The benefits and harms of salt caves
Speleotherapy, or treatment in salt chambers, is a very popular way to combat various ailments. Doctors also appreciated it: speleotherapy is used in the treatment of the respiratory system, diseases of the cardiovascular and immune systems. However, this method also has contraindications.
Contents
Benefits of salt caves
The main component of the halochamber is a salt aerosol. This substance is sprayed into the air, creating the microclimate of a natural cave. In this case, the salt settles on the walls of the room and it visually resembles a cave, the walls of which are sprayed with salt. 
Due to the small size and unique properties of aerosol particles, they easily penetrate the respiratory tract. This helps strengthen the immune system and also reduces the activity of pathological processes in the respiratory organs. In addition, these particles create an atmosphere of complete sterility in the halochamber.
A significant advantage of a salt cave is that it can be installed in almost any room. There are only two conditions: there should be no windows in the room and there should be good ventilation. In this case, a healing microclimate is created inside, saturated with calcium, iodine, magnesium ions and many other useful elements.
In addition, thanks to the air ionizer, beneficial substances are released and enter the body faster than it happens under natural conditions. As a result, metabolism improves, toxins leave the body, and beneficial ions take their place. 
Harm from salt caves
Salt caves have a beneficial effect on the body. However, this is a rather active procedure, so after a halotherapy session there are negative consequences.
First of all, it's a cough. It can occur either immediately after visiting the salt room or after several sessions. This is due to the fact that salt vapors have a thinning effect on mucus that has accumulated in the respiratory tract and promote its rejection. Due to the structural features of the respiratory organs and susceptibility to environmental changes, children are especially often exposed to this phenomenon.
A runny nose may occur even more often, since the haloaerosol actively removes mucus that collects in the sinuses. Sometimes rhinitis can occur even during the procedure. Therefore, employees who work in such premises are recommended to take handkerchiefs with them.
Finally, after salt treatments, the temperature sometimes rises. True, if such an increase is insignificant, this is a natural reaction of the body that should not cause alarm.
If such symptoms do not go away or get worse, you should consult a doctor. There are also individual intolerances to such procedures: a specialist will help determine the cause and cope with unpleasant consequences. 
Salt cave indications
A visit to any treatment room, including a salt cave, has its own indications and contraindications. Indications for its use are as follows:
- colds - if you catch a cold at the initial stage, you can cope with it very quickly;
- allergic diseases;
- weakened immune system;
- disruption of the endocrine system;
- any diseases of the ENT organs - there are many cases when, with the help of a salt bath, people were cured of severe forms of sinusitis;
- skin lesions.
In addition, the salt cave is recommended for smokers, people who have suffered stress or are constantly in nervous tension, as well as workers employed in hazardous industries. Salt vapors that saturate the air reduce the number of pathogenic microbes and cleanse the respiratory tract well. In addition, they perfectly relieve psychological stress. 
Contraindications for salt caves
Despite all the benefits of a salt cave, there are people who will not benefit from it and may even be harmed. The following contraindications exist:
- infectious diseases;
- development of malignant tumors;
- diseases that cause high fever;
- high blood pressure;
- tendency to bleed.
Pregnant women should also take such procedures with caution. In general, halotherapy has a positive effect on the body of a woman who is preparing for the birth of a baby. However, if there are complications and severe toxicosis, it is better to refrain from visiting salt caves.
Salt cave for children
If for adults each session in the salt cave is 40 minutes, then children can stay in it for no more than half an hour. 
In pediatrics, this procedure is prescribed for any ENT diseases. In addition, it is useful to visit the halochamber for children who have skin diseases or have been diagnosed with bronchial asthma.
It also has a good effect on the health of children who are often anxious or sleep poorly. It also happens that the child experiences increased aggression. Sometimes parents make the mistake of giving their baby medications. Several sessions of halotherapy help relieve tension and excessive excitability, so even visiting a psychotherapist is no longer necessary.
In addition, the air environment, saturated with minerals, promotes the healing of fractures. This allows the use of halotherapy for various injuries.
However, there is one important point: only children over one year old can visit the salt cave.
Salt cave: reviews from doctors
Doctors approach visiting salt chambers differently. 
Some insist on the undoubted benefits of such procedures. They believe that there is no particular use from them, however, as well as harm. In their opinion, the improvement in well-being after visiting the halochamber is simply a placebo effect, the result of patients’ self-hypnosis. Such experts are of the opinion that a trip to the sea has a much greater effect.
However, not everyone can afford vacation and treatment at a seaside resort. But a visit to the salt cave is available to anyone. So you should listen to the state of your body. Numerous reviews of people who really helped halotherapy testify in its favor.
