Halotherapy FAQ: 5 Essential Questions Answered by Science

Curious about halotherapy but not sure where to start? You're in the right place. At Kairos, we believe in evidence-based wellness and informed decision-making. Let's address the five most common questions people ask before their first salt therapy session—with honest answers backed by research.

Does Halotherapy Really Work?

This is the question we hear most often, and it deserves an honest, science-based answer.

The research says yes—with important context. A comprehensive 2021 review published in Pharmaceuticals analyzed multiple studies on halotherapy for asthma and found "overall positive effects as adjuvant therapy" with zero adverse events reported (Rashleigh et al., 2021). That's encouraging news, though it's crucial to understand that halotherapy works best as a complement to medical treatment, not a replacement.

The numbers are compelling: A study involving 160 participants found that those using halotherapy experienced 75% fewer acute respiratory infections compared to controls—14 cases versus 55 cases, with dramatically fewer symptom days: 104 versus 585 (Chervinskaya et al., 2015). For immune support and prevention, these results are significant.

For skin conditions, research on 112 children with eczema showed a 78% positive response rate after consistent treatment (Hedman et al., 2008). Studies on psoriasis report similar efficacy rates between 75-98% for those completing recommended protocols.

How it actually works: Pharmaceutical-grade salt particles smaller than 5 microns are dispersed into the air by a halogenerator. These tiny particles penetrate deep into your airways and settle on your skin, where they:

• Reduce inflammation through natural anti-inflammatory properties

• Thin mucus for easier clearance (mucolytic effect)

• Provide antibacterial benefits that inhibit pathogen growth

• Help normalize skin pH (typically around 5.5)

• Create osmotic gradients that draw fluid from swollen tissues

  
  

Research published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation confirms these mechanisms work as an adjunct to physiotherapy for chronic respiratory disease (Shinde & Wankhede, 2022).

Individual variation matters: Like any wellness intervention, halotherapy doesn't work identically for everyone. Some people notice improvements after just a few sessions, while others need several weeks. Factors like condition severity, overall health, stress levels, and treatment consistency all influence outcomes.

Bottom line: Decades of use in Eastern Europe, adoption by professional athletes (including NHL teams and Olympic competitors), and a growing body of peer-reviewed research all suggest halotherapy offers genuine benefits for many people—particularly when used consistently as part of a holistic wellness approach.

Is Salt Therapy Safe?

Safety is paramount, and for most people, halotherapy is extremely safe—a natural, non-invasive therapy with minimal side effects. However, like any wellness practice, it's not appropriate for everyone.

Generally safe for:

• Healthy adults of all ages

• Children (typically ages 7+, though supervised infants as young as 1 month in some studies)

• Pregnant women who have received medical clearance

• People with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma, allergies, and bronchitis

• Those with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne

• Athletes seeking recovery support

• Anyone looking for stress relief and relaxation

  
  

Absolute contraindications—do NOT use halotherapy if you have:

• Active fever or acute infection

• Severe or uncontrolled hypertension

• Active tuberculosis

• Cancer, especially during active treatment

• Severe heart failure or cardiac insufficiency

• Any condition involving coughing up blood (hemoptysis)

• Acute respiratory failure

  
  

Requires medical consultation first:

• Asthma (particularly important—while many benefit, some experience airway irritation)

• COPD or emphysema

• Thyroid conditions (hyperthyroidism)

• Kidney disease

• Salt-sensitive hypertension

• Pregnancy

• Any chronic condition requiring regular medical management

  
  

What about side effects? Most people experience none, but temporary reactions can include:

• Mild cough or throat tickle (actually a positive sign that mucus is loosening)

• Slight increase in mucus production for a few hours post-session

• Minor skin irritation that typically resolves after 1-2 sessions

• Rarely, a mild headache

These reactions are generally therapeutic signs—your body clearing irritants and beginning its healing process.

Critical for asthma patients: While research shows halotherapy can improve bronchial hyperreactivity and lung function (Hedman et al., 2006), individual responses vary significantly. Never discontinue controller medications without physician approval, always bring your rescue inhaler to sessions, and start slowly with just 15-20 minutes initially.

Quality matters: Not all salt rooms are created equal. At Kairos, we use pharmaceutical-grade salt and professional halogenerators that produce precisely sized particles (1-5 microns) for optimal therapeutic benefit. This standardization is important because the FDA doesn't regulate halotherapy facilities—making choosing a reputable center crucial.

How Many Halotherapy Sessions Do I Need?

The answer depends on your goals and the condition you're addressing. Unlike a single massage, halotherapy's benefits are cumulative—consistency matters more than intensity.

For chronic respiratory conditions (asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis):

• Initial phase: 3-4 sessions per week for 3-6 weeks

• Maintenance: 1-2 sessions per week ongoing

• Timeline for improvement: Most people notice significant changes within 3-6 weeks

• Why: Chronic conditions require consistent exposure to build and maintain benefits

  
  

For chronic skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis):

• Treatment course: 15-20 sessions over several weeks

• Frequency: 2-3 sessions per week

• Duration of benefits: 6-12 months after completing a course

• Repeat: 1-2 treatment courses per year as needed

  
  

For seasonal allergies:

• Preventative approach: Start 2-3 weeks before allergy season begins

• Frequency: 2-3 sessions per week

• During season: Continue 2-3 times weekly throughout

• Pro tip: Prevention is far more effective than waiting until symptoms start

  
  

For athletic performance and recovery:

• During training: 2-3 sessions per week

• Pre-competition: A few days before major events

• Post-workout: Within 2-4 hours for optimal recovery

• Why athletes use it: Reduced inflammation, improved oxygen delivery, faster recovery from delayed onset muscle soreness

  
  

For general wellness and stress management:

• Maintenance: Once weekly is ideal

• Stress periods: 2-3 times per week when you need extra support

• Flexibility: Safe for daily use if desired

• Think of it as: Your weekly reset—passive wellness that fits into busy schedules

  
  

Session length options:

• Standard salt room: 45 minutes (most comprehensive benefits)

• Express booth: 15-20 minutes (higher concentration, time-efficient)

• Combined sessions: 30-45 minutes with infrared sauna or red light therapy

  
  

Important for acute illness: Halotherapy works best preventatively when you're healthy. If you're actively sick, please wait until you're fever-free for 24 hours before returning (for both your benefit and out of consideration for other guests).

Investment perspective: Monthly memberships at Kairos make regular sessions affordable and sustainable. Many clients find that consistent halotherapy reduces their need for over-the-counter medications and sick days, making the commitment worthwhile.

What to Wear to a Salt Room: Your Practical Guide

Being comfortable matters more than you might think—it directly affects your ability to relax and breathe deeply during your session.

The basics:

• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing—think yoga pants, joggers, t-shirts, or cozy loungewear

• Light-colored clothing preferred—salt is white and shows more on dark fabrics (though it brushes off easily)

• Clean socks required—you'll remove shoes before entering

• Layers are smart—room temperature stays around 68-73°F, and we provide blankets

  
  

For specific conditions:

Skin issues (eczema, psoriasis, acne):

• Expose affected areas when possible for direct salt contact

• Tank tops or short sleeves for arm conditions

• Shorts for leg conditions

• Consider bringing a change of clothes if needed

  
  

Respiratory conditions:

• Any comfortable clothing works—you're breathing the salt, not applying it topically

• Avoid tight clothing around chest or throat

  
  

What NOT to wear or bring:

• Remove all jewelry and watches—salt can corrode metals

• No strong perfumes or scented products—they irritate others with respiratory sensitivities

• No shoes in salt room—socks only for hygiene

• Skip heavily scented lotions before your session

  
  

What to bring:

• Water bottle for after your session (hydration is important)

• Book or magazine if you prefer reading (we have lighting)

• Your own headphones if desired (we also provide them)

• Leave your phone behind—we encourage full disconnection for maximum relaxation

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First-timer tip: Wear something you don't mind getting slightly dusty. The salt particles are extremely fine (almost invisible), but you may notice a light coating that brushes off easily—like visiting the beach.

Children's sessions: Dress kids in play clothes they can get messy in. Comfort is key since they'll be there for 30-45 minutes.

What we provide at Kairos:

• Zero-gravity recliners for ultimate comfort

• Cozy blankets if you get chilly

• Calming music

• A welcoming environment designed for relaxation

The goal is complete comfort so you can fully relax, breathe deeply, and potentially even fall asleep. There's no need to overthink it—just come as you are (minus the jewelry and perfumes), and we'll handle the rest.

Can Children Do Halotherapy? A Parent's Safety Guide

As a parent, you naturally want what's safest for your child. The good news: halotherapy is not only safe for most children—research suggests they often respond even better than adults.

Age guidelines:

• Research shows: Children as young as 1 month can safely participate with medical supervision

• Most common: Children ages 7 and up

• Best results: Ages 10+ typically sit quietly through full 45-minute sessions

• Younger children: Shorter 20-30 minute sessions work better

  
  

Why children respond so well: A 2008 study found that children's developing bodies are more responsive to natural interventions (Hedman et al., 2008). Their airways are smaller (meaning salt reaches deeper), their immune systems are building resilience, and their skin regenerates faster. Many practitioners report children see improvements within 7-14 days versus 3-4 weeks for adults.

Conditions where children especially benefit:

• Asthma: Studies show significant improvements in bronchial hyperreactivity in children (Bar-Yoseph et al., 2017)

• Eczema: 78% positive response rate documented in pediatric research

• Chronic ear infections: Improved drainage and reduced infection frequency

• Seasonal allergies: Prevention of symptoms before they start

• Recurrent respiratory infections: 75% reduction in infection rate

  
  

Safety precautions for children:

Always required:

• Medical clearance for children with chronic conditions (asthma, CF, severe allergies)

• Parent/guardian present during sessions for children under 12

• Shortened session length for first-timers (start with 15-20 minutes)

• Open communication with staff about any concerns

Watch for:

• Increased cough initially (usually positive sign of mucus clearing)

• Mild throat irritation in first 1-2 sessions

• Any signs of respiratory distress (extremely rare but stop immediately if occurs)

Making it child-friendly at Kairos:

• Comfortable seating sized for kids

• Soft, welcoming lighting

• Age-appropriate entertainment options

• Patient staff who understand children's needs

• Beach-like atmosphere that feels like adventure, not treatment

Practical tips for parents:

• Before:

  • Explain simply: "We're going to a special room where we breathe salty air like at the beach"

  • Normalize the slightly salty taste they'll notice

  • Bring a favorite quiet toy, book, or tablet

  • Use the bathroom beforehand

  • Dress comfortably in play clothes

• During:

  • Sit with younger children to provide comfort

  • Read together or listen to stories

  • Practice deep breathing together—make it a game

  • Allow them to sleep if they get drowsy—that's wonderful!

• After:

  • Offer water to help with any throat dryness

  • Expect possible increased mucus (bring tissues)

  • Make it a positive experience they'll look forward to

• Frequency for children:

  • Chronic conditions: 3-4 times weekly initially

  • Seasonal allergies: 2-3 times weekly preventatively

  • General wellness: Once weekly

  • Skin conditions: 2-3 times weekly for several weeks

Special offer: At Kairos, one parent accompanies their child at no additional charge for children under 5—we recognize that young children need parental presence for comfort.

When to avoid or postpone:

• Active fever (wait until 24 hours fever-free)

• Uncontrolled asthma (get medical control first)

• Extreme anxiety about enclosed spaces

• During acute illness (contagious consideration)

  
  

Real parent feedback: Many parents tell us that halotherapy sessions become cherished quiet time together away from screens, focused on health. Children with chronic conditions often show genuine enthusiasm because they feel better afterward.

Starting your child's journey: If you're considering halotherapy for your child, schedule a consultation with us first. Bring any relevant medical information, discuss your child's specific needs, and let us help you create a protocol that works for your family.

Ready to Experience Halotherapy at Kairos?

Now that you have science-backed answers to the most essential questions, you're equipped to make an informed decision about whether halotherapy is right for you and your family.

Your next steps:

1. Schedule an introductory session at our special first-time rate and experience it for yourself

2. Book a consultation if you have complex health concerns or specific questions

3. Explore packages for chronic conditions or ongoing wellness—our memberships make consistent treatment affordable

Remember, every wellness journey is unique. What works beautifully for one person may take more time for another, and that's completely normal. At Kairos, we're partnering with you in your pursuit of optimal health and wellbeing.

Questions or ready to book? Contact Kairos today to schedule your session. Your breath of fresh (salty) air awaits.

References:

1. Bar-Yoseph, R., Kugelman, N., Livnat, G., Gur, M., Hakim, F., Nir, V., & Bentur, L. (2017). Halotherapy as asthma treatment in children: A randomized, controlled, prospective pilot study. Pediatric Pulmonology, 52(5), 580-587.

2. Chervinskaya, A. V., & Zilber, N. A. (2015). Halotherapy for treatment of respiratory diseases. Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery, 8(3), 221-232.

3. Hedman, J., Helenius, I., & Mäkelä, M. J. (2006). The effects of salt chamber treatment on bronchial hyperresponsiveness in asthmatics. Allergy, 61(5), 605-610.

4. Hedman, J., Hugg, T., Sandell, J., Haahtela, T., & Hannuksela, M. (2008). The effect of salt chamber treatment on bronchial hyperresponsiveness in asthmatics. Allergy, 63(1), 90-94.

5. Rashleigh, R., Smith, S. M., & Roberts, N. J. (2021). Halotherapy—An Ancient Natural Ally in the Management of Asthma: A Comprehensive Review. Pharmaceuticals, 14(11), 1193.

6. Shinde, S., & Wankhede, P. (2022). The Effect of Halotherapy in Chronic Respiratory Disease: An Adjunct to Physiotherapy—A Narrative Review. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, 12(2), 208-212.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any new wellness practice, especially if you have chronic health conditions or take prescription medications. Halotherapy is intended as a complementary approach to support overall wellness and should not replace medical treatment.