We recently had a local facility open in our area that is a salt cave, touting extraordinary health benefits for allergy sufferers, people with asthma, etc. Since my husband and I both have allergies, and he has asthma, I have been researching everything I can find on the scientific evidence behind these two treatments. Since Young Living Essential Oils have helped our family so much, I have learned that alternative medicine and treatments definitely have their place in our family. However, I also need to spend my money wisely, so I thought I’d pass along the research that I found. Also, the treatments in our area at the cave aren’t overly expensive (a little more than a massage, which I feel is a huge source of stress relief).
We are not trying to persuade our readers one way or the other. We are simply trying to share facts about what I learned, and my own opinions on these types of therapies.
Do Salt Lamps and Salt Caves Work?
1. There is little scientific evidence. While there are extensive articles on studies about essential oils on pubmed.gov, there have been few studies done about salt lamp or salt cave therapy. This Time Health article states that there were two articles done in 2006 that did show some benefit for Cystic Fibrosis sufferers and smokers.
This article from The-Scientist.com talks about a physicist who contacted a salt lamp maker and inquired about the science behind the salt lamp, and was not given any straight scientific evidence, other than talking about negative ions. However, this negative ion website tested one and said there were not nearly enough negative ions produced to be beneficial. Please keep in mind that even this website did not list credentials of the authors. I was able to find very little evidence that the salt lamps were beneficial. You can read an abstract on pubmed.gov about the theoretical benefits of salt therapy. Check out #3 to protect yourself financially while trying these products and therapies.
2. It’s relaxing. There is much evidence on how being relaxed can help body systems, and how breathing slow, deep breaths in and out can provide health benefits. One of the things you do in a salt cave is relax and breathe deeply to get the full “perceived” effects of the salt. There is extensive research on how stress effects the body, and taking time to relax reduces stress and allows for better breathing. Several of the articles I read questioned if this was the bigger benefit of going to a salt cave, or taking time to relax by a salt lamp.
3. Does it work for you? Personally, I know many times doctors and naysayers feel that essential oils don’t work and there is no scientific evidence behind them. Many claim it is a placebo affect. However, after seeing how they have helped so many of my friends and family, I don’t feel I need anymore proof. If I suffered from asthma or allergies and I found something that made me feel much better, I would definitely try it, even if others thought it was “hokey.” The bigger issue is in the price. If you do decide to purchase a salt lamp, ask about the return policy. If you can return the salt lamp after trying it, then you aren’t out of any money. However, if you can’t return it, I would try to borrow one from someone first.
In terms of the salt cave, I do feel that there is some financial risk in trying it one time. I would also ask the cave owners about a refund policy if you feel that it makes no difference for you. Again, I go for massages on a regular basis in the comfort of my own home (If you read our stress relief article, then you would know hubby is my masseuse. I truly feel massage has greatly benefited me and my health in terms of stress reduction and overall health. However, each person has to make their own educated decision. We just want to make sure you think about all the financial risks. If spending $60 to sit in a salt cave doesn’t seem like a big deal to you, then try it once and see if it works, but make sure you come back and comment below and let us know if it helped you or not.
Have you tried a salt lamp or a salt cave? Comment below and let us know your thoughts.
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