoors.
• It is forbidden to enter the halo chamber with wet shoes and outer clothing.
• Do not smoke for 30 minutes. before the start of the treatment procedure within 2 hours after its completion.
• Before visiting the salt cave, all jewelry, wristwatches and fitness bracelets must be removed.

After the session for 20 minutes. it is recommended to refrain from drinking, and water procedures can be performed no earlier than after 2 hours.

How often can you visit

The frequency of treatment with salt fumes is purely individual and is prescribed by the doctor on the basis of the observed clinical picture, the patient's history, the susceptibility of such an effect by the body.

For preventive purposes, it is recommended to visit the halochamber at intervals of 6-12 months. The standard course of treatment consists of 10 sessions. The time interval between them is 1-2 days.

The duration of the procedure for adult patients is 40-60 minutes, for children under 12 years old - 20-30 minutes. For therapeutic purposes, the systematic nature of therapy and the duration of stay in the confined space of the salt cave are assigned individually.

Possible complications after the procedure

The technique is capable of causing side effects, which are often due to the patient's hypersensitivity to chloride vapor or the presence of contraindications. Complications in most cases are short-lived and disappear spontaneously.

The most common side effect is the onset or intensification of the cough reflex. After several sessions, it disappears. A strong cough promotes the evacuation of sputum from the bronchial cavity, therefore it is considered a natural phenomenon for halotherapy.

After the organism gets used to the climatic regime of the salt chamber and the exudate release by the goblet cells decreases, the effect disappears. This usually happens after 2-3 treatments.

The symptom is especially common in children with bronchitis or asthma. Rhinitis is no less common. It has the same developmental mechanism and etiological factors as cough. Saline vapor in the adaptation phase of the body irritates the mucous membrane of the nasal sinuses.

It is possible to increase body temperature to a subfebrile value - a maximum of 37.5 ° C. This phenomenon is considered typical for patients with chronic infectious processes. Halotherapy increases the immune status of the body, which is actively involved in the fight against pathogenic agents. This leads to hyperthermia.

After the 3rd session, in some patients there is a feeling of sand that has got into the oral cavity, which indicates the beginning of the cleansing of the pulmonary alveoli. Mild dizziness may occur due to an increase in the amount of oxygen received by the brain.

Where are the best salt caves?

In Russia, many clinics, sanatoriums and rehabilitation centers offer halotherapy services. Residents of the capital can visit the salt cave in the famous halocenter on the street. Miklouho-Maclay, 34. One of the best institutions in Moscow - "Breathe healthy", located at Chertanovo 16, building 2.

In Yaroslavl, there are modern salt caves of the Speleon health center. Residents of Voronezh can get health benefits in the "Climate - Chernozemye" halochambers (16 Muravyova lane). Such establishments operate in the Urals, in the Primorsky Territory and other regions of the country.

Video about the benefits of the salt cave

On the benefits of the salt cave: