Salt therapy traces its origins to the salt mines and caves of Eastern Europe and Russia. Miners working in these environments were found to have exceptional respiratory health and youthful skin, likely due to inhaling micro-sized salt particles in the air.
In 1839, Polish physician Dr. Feliks Boczkowski established the first salt-based health resort at the Wieliczka Salt Mine, recognising the therapeutic benefits of the underground environment. During World War II, German physician Dr. K.H. Spannahel observed that people sheltering in salt caves experienced improved respiratory health, leading to the formal study of Speleotherapy—the use of underground salt environments for healing.
By the mid-20th century, Professor Mieczyslaw Skulimowski pioneered Subterraneotherapy, further refining treatments for respiratory conditions. This led to the creation of the first dedicated salt therapy facility in 1964 at the Wieliczka Salt Mine. In 1985, researchers in the Soviet Union developed Halotherapy, a method that replicates the natural salt cave environment using fine salt aerosol.
Following the fall of the Soviet Union, Halotherapy became widely accessible and has since expanded into wellness centers worldwide, offering natural respiratory and skin health benefits to millions.
Active dry salt therapy uses a halogenerator to grind pure sodium chloride (NaCl) into microscopic particles, dispersing them into a closed environment like a salt room or chamber. These salt particles are inhaled into the respiratory system, where they may:
Dry salt is also beneficial for the skin, aiding conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema by absorbing impurities, regulating micro-circulation, and promoting cell rejuvenation. The controlled climate in an active salt room ensures optimal temperature, humidity, and ventilation for effective therapy.
Halotherapy, is a natural and safe wellness practice with no harmful side effects. It benefits adults, children, athletes, and even animals by promoting respiratory health, skin improvement, and immune system support.
Healthy lungs are essential for energy, vitality, and overall well-being. Every day, we are exposed to pollutants, allergens, and airborne bacteria, which can burden the respiratory system. Halotherapy helps cleanse and detox the lungs, improving oxygen intake and boosting immunity.
How Dry Salt Therapy Works:
Regular sessions may support relief from conditions such as:
Asthma
Allergies
Bronchitis
COPD
Cystic fibrosis
Sinusitis
Ear infections
Smokers' cough
Common colds
The skin, like the lungs, plays a vital role in protection and detoxification. Halotherapy can enhance skin health, support healing, and promote anti-aging effects.
Regular salt therapy sessions may aid in conditions like:
Psoriasis
Eczema
Acne
Dermatitis
Rosacea
Rashes
Dry, flaky skin
Signs of aging
Whether for respiratory health, skincare, or overall wellness, Halotherapy offers a holistic, drug-free approach to better health. Regular sessions can help detoxify the body, reduce stress, and enhance well-being—naturally.
Halotherapy is intended to complement overall well-being and is not a substitute for medical treatment, diagnosis, or professional healthcare. Salt therapy is not an alternative therapy, but a complementary one. It can help relieve the symptoms of a condition and work in conjunction with existing medication, resulting in even greater relief.
Halotherapy is not recommended for people with contagious diseases, fever, open wounds, lung cancer, severe hypertension and active tuberculosis. Pregnant women should consult with their doctor before using Halotherapy. Anyone with serious health concerns needs to seek proper medical advice and care.
Please reach us at saltdonegal@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Your normal clothes are fine - you will be relaxing on one of our super comfy loungers with a fluffy blanket to hand in case you get cold. Because there is salt in the air, it is inevitable that you will find salt particles but they can be brushed off once you are finished. However, if you are going somewhere special afterwards, maybe take a change of clothes just in case (the Salt will not harm your clothes though). If you are coming to Salt Therapy because of a skin condition then where possible and appropriate you may want to wear clothes that expose the skin i.e. shorts and t-shirt/vest(being mindful that you may be sharing the room with others).
Shoes are allowed inside and we provide protective covering for the shoes which must be worn to protect the anti-bacterial properties of the room. Bare feet are also permitted
60 minutes
Absolutely! It's 100% natural, drug free and non-invasive. If you've any concerns consult with a healthcare professional. Children tend to respond more quickly to the treatments than adults and the benefits are fantastic for their physical and mental wellbeing.
Age 6months to 16 years
(Results might be achieved with fewer visits; this is a guide only.)
With any serious health concern or issue, we recommend you speak to your GP before attending. The following conditions are not recommended.