History of Halotherapy, Salt Therapy
Halotherapy also known as Salt Therapy is a form of alternative medicine that makes use of salt. Numerous forms of Halotherapy have been known of and used throughout the years.
The Medieval Period
Steeped in history, salt therapy is one of the earliest forms of alternative medical treatment. Some historians point the origin of salt therapy to around the 4th – 5th centuries B.C. in Greece. In those days, people who were sick were taken to the salt caves to convalesce.
1800s – First Official Research by Dr. Felix Bochkowsky
Dr. Bochkowsky, the state authority for occupational health in Poland, observed something astonishing: Men who worked in salt mines had clearer skin and looked younger. These salt miners also seemed to be cleared of respiratory issues. Such was in stark contrast to their coal and metal counterparts. In 1843, Dr. Bochkowsky became the first to officially publish findings on salt therapy. He also established the world’s first health facility in Poland for respiratory disorders and general well-being.
Salt miners displayed clearer, younger skin, and enjoyed good respiratory health
1940s – Rise of Salt Therapy by Dr. K.H. Spannahel
In 1949, German physician Dr. Spannahel noticed that villagers who had sought refuge in Klutert salt mine during World War II did not suffer from any respiratory conditions. Intrigued, he devoted his time to expound on the research salt therapy.
1960s – Proliferation of Salt Therapy by Prof. Mieczyslaw Skulimowski
Around the 1960s, Prof. Skulimowski treated patients with respiratory conditions in underground salt mines. Thereafter, he expanded to treating patients with allergies and those seeking overall health benefits. His treatment methodology had proven popular and successful.
Today at Pablo Blau – Ease of Access
Many who have benefitted from salt therapy claim its effectiveness in reducing over-reliance on medications and credit salt therapy for clear skin. Today, the popularity of salt therapy has also spread across Europe and into other continents such as the Middle East, Asia and even Oceania.
People travel far and deep into the ground to harness the benefits of salt therapy
Wieliczka Salt Mine, UNESCO World Heritage Site, claims 2 million visitors a year. Other popular salt mines in Ukraine and Belarus receive 9,000 visitors a year collectively.
No longer do people have to travel far and deep into salt mines. Pablo Blau’s salt rooms offer the convenience and financial viability for consumers to reap the benefits of salt therapy.
Scientific research and historical practices
The Salt Mine Today
The salt underground is visited every year by nearly 2 million visitors from all over the world. Just Ukraine and Belarus sees about 9,000 visits a year.
"When fine salt particles are inhaled, they will fall on the airway linings and draw water into the airway, thinning the mucus and making it easier to raise, thus making people feel better. Also, these environments are allergen-free and thus good for people with allergies affecting their lungs." said Dr. Norman Edelman, Senior Scientific Advisor to the American Lung Association.
Salt kills certain types of bacteria by drawing out water or fluid. These bacteria can otherwise cause inflammation. Without water or fluid, these bacteria cannot survive.
In a salt room environment, a salt generator grinds and releases salt particles into the air. These microscopic salt particles help to clear the respiratory tract and maximise its therapeutic effects. It bolsters the respiratory tract which is the body’s first line of defence for the immune system and produces a host of benefits.
Salt Therapy History
In 1843 Dr. Felix Bochkowsky, a Polish doctor, noticed men working in the salt mines tended to look younger, had clearer skin and seemed to be cleared of respiratory issues.
He continued to study the effects of prolonged exposure to salt and published his findings in 1843. He also established the world’s first health facility in Poland for respiratory disorders and general well-being.
Patients were brought to an underground salt mine for exposure to natural elements in the mine.
Holistic healing method by replicating the conditions of a salt mine in a more regulated, and effective environment. A 45 minutes session in our Signature Salt Room is equivalent to 3 hours in a natural salt mine. You can now experience the benefits in the heart of Singapore, without travelling far at Pablo Blau.
Halotherapy, Salt Therapy Benefits
Improvement skin appearance and conditions
include acne, dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema
Prevention to common cold and flu
Cleansing and sanitation of the airways
Strengthening of immune system that
reduce allergic reaction to pollens
Improvement on overall wellness by removing
the toxicity from the respiratory system
Scientific Research, Historical Practices & Benefits