If you’ve ever spent a few days by the ocean and felt like your lungs were clearer, you probably weren’t imagining it. For centuries, the salty air by the sea has been a natural remedy for congestion, coughing, and chronic respiratory issues. Doctors would tell patients with asthma or chronic bronchitis to move closer to the ocean for that very reason. The air there isn’t just fresh, it’s naturally therapeutic – and serves as the inspiration for Halotherapy at Salinity.

The idea behind Halotherapy taps into that same principle, but instead of needing a beach house or a big move, all it takes is a quiet room and a little aerosolized salt. This natural practice recreates the environment of a salt-rich coast, making it possible to enjoy the benefits of ocean air, even here in the heart of the Midwest. And when it’s done right, the results speak for themselves.

What Is Halotherapy?

Halotherapy, also known as dry salt therapy, is a growing natural wellness practice rooted in a timeless truth: salt has powerful healing properties. While modern sessions tend to take place in more luxury, spa-like environments, the idea originally traces all the way back to the salt caves of Eastern Europe. It was found that miners working in those caves had remarkably healthy lungs and far fewer respiratory issues than the general population, shedding new light on the wellness potential of this unique phenomenon.

In a halotherapy session, microscopic pharmaceutical-grade salt particles are released into the air, inviting you to simply breathe the healing air deep into your lungs. By mimicking the microclimate of those natural salt caves – or oceanside air – halotherapy offers a natural approach to supporting respiratory health, improving skin clarity, and calming the nervous system.

How It Works

At the heart of halotherapy is a machine called a halogenerator. This device takes pharmaceutical-grade salt and grinds it into micro-particles, which are then dispersed into the air of a controlled space. These particles are so small they can travel deep into the lungs and airways, much farther than most over-the-counter sprays or humidifiers could ever hope to reach.

As you breathe them in, the salt particles get to work in your body like a natural purifier. They attach to mucus and other allergens, drawing out excess moisture and helping to loosen congestion and ultimately remove those contaminants from your system. Salt also has powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for calming irritated sinuses, bronchioles, and even the skin.

Benefits of Halotherapy

Respiratory Relief

For those dealing with chronic or acute respiratory issues (such as asthma, allergies, bronchitis, or even lingering coughs), or unhealthy indoor environments, halotherapy offers an option for gentle, non-invasive support. The salt works to open up the airways, reduce inflammation, and clear out all the gunk (forgive the highly-technical term) that builds up from living in less-than-perfect air.

Many clients describe this experience as a “deep clean” for their lungs – especially helpful during allergy season or after recovering from a chest cold. The microscopic salt particles don’t just float around aimlessly; they bind to irritants, thin mucus, and support your body’s natural ability to clear the airways – helping you to breathe more freely, cough less, and even sleep better after regular sessions.

What makes halotherapy so compelling is its simplicity. There’s no need for sprays, pills, or any complex equipment – just natural salt and normal breathing. The effects of halotherapy create an internal environment where your lungs can do what they’re meant to do, free from the interference of modern contaminants, allergens, or lingering symptoms.

This therapy is particularly beneficial for those navigating allergy season, lingering coughs and congestion, or the after-effects of respiratory infections, including COVID-related complications. Instead of temporarily masking the symptoms, halotherapy works with your body’s natural processes to help you reset and recover – no rebound effects, no drowsiness, and most importantly, no prescription necessary.

Skin & Mood Support

Salt’s anti-inflammatory properties aren’t just limited to the lungs either. While most halotherapy benefits come from breathing in the salt-infused air, your skin has its own reasons to love the experience.

As the fine salt particles settle onto exposed skin during a session, they begin working on the surface level and deeper layers of the skin: supporting skin regeneration, enhancing elasticity, and helping to normalize the skin’s natural pH level. Many guests with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or acne who come in find halotherapy to be a truly calming and deeply restorative experience, as the salt helps clear bacteria, soothe irritation, and even reduce swelling – naturally.

And while the salt does its thing, the peaceful ambiance offers its own set of benefits. The calm, beach-like atmosphere – low lighting, gentle music, a moment of stillness – can help ease stress, restore mental clarity, and leave you feeling just a little more like yourself. Whether you’re dealing with irritated skin or a stress-filled mind, halotherapy creates space for both the body and brain to reset.

Athletic Recovery

Athletes and active individuals are increasingly turning to halotherapy as a way to boost performance and speed up recovery. Improved oxygen exchange, reduced inflammation, and enhanced breathing all translate to increased endurance in practice and on gameday, as well as an accelerated post-workout recovery.

What some don’t realize, though, is just how much lung function impacts everything from stamina and recovery, all the way to mental focus. Halotherapy helps increase lung capacity by gently opening the airways and thinning mucus, leading to cleaner, more efficient breathing. While some athletes use it before a big race or game to get their lungs feeling more “open” and ready to perform, others may focus on the restorative benefits between workouts. Whether you’re chasing a new PR or just trying to feel like yourself after leg day, your lungs will certainly thank you for the extra support.

Who It’s For

Halotherapy is suitable for a wide range of people; basically, if you’ve got lungs, you’re officially invited! That said, it’s especially beneficial for those with chronic respiratory conditions, skin sensitivities, or seasonal allergies, and is a worthwhile option for anyone regularly exposed to indoor pollutants, whether that’s from HVAC systems, hidden mold growth, or pet hair that just never seems to end.

Parents have brought in kids with persistent coughs, runners have booked sessions to support lung recover, and plenty of guests come in with no diagnosis at all – just the desire to feel a little clearer, calmer, and cleaner on the inside.

What to Expect During a Session

At Salinity, your halotherapy session takes place in our specially-crafted Beach Suite, designed to transport you far from your to-do list and closer to the coastline. As you settle into a lounge chair, a halogenerator quickly disperses salt particles throughout the air. The room is peaceful, comfortable, with beach-inspired music and sounds, all curated to help you relax while your lungs and skin do the real work.

Typical sessions last 30 minutes, and all you really need to do is breathe normally! Some people choose to meditate, nap, or simply unwind. For chronic concerns, we recommend a few sessions per week; for general wellness, once or twice a week is often enough to maintain the benefits. There are no major side effects – though you may feel a little thirstier afterward, and a whole lot more refreshed.

Like a Day at the Beach – Only Closer!

Halotherapy brings the ocean to you – minus the travel expenses and sand in your shoes. By simulating the cleansing, salty air that people have sought out for generations, this therapy gives your lungs, skin, and mind a well-earned break from the modern world. It’s gentle, natural, and surprisingly effective.

Whether you’re navigating allergy season, managing stress, or just craving a deep breath that actually feels deep again, halotherapy offers a simple, soothing path to better overall health and wellness. While it may not replace the beach in every way, it might just become your new favorite way to get a little taste of the tropics without leaving town.