Halotherapy And Speleotherapy - Benefits, Indications And Contraindications Of Halotherapy

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 02:10

Benefits, indications and contraindications of halotherapy

Modern medicine is characterized by some confusion of concepts in the definition of an artificially created microclimate of salt caves. It is called both a halo chamber, and a speleocamera or a speleoclimate chamber, there are also terms such as a "living air" system or a climatic chamber.

The priority developments of Russian physiotherapy are cameras actively used in halotherapy and speleotherapy. Such treatment is included in the range of services of many sanatoriums and city medical centers.

Content:

• What is halotherapy?
• The benefits of halotherapy
• Halotherapy indications
• Contraindications for halotherapy
• Halotherapy at home

What is halotherapy?

Halotherapy is a non-drug treatment based on the recreation of an artificial microclimate, as close as possible to the properties and conditions of salt caves.

Such hospitals have a special microclimate. There is a constant temperature, without fluctuations in atmospheric pressure, with low humidity and a complete absence of bacteria. This climate is called hypoallergenic due to the special properties of the air containing salt aerosol.

At the initial stage of the halotherapy procedure, it does not matter whether this cave is natural or artificially reproduced, it gives a tangible effect. So some patients note the appearance of minor discomfort, others develop weakness and dizziness, and for someone, the first session gives a surge of energy and strength. The reaction of the body is of a purely individual character, but the vast majority experience vigor and a state of lightness after 2-3 sessions.

The salt caves are equipped with sun loungers and mini-gazebos with tables. Of course, the halochamber and its natural prototype are different. The artificially created room has an operator's and treatment room.

Particular attention is paid to visitors with bronchial asthma, because they are susceptible to bouts of intensifying coughing in the first minutes of the procedure. It takes 10 minutes for the body to adapt and return to its normal state.

The number of halotherapy sessions depends on the characteristics and severity of the disease. Typically the range ranges from 10 to 25 treatments. If necessary, the course is repeated six months later.

What is the difference between halotherapy and speleotherapy?

Speleotherapy and halotherapy have much in common, especially in physiotherapy.

Originally the term "speleotherapy" described the process of healing in natural conditions based on salt mines or caves. They had the ability to circulate large volumes of air, thereby maintaining a constant microclimate with a certain air humidity and temperature regime all year round. The effectiveness of such treatment is undeniable, but getting to such places is problematic, so the idea arose about the possibility of recreating such a microclimate - unique and useful.

The air environment of the caving chamber is characterized by the reproduction of the microclimate properties of underground salt caves in potash mines. Thus, it became necessary to purchase a salt material (halite and salvinite blocks and slabs), which is necessary for facing ceilings, walls and floors of treatment chambers.

As a result, a speleological chamber began to be called premises in which a unique climatic environment is created by the air flow. An amazing mechanism of flow around the salt material takes place in it, as a result of which the products of natural destruction are broken off.

Salt aerosol is a complex of halite, sylvite and carnallite, which make up about 98% of the total volume of the substance, that is, its main minerals are potassium chloride, magnesium and sodium. Potassium chloride helps to restore the contractile function of the heart and strengthen the body's defenses.

The most important factor that determines the healing properties of speleotherapy procedures is the almost complete absence of allergens in the air. In addition, the quiet environment, without unnecessary noise and harsh sounds, creates a special atmosphere in the camera. Air ions make the air fresh and saturated, which has a positive effect on the respiratory system of visitors, and gives a cozy and comfortable feeling.

For speleo chambers, modern ventilation systems and air conditioning equipment are used. Air masses pass along the entire length of the wall, covered with a layer of natural salt, due to which a finely dispersed aerosol is obtained. It is this substance that is involved in the normalization of metabolism, lowering blood pressure, increasing red blood cells and other biochemical reactions. It is enough just to breathe deeply during the speleotherapy procedure.

Halotherapy should be understood as a method of using the climatic conditions of a salt cave in an artificially created environment using sodium chloride, which is an aerosol of table salt. It is table salt that is the main and only component of such therapy.

Halotherapy treatment became popular in the 80s of the XX century. A halo chamber is a room in which the floor and walls are covered with a thin layer of edible salt. It is applied with a spray and has more of a decorative meaning. The task of such treatment is to provide a buffer humidity function: the moisture that the patient releases during therapy is absorbed, thereby maintaining the optimal degree of humidity in the room. The extractor fan will remove the accumulated moisture after the end of the procedure.

In halochambers, it is customary to create a special interior that sets you up for maximum relaxation and excludes the feeling of being in a medical institution. The medical effect is achieved through the installation of special equipment in the room - a spray for a dry aerosol, called a halogen generator. It crushes the salt particles to an aerosol state and provides a metered flow of the substance into the chamber. The only component of the salt spray in the halochamber is sodium chloride. Salt aerosol saturates the air only with the help of a halogen generator.

Speleotherapy and halotherapy are climatotherapy methods that are in the same area of treatment. Both cases involve the use of salt. The difference is observed in the nature of the formation of the treatment environment and its capabilities.

The main advantage of the speleo chamber is the complex of components of the salt aerosol, which contributes to a positive therapeutic effect.

According to the results of the study, the purpose of which was to assess the microclimate of the speleo chambers and the halochambers, it was found that the healing signs of the speleo chambers climate, recreated using blocks of natural potassium salts, have higher and more stable treatment rates. Halo chambers coated with table salt spraying have lower healing properties.

The speleocamera in its work does not need a halogen generator, which needs major repairs at least once every five years.

A significant advantage of the speleo chamber over the halo chamber is the working surface of the chamber, which in the first case is fully involved, and in the second it has only a decorative function.

The benefits of halotherapy

Modern medicine has data on the extremely beneficial effects on the human body of salts containing sodium ions and chlorides.

The main merit of halotherapy is to cleanse the respiratory system. Being in a salt chamber contributes to the saturation of cells with useful ions, thereby restoring lung function, and the microflora of the respiratory tract is cleared of dust and harmful bacteria.

During a halotherapy session, saline air increases the oxygen saturation of the blood, forms the body's defenses to fight infections and viruses. Salt caves are especially useful in the treatment of various ENT diseases: sinusitis, pharyngitis and bronchitis. Salt caves are effective for children who are often exposed to colds. They help to strengthen the immune system in both children and adults.

Halotherapy is rightfully considered an excellent remedy for cosmetic problems. Salt treatments renew the skin, promote healing by exfoliating the stratum corneum and nourish it.

A visit to the salt caves leads to a qualitative change in the intensity of blood flow to the skin cells, enhancing oxygen exchange at the micro level. An interesting fact is the faster healing of wounds and abrasions after visiting the salt chamber. Due to this property, halotherapy is recommended for people who suffer from acne, dermatitis of various origins, psoriasis, seborrheic lesions of the skin and other skin diseases. Salt particles in caves have a beneficial effect on the condition of the hair follicles and the appearance of the hair in general.

The benefits of salt caves in the fight against smoking are known. Especially if a heavy smoker cannot part with his addiction. Breathing in clean air allows such a person to compare it with tobacco smoke, and this becomes the first psychological moment on the path to a healthy lifestyle: the lungs are cleansed, inflammation decreases, and the craving for nicotine gradually fades away.

The salt caves are equipped with maximum comfort and an atmosphere that creates psycho-emotional relief. Thus, a halotherapy session gains not only a healing, but also a relaxing effect.

Research on the effectiveness of halotherapy

Asthma	by 76%
Bronchitis	by 76%
Sinusitis / inflammation of the paranasal sinuses	by 71%
Tinnitus	by 43%
Pollen allergies	by 89%
Skin allergies	by 92%
Depression	by 71%
Rheumatism	by 80%
Fatigue syndrome	by 94%

Halotherapy indications

There are many indications for halotherapy. The main goal of such sessions is to improve the respiratory system, cardiovascular and nervous systems of a person.

Recommended list of indications for procedures in salt caves:

• Preventive measures to prevent colds: frequent acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections, pneumonia, bronchitis of varying severity, etc.;
• Treatment of ENT diseases: chronic sinusitis and frontal sinusitis, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, their chronic inflammatory processes;
• Treatment of asthmatic manifestations: pre-asthma, “smoker's bronchitis” syndrome, recurrent tracheobronchitis, and, of course, bronchial asthma;
• Reducing possible complications in the early stages of colds, such as false croup or bronchospasm. Halotherapy in these cases allows to reduce the viscosity of sputum, helps to improve its separation and reduce edema of the mucous membranes, thereby relieving symptoms, eliminating suffocation and increasing the patency of the bronchi;
• Allergic manifestations: allergies of various etiologies, including allergic dermatitis and rhinitis;
• Skin lesions, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and pustular manifestations on the skin, acne and hypersecretion of the sebaceous glands;
• For improvement in the field of cosmetology - halotherapy sessions relieve the inflammatory process;
• For diseases of the cardiovascular system: ischemia, angina pectoris, hypo- and hypertension. It is effective to visit the salt caves during the recovery period after a heart attack or stroke;
• In the event of neurotic and neurosis-like conditions: phobic manifestations, fears, insomnia, unreasonable anxious thoughts and fears. Influencing the vegetative system of a person, salt air contributes to its normalization in psycho-emotional terms;
• Prevention of diseases associated with environmental pollution. Areas in which hazardous industries are located or when a person does not have a stable work schedule, for example, when it is necessary to go out to night shifts, salt caves will help to cope with psycho-emotional stress, clean air will relieve fatigue and have a positive effect on the overloaded nervous system.

Contraindications for halotherapy

There are few contraindications to halotherapy, but they must be taken into account. visiting salt caves in the presence of chronic or infectious diseases, especially during a period of exacerbation or relapse, will only aggravate the situation. In addition, it is important to be aware of the possible individual intolerance to saline aerosol.

The main contraindications for halotherapy include:

• Active stage of tuberculosis;
• Malignant neoplasms;
• Infection before the end of the isolation period;
• Diseases with complications in the form of severe suppuration;
• The period of exacerbation of blood diseases;
• Bleeding of any origin and location;
• The entire period of pregnancy;
• Acute sexually transmitted diseases;
• Chronic addictions: alcoholism and drug addiction
• Mental illness of varying severity.

Before starting a course of halotherapy, it is necessary to consult with your doctor to clarify the indications and contraindications for such a procedure.

Halotherapy at home

The dynamic modern world requires a maximum of time from a person, therefore there is an option when halotherapy can be carried out at home, without leaving specially equipped rooms or in the natural conditions of salt caves.

There are several options for organizing halotherapy sessions at home, ranging from purchasing only a specialized lamp made from salt crystals to equipment for this purpose in a separate room. In the first case, of course, it will not be possible to achieve a multifaceted effect on organs and systems, but it is quite possible to strengthen the immune system.

The cost of decorating a salt room is quite affordable, and the effect of it will be quickly reflected in the reduction of visits to the doctor for all family members. The indisputable advantage of halotherapy at home is the reduction, and even complete exclusion, of taking medications for diseases.

Arrangement of a halochamber at home begins with the choice of a room. The area of the room is calculated according to the scheme “3 sq.m. per person and more”, and the air should be warm and dry.

A true halochamber can only be equipped by a specialist who knows the features of such a structure. He will develop an individual plan in accordance with the conditions and opportunities provided.

At home, useful sessions can be performed at any convenient time. Regular inhalation of fresh salty air strengthens the body, protects it from the effects of harmful microbes and dust, and restores respiratory functions.

Halotherapy was used 2.5 thousand years ago in Greece. People used salt caves of natural origin, and today this method has become widespread due to the ability to artificially reproduce beneficial conditions that have an equally positive effect on the human body.

Author of the article: Alekseeva Maria Yurievna | Therapist

Education: From 2010 to 2016 Practitioner of the therapeutic hospital of the central medical-sanitary unit No. 21, city of elektrostal. Since 2016 she has been working in the diagnostic center No. 3.