Can You Use Himalayan Salt In An Infrared Sauna?

It's sure worth a try! When you combine your infrared sauna sessions with (Himalayan) salt therapy, you create a unique and holistic, self-care fusion.

A quick tour of the blog post

• Himalayan salt
• Health benefits Himalayan salt
• The Himalayan salt sauna
• Himalayan salt applications in an infrared sauna'
• Complementary therapies
• Guidelines: safety and precautions
• Versatile uses of himalayan salt after your infrared sauna sessions
• Fun Facts Himalayan salt

Himalayan Salt

Himalayan salt is known for its striking pink hue and rich healthy minerals. 

Himalayan salt, a rock salt from the old Khewra salt mine in Pakistan, has a long history. Before refrigerators became a household commodity, salt was important for food preservation. 

The extraction from the Himalayan Mountains began in the 13th century, during the Mughal Empire. With the arrival of British colonialism in the 18th century, advanced mining techniques were introduced.

Currently, about 400,000 tons of Himalayan salt are mined every year. This goes to show how Himalayan salt's evolved from food preservative and condiment to a health resource with global demand.

Health benefits Himalayan Salt

Numerous health benefits stem from inhaling Himalayan salt, containing vital elements like calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, and iron. 

salt therapy

Unlike sea salt and iodized table salt (sodium chloride), Himalayan salt is prized for its diverse mineral composition and unprocessed nature.

Curious about the differences between halotherapy (salt therapy) with sodium chloride and Himalayan salt? Then check out this comparison table salt vs. himalayan salt for halotherapy.

Mineral benefits

Each mineral in Himalayan salt plays a significant role in enhancing our health.

Magnesium tackles inflammation, potassium ensures proper fluid balance, calcium fortifies bones, and iron is crucial for transporting oxygen throughout the body.

Respiratory Benefits

These minerals work together to bolster Himalayan salt's ability to soothe inflamed airways, boost the immune system, and ease irritation in the respiratory tract.

Skin Wellness

Himalayan salt also shines in promoting skin health. Minerals like magnesium and zinc are particularly beneficial for the skin. Magnesium helps keep the skin hydrated and less dry, while zinc is known for its ability to calm inflammation and irritation, offering relief for conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Anecdotal evidence supports these benefits, so it makes sense to acknowledge individual differences. Scientific research on Himalayan salt's health advantages is still young, with ongoing studies [1] exploring its potential.

While some studies highlight promising benefits, particularly in respiratory conditions, further investigation is needed to establish definitive conclusions.

The himalayan salt sauna

A study of the Pink Himalayan salt [2] points to a possible fascinating synergy between pink Himalayan salt and infrared sauna therapy. In addition to a rich mineral content, Himalayan salt also has a unique cubic crystal structure. This structure becomes especially relevant when the salt is exposed to heat, revealing an unexpected shine under specific conditions.

This phenomenon suggests that when Himalayan salt is heated by infrared heat, it can enhance the therapeutic effects of the sauna itself.

THE BENEFITS OF HIMALAYAN SALT SAUNA

The interaction between the salt's minerals and infrared radiation heat could provide a more immersive and comforting experience, and might increase the health benefits of infrared sauna sessions.

First, the deep, penetrating warmth of the infrared sauna, known for relaxation and relieving muscle tension, could be supported by the salt's minerals, to improve pain relief and muscle recovery.

Second, the detoxifying effects of the sauna can be revved up as the salt helps to remove impurities from the body more effectively. Better circulation and skin rejuvenation are also potentially boosted benefits.

Ultimately, this combination could lead to a deeper sense of well-being, optimizing the body's natural healing processes.

HIMALAYAN SALT APPLICATIONS IN AN INFRARED SAUNA

Introducing Himalayan salt into your infrared sauna sessions enriches the experience with beneficial minerals. Its natural glow not only enhances the ambiance but also emits negative ions, which may help neutralize pollutants in the air.

Here are a few ways to incorporate Himalayan salt into your home infrared sauna sessions.

Himalayan Salt Walls

Infrared sauna with integrated Himalayan salt walls: A structural solution to take every sauna session to another level with the ionizing effect of Himalayan salt. In addition, the warm glow of these decorative walls deepens the relaxing experience.

Accessorize your existing home infrared sauna with salt walls: These salt walls are movable individual racks. This gives the opportunity to enjoy a session without salt therapy and the option to use them elsewhere in your home.

Though these walls won't directly heat like in a traditional sauna, the ambient heat from the infrared panels may still activate the salt to some degree, contributing to a unique wellness environment.

Portable application of Himalayan Salt into your Infrared sauna

Each of the following methods offers a flexible and creative way to integrate the benefits of Himalayan salt into your sauna routine at the time of your choice:

Salt lamps create an atmospheric environment and ionize and purify the air at the same time.

Salt blocks can be placed near the heat source, where they heat up and release negative ions and minerals into the air. Another option is to rest your feet or hands on a warm salt block.

Himalayan salt inhaler to directly inhale the micronized Himalayan salt particles.

Regular cleaning of the salt implementations is necessary to prevent the accumulation of impurities and maintain their ionizing effectiveness.

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES

Aromatherapy

Give your infrared sauna session a boost by adding aromatherapy. Use a heat-resistant diffuser to combine essential oils with the benefits of Himalayan salt. For example, choose eucalyptus to clear the airways, lavender to reduce stress, or citrus for an energy boost.

Choose oils that can withstand heat and enhance the effects of the salt, but not overpower it.

Color Light Therapy

Combine chromotherapy with Himalayan salt for a versatile healing experience. The glow of the salt mixed with therapeutic colors can improve skin health and improve mood, turning your sauna into a holistic wellness space.

Guidelines: Safety and Precautions

Be sure to tailor the application of Himalayan salt to the specifications of your infrared sauna. To avoid damage, do not place salt directly on infrared panels. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer of your sauna.

Ventilation

By ensuring good air circulation in the sauna, the beneficial effects of the salt can be spread.

Maintenance

Regular cleaning of the salt items and your sauna will maintain their effectiveness and the longevity of the products and your sauna.

 Session Duration

For optimal benefits, limit Himalayan salt sauna sessions to 15-20 minutes, especially if you're new to it. Gradually increase as tolerated, without exceeding 45 minutes. Listen to your body and adjust based on personal comfort and health status.

Health conditions

Those with specific health conditions should consult a doctor for personal advice. Please note: Himalayan salt therapies should complement, not replace, medical treatments. Understand that while salt can reinforce the effects of sauna sessions, it's not a panacea for health issues.

Versatile uses of Himalayan Salt after your infrared sauna sessions

The Himalayan salt not only enriches your enjoyment of your infrared sauna session. This mineral-rich salt provides countless ways to be enjoyed before you step into the heat or as a comforting end to your session.

Whichever way, Himalayan salt remains a delicious and healthy companion. Let’s have a look at some of its multiple beneficial uses.

Health and Wellness

A Natural Sports Drink: Salt sole (pronounced zo-ley [3]) alternative to sports drink, made by saturating water with Himalayan salt for hydration and electrolyte balance (including sodium, chloride, potassium and magnesium). 

Salt Soaps and Bath Bombs: Great for bathing and showering. They have an exfoliating effect on the skin thanks to the natural properties of Himalayan salt.

Foot Detox Tiles: give new energy to tired feet and remove impurities.

Salt Balls: Serve as natural deodorants or body cleansers to balance the skin's pH and prevent odor-causing bacteria.

Salt Pipes (inhalers): This salt inhalation therapy supports respiratory health by clearing sinuses and expanding lung capacity.

Himalayan Salt Mouth Rinse: Many benefits are attributed to a regular rinse with Himalayan salt water (lukewarm): It prevents cavities and recession of the gums, it combats halitosis. It also helps with toothache, soothes a sore throat and limits your cough (don’t swallow).

Neti Pots: Himalayan salt used in neti pots for nasal irrigation and helps cleanse and purify the sinuses.

Migraine Relief: A mixture of Himalayan salt, lemon juice and water for instant migraine relief.

Atmospheric and decorative environment

Himalayan salt crystals and lamps are a three-in-one solution. These lamps and crystals not only improve air quality, they also provide soothing light that helps improve mood and energy levels and have aesthetic appeal.

Fun facts on Himalayan Salt

Discover the intriguing, funny and captivating facts about this pink 'diamond' that go beyond its health benefits.

A remarkable history

Himalayan salt has a fascinating history. 

Dried up ocean: This unusual pink salt was formed more than 250 million years ago by the evaporation of ancient oceans in what is now the Punjab region of Pakistan. Protected by layers of lava from environmental pollutants, this region has kept the salt in a pristine and pure state, making it one of the cleanest salts available.

Discovered by horses: The first notable discovery of Himalayan salt is attributed to Alexander the Great and his horses around 326 BC. As the story goes, while passing through the Jhelum River, his horses started licking the stones, which turned out to be salt.

84 minerals

Himalayan salt contains 84 different elements, although not all of them are minerals in the strict scientific sense. This varied mineral content includes essential trace elements such as magnesium, potassium and calcium, contributing to the salt's reputation as a healthier alternative to regular table salt.

Natural iodine source

Unlike table salt, which is often artificially enriched with iodine, Himalayan salt contains natural iodine. This mineral is vital for the production of thyroid hormones and can help prevent goiter, a condition caused by iodine deficiency.

Unique pink color

The characteristic pink to orange color of Himalayan salt is due to trace amounts of iron in the salt. This not only makes it visually appealing, but also adds a unique touch to dishes and decoration.

A Himalayan salt tongue

A funny name for the saturated solution of water and Himalayan salt

Culinary use beyond just flavoring

Salt Slabs: For cooking, serving and displaying food, creating a unique taste.

Salt Shot Glasses: Adding a subtle saltiness to your drinks, especially nice with tequila.

Himalayan salt, with its unique mineral composition, offers more than just aesthetic appeal to your infrared sauna.

Sam Everhart

References

1. Prof. Dr. Dhrubo Jyoti Sen et al., Halite; The Rock Salt: Enormous Health Benefits, World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, https://wjpr.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/article_issue/1480495868.pdf

2.Muhammad Iftikhar Anjum et al., Thermoluminescence study of Pink Himalayan salt from Khewra mines, Pakistan, Journal of Luminescence, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022231322006044

3. WebMD, Health Benefits of Sole Water, https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-sole-water

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