halotherapy

noun

ha·​lo·​ther·​a·​py ˌhā-(ˌ)lō-ˈther-ə-pē 

: the therapeutic use of salt usually by inhalation of an aerosol composed chiefly of fine salt particles and circulated in an enclosed area

Halotherapy—from the Greek "halos," which means "salt"—uses dry aerosol micro-particles of salt or minerals inside of a large, arid space to simulate the microclimate of salt mines, says Dr. Niket Sonpal, assistant professor at Touro College of Medicine. Salt exposure as a therapeutic treatment developed after 1843, when Polish physician Feliks Boczowski noticed that his patients, who worked in salt mines, had no respiratory or lung problems compared to other miners.

—Sarah Watts

… halotherapy is typically offered as a dry treatment using … pharmaceutical-grade particles of salt for inhalation in an environment which mimics a salt cave microclimate with dry, cold conditions and no humidity.

—Megan Whitby

Dr. Mark Lebwohl, chairman of the dermatology department at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, agrees that the benefits of salt room therapy are as yet unproved, but adds that he understands how halotherapy has become popular.

—Jessie Schiewe

Examples of halotherapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Woodhouse brand is known for approachable luxury and a wide variety of treatments, and while there are already a few surrounding the city, the Bottleworks location will be the first in the country to include a halotherapy salt cave, including heated 0-gravity salt chairs. —Brandon Schultz, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2021

Marque district offers discerning travelers a modern, refined experience that retains the coastal charm that Nova Scotia is known for—and is complete with a vitality spa for all your wellness needs (including a halotherapy salt room, saunas, and hot and cool plunge pools). —Kaitlyn McInnis, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 June 2022

Cleansing the body of impurities is also the intention behind the spa’s halotherapy treatment where tiny particles of salt fill a room made of giant Himalayan salt blocks. —Anna Haines, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2023

Perhaps the greatest athletic benefits of halotherapy have nothing to do with your respiratory system. —Amanda MacMillan, Outside Online, 23 Feb. 2015

In addition, the spa incorporates techniques like halotherapy, which uses Himalayan salt crystals to heal the body and release tension, as well as CBD to relieve pain and elevate massages. —Katie Intner, Harper's BAZAAR, 9 Aug. 2022

The business is profitable, and Ms. Lafer is looking for a bigger space and plans to add services including facials and halotherapy, which is a salt room that Ms. Lafer says provides respiratory benefits. —WSJ, 13 Mar. 2021

Salt caves and salt spas are nothing new, and halotherapy—a term used to describe the use of salt for health purposes—has been used for years to treat respiratory conditions and promote overall wellness. —Amanda MacMillan, Outside Online, 23 Feb. 2015

Word History

Etymology

halo- + therapy

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above