Halotherapy derived from the Greek halos, meaning "salt," is a form of alternative therapy using salt as a healing element. It is becoming very popular today for humans, with the emergence of “salt spa” franchises. These are relaxation rooms where you can go to breathe in the salt, sit among the salt crystals, and touch the salt-covered walls. This is a perfect example of the adage, “what’s old is new again.” Many ancient civilizations utilized salt in baths, scrubs, nasal washes, and as a preservative. More modern applications focus on the benefits of inhaling salt mists.
Salt is considered to be anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and helpful in dispelling mucus when inhaled. Salt inhalations are being researched and used to address a myriad of issues such as asthma, COPD, bronchitis, sinusitis, various acute lung conditions, skin conditions, and support of the immune system. It releases negative ions into the air, creating positive energy so it has value for headaches, depression, and stress.
There are two types of saline solution inhalations. The wet version uses fine droplets generated by administering the salt or medication in the form of a mist that is inhaled into the lungs. This process is called “nebulizing.” The dry form of inhalation works on the principle of atomizing dry substances. A dry salt aerosol generator, known as a halogenerator, is used.
Halotherapy has been adapted for use in horses to strengthen the respiratory system and address inflammatory airway disorders, allergies, EIPH, sinusitis, environmental allergies, lung fungus, throat ulcers, guttural pouch issues, and inflammatory skin conditions. A muzzle mask directs the micronized salt sprays into the nose of the animal. This device purifies to 0.2 microns of the salt particles, which is so small it can reach all the way down to the alveoli in the lungs. The alveoli are the small sacs in the lungs that allow oxygen and carbon dioxide to move between the lungs and bloodstream.
David Csesznok, owner of the Equine Salt Spa, LLC, observes that it is very common in racing thoroughbreds to experience guttural pouch infections from molds and bacteria. These conditions can be difficult to treat.
“I find that salt therapy improves lung function and helps to oxygenate the blood. I have found it to improve the general well-being of the horse; they drink more water, eat up, rest more, and have more energy. As a pre-competition treatment it leads to better performance.”
Halotherapy sessions are about 30 minutes long and are closely monitored and adjusted based on the animal’s needs. A stall can be converted into a treatment room by hanging the mask on the wall and letting the salt particles permeate the air. It is suggested that windows be closed for the session so no strong breezes dilute the effects.