SALT THERAPY: An Alternative Approach to Asthma

On Sunday, October 3, from 12 noon - 4 pm, the public is invited to visit the Respira Salt Wellness Center in Berkeley Heights, NJ, for an informational session about a new treatment for asthma sufferers: Salt Therapy.

This therapy, called Halotherapy, will be introduced as a new treatment to combat asthma.  The information session will discuss salt's ability to kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, loosen congestion, and provide a negative ion environment that boosts the immune system.  A demonstration session will also be offered by local wellness experts, who will show how salt therapy can be combined with other natural forms of treatment such as yoga breath work, touch therapy, Reiki, nutrition, and chiropractic treatments.

Etya Novik, owner of Respira Salt Wellness Center, is concerned about the frequent use of nebulizers and other traditional treatments for children, which she says did not work for her daughter, an asthma sufferer.  "Many children with respiratory problems use a nebulizer to inhale bronchodilators and corticosteroids. I'll never forget the days I had to physically pin my daughter down to put the nebulizer mask on her, at the same time wondering about the strength and side-effects of the medications."  

Novik heard about a treatment gaining popularity called salt therapy, and decided to give it a try.  After about four treatments in the salt room, she reports that she started to notice improvement in her daughter's breathing.  After a course of 15 treatments, she says her daughter's episodes "became much more infrequent."

Using a machine called a halogenerator, salt therapy acts as a nebulizer for the entire room.  "The child isn't forced to wear an uncomfortable mask over his nose and mouth and he is inhaling natural micro salt particles rather than medication," Novik states.  "During a session, salt is not ingested; rather, it is passively inhaled as a dry mist in an enclosed room filled with sea salt. The micro salt particles that saturate the room are able to enter the deepest part of the lungs and sinuses."  Asthma sufferers of all ages can benefit from salt therapy but Novik finds it particularly helpful with children because, as she says, "Most children don't even realize they are undergoing salt therapy."

With fall allergy season approaching, followed by the winter cold and flu season, Novik believes families will want information on how to approach their children's allergies, asthma, and other symptoms of respiratory distress.  She says, "Hopefully, this event will provide them with information, healing methods they can use at home, and connections to local practitioners who may help them."

The Open House and Children's Health Event is free to the public and family-friendly. Children and adults are welcome to try out the salt therapy rooms.

Respira Salt Wellness Center is located at 472 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ.  For more information, go to: www.respirasalt.com.