Everything You Need to Know About Himalayan Salt for Sauna

Himalayan salt isn't just for seasoning food; it's a wellness powerhouse, especially in saunas. When heated, this pink salt does wonders.

It releases negative ions, creating a calm, stress-free environment that helps you relax deeply. It also contains minerals that are great for your body, offering a healthy twist to your sauna experience.

In this guide, we'll show you how to use Himalayan salt to transform your sauna sessions into a truly indulgent escape.

What is Himalayan Salt?

Himalayan salt, often called pink salt, comes mostly from near the big mountains called the Himalayas. A lot of this pink salt is dug up from the Khewra mines in Pakistan. It's pink because it has around 84 tiny minerals and iron oxide bits. Other places like the Warcha salt mine also get this salt, but Khewra is the biggest and most important.

When discussing how Himalayan salt differs from the regular salt you might sprinkle on your fries, there are a few things to know. Himalayan salt is packed with minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron, making it a bit healthier. Normal table salt doesn't have as many minerals because they get taken out when the salt is ready for the stores.

And the taste? Pink Himalayan salt tastes softer and more subtle, while the regular salt we use every day tastes sharper and more, well, salty.

4 Main Benefits of Using Himalayan Salt for Sauna

People have been turning to Himalayan salt for its amazing health perks for a long time. This special salt isn't just regular old salt; it's packed with good stuff like potassium, magnesium, iron, and calcium that can do wonders for your body and mind.

Because of these cool minerals, Himalayan salt saunas offer many benefits that can help you feel awesome physically, mentally, and even spiritually.

Here are some of the top perks of stepping into a Himalayan salt sauna:

1. Boost Sleep Quality

One really cool thing about Himalayan salt saunas is how they can help you sleep better, especially if you find it hard to snooze at night. Healthline states Himalayan salt can make your nervous system feel more relaxed. This is because salt is a natural ionizer, which changes the electrical charge in the air around you.

This neat trick can help your body make more serotonin, a brain chemical that helps you feel calm and happy. You could start feeling more chill by hanging out in a Himalayan salt sauna, setting you up for a great night's sleep.

The air in the sauna, filled with tiny salt particles, might also act like a big air purifier. It could trap and clean out stuff in the air that bothers your breathing or causes allergies, helping you rest without all that sniffling or sneezing getting in the way.

2. No More Stress

If you're stressed out, spending time in a Himalayan salt sauna might just be what you need. People love Himalayan salt saunas because they can really help you relax and feel happier. The cool part? It's all about the negative ions in the air. Some folks did a study at Columbia University and found that negative ions, like the ones you get in a salt sauna, made 58% of people with seasonal sadness feel better. That's more than half of them!

But why does this work? Scientists think these negative ions might freshen up our minds and bodies, helping us shake off stress and even some sadness. However, they also say we need more research to ensure all this works.

Even if the science is still figuring things out, there's something special about a Himalayan salt sauna's calm and peaceful vibe.

3. Better Skin Health

Himalayan salt isn't just for show; it can do good things for your skin. A study back in 2005 found out that if you bathe in water mixed with salt, it can really help with dry, itchy skin and calm down redness and swelling. That's like a big sigh of relief for your skin!

But wait, there's more. When you're super stressed out, it's not just your mood that takes a hit—your skin does, too. Stress can mess with your body's collagen, which keeps your skin smooth and young. Too much stress means insufficient collagen, and that's no good for anyone trying to keep their youthful glow, as the research from A. Oikarinen shows.

4. Improved Respiratory Health

Researchers have been studying how salt therapy can help folks with problems like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

For instance, a study in the Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery found that hanging out for an hour in a room miming a natural salt cave made a big difference for 124 respiratory problems.

And it's not just adults who can breathe easier. A 2017 study in the Journal of Pediatric Pulmonology noticed that salt rooms had a positive effect on kids with mild asthma.

A 2007 study in the Journal of Pneumologia found that using dry salt inhalers for just half an hour a day, five days a week, led to significant improvements in less than three months. Amazingly, something as simple as salt can help make breathing easier for so many people.

How Does Himalayan Salt Sauna Work?

A Himalayan salt sauna, like those cool salt caves or salt therapy rooms, takes the awesome pink salt to make a special relaxing spot that feels like a natural salt cave. They build the sauna with salt bricks and panels, filling the air with tiny salt particles.

Salt loves water, so it grabs onto water molecules in the air. When the sauna heats up, this salt does something super neat—giving off negative ions. People call these ions "vitamins of the air" because they're good for you.

They can make you feel less anxious, lower stress, help you sleep better, clean the air around you, and even strengthen your immune system. Plus, the air in a Himalayan salt sauna feels super fresh and clean. This is because the salt gets rid of the bad stuff from electronics.

Not only is chilling in a Himalayan salt sauna a great way to unwind, but it's also good for your health. Breathing in the salty air, which experts call halotherapy, lets you soak up important minerals through your skin when you breathe. According to WebMD, this can help you detox and relax and even make your skin look better.

How to Effectively Use Himalayan Salt in a Sauna

To truly experience the magic of a Himalayan salt sauna, you must go beyond stepping in and chilling out. Certain rules and tips must be followed to ensure you're getting all the awesome health benefits it offers.

How to Choose the Right Himalayan Salt

When picking the perfect Himalayan salt for your sauna, not just any salt will do. You'll want to go for the unrefined kind, which is the real deal and has no extras. This type of salt hasn't been messed with, so it keeps all the good stuff, like minerals, without any bad stuff, like additives or things to keep it from clumping together.

Just a heads up, though, even with the pure stuff, it's best not to go overboard. Using just the right amount will help ensure your experience is all about feeling great without any unwanted irritation or discomfort. Stick with the pure, unrefined Himalayan salt, and you'll be ready to soak up all those incredible sauna benefits.

Different Forms of Himalayan Salt

Himalayan salt comes in many shapes and sizes, like rocks or chunks, tiny granules, bricks, blocks, and even lamps and crystals. What kind you pick depends greatly on the vibe you're going for in your sauna. Grabbing salt rocks and chunks is a good move if you're all about that salt cave look. They make your traditional sauna look cool and natural as it heats up.

But if you're into building part of your sauna with salt, you might want to check out salt bricks and panels, such as those used in Golden Design Reserve Edition sauna. They're awesome because they help keep the heat steady and fill the air with good stuff from the salt.

Salt granules are neat for scattering on the floor, and crystals can relax your sauna. Just remember, the kind of salt you use really matters—don't get tricked by the fake stuff. Always go for quality Himalayan salt from places you trust, especially if digging into cool projects like making a salt wall panel or a salt lightbox for the ultimate sauna hangout.

The Best Ways to Use Himalayan Salt in Your Sauna

When you're getting ready for some time in a Himalayan salt sauna, keep these tips in mind to make sure you're getting the most out of your session:

• Aromatherapy Add-Ons: Add essential oils like Frankincense, ylang-ylang, or lavender. These scents can add a layer of relaxation and healing.
• Stay Hydrated: Make sure to drink lots of water before and after your sauna session. Staying hydrated is key.
• Cool Down Correctly: After your sauna, shower cold or jump in a pool to help your body temperature return to normal.
• Find the Right Heat: The best sauna temperature is around 118 to 167 degrees Fahrenheit. Start cooler and shorter, then work up as you get comfortable.
• Skip the Lotions: Don’t put on lotions or creams before entering. They can mess with how your skin absorbs the salt.
• Clean Up After: Wipe away any sweat or salt left on your skin post-session, and rinse off with lukewarm water.
• Check with Your Doc: Talk to your doctor before hopping into a Himalayan salt sauna, especially if you have health issues.
• Watch the Clock: Stay in the sauna for 10 to 20 minutes to prevent dehydration or overheating. Adjust based on what feels right for you.
• Deep Breaths: Take this chance to breathe deeply and soak in all the good stuff the Himalayan salt offers your skin, lungs, and mood.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Add Himalayan Salt to My Sauna?

Adding Himalayan salt to your sauna is simple and can improve your experience. A cool way to do this is by bringing in Himalayan salt lamps. These lamps aren't just pretty; they also send out good vibes in the form of negative ions when they get warm, making the air in the sauna even healthier for you.

Plus, they give off a cozy light that makes the sauna feel extra inviting. Another awesome idea is to put salt blocks close to where it's hot in the sauna, like near the heater. When these blocks heat up, they release negative ions, like tiny health boosters for your body, and minerals into the sauna air.

How Long Do You Need To Stay in a Himalayan Salt Sauna?

The right amount of time to chill in a Himalayan salt sauna is 10 to 20 minutes. But everyone's different, so some folks might hang out for up to 30 minutes. If you're just starting out, go easy and keep it short. Don't forget to take breaks to cool off.

Can You Add Himalayan Salt To Infrared Sauna?

You can mix Himalayan salt into your infrared sauna sessions. It's a smart move because it combines the detox power of the infrared sauna with the healing touch of halotherapy (that's the fancy word for salt therapy). Adding Himalayan salt means you get cleaner air, feel less stressed out, and even boost your energy levels.

The Takeaway

A trip to a Himalayan salt sauna is like hitting the reset button for both your body and mind. Imagine it: the heat relaxes your muscles, the negative ions from the salt boost your mood, and your skin drinks those essential minerals, making you feel all-around awesome. It's practically a mini vacation to a serene salt cave, but guess what? You don't have to step foot outside your door to experience it.

With CalmSpas at-home sauna options, that rejuvenating getaway is just a few steps away in your own home—no lines, no awkward locker room moments. Just you, chilling in your private Himalayan salt paradise. Interested in turning your home into a wellness retreat?