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Himalayan salt has gained popularity in recent years due to its numerous health benefits and aesthetic appeal. It contains trace minerals that can enhance electrolyte balance, promote hydration, support proper pH balance, aid digestion, improve respiratory health, and provide a soothing effect on the body when used in salt lamps or bath salts.
You can use Himalayan salt in your sauna sessions as it is known to help promote better breathing, improved blood circulation, and deeper relaxation. The Himalayan salt contains 84 natural minerals that help replenish the body and the gentle glow emitted by the backlit salt panels creates an inviting atmosphere, making the sauna an even better experience.
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– Retains skin moisture, ideal for a relaxing bath experience
– Hand-chipped from the oldest salt mine in the Himalayan foothills
– Naturally rich in minerals and packed with 84 essential minerals
– Halal, non-GMO, OU Kosher Certified, and vegan-friendly
In the rest of the article, we have dived deep into what Himalayan salt is made of, how it benefits the human body, and safe ways to incorporate it into your sauna sessions.
Table of Contents
- What Exactly is the Himalayan Salt?
- Benefits of Using Himalayan Salt
- How to Use Himalayan Salt in Traditional & Infrared Saunas
- Safety Precautions & Maintenance
- Conclusion
What Exactly is the Himalayan Salt?
Himalayan salt, also known as pink salt, is a type of rock salt that is mined from the Punjab region of Pakistan, near the Himalayas. This salt gets its unique pink color from trace minerals, such as iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, that are found within the crystal structure.
While Himalayan salt may look visually appealing, it is chemically similar to table salt, with both being composed primarily of sodium chloride. One notable difference between the two is that pink salt contains only trace amounts of iodine, unlike table salt, which is often iodized to help support thyroid health.
It is believed that consuming Himalayan salt offers various health benefits. In the next section, we are going to take a look at those benefits.
It’s worth noting that these benefits can be utilized by incorporating Himalayan salt into your sauna. So we recommend considering whether adding this unique salt to your routine is the right choice for you.
Benefits of Using Himalayan Salt
There are 5 major benefits of using Himalayan salt in the sauna. Those are:
- Detoxification: Himalayan salt helps draw out toxins from the body through the skin when exposed to heat, aiding in the detoxification process.
- Better skin health: Minerals in the Himalayan salt can improve skin hydration, promote a healthy pH balance, and improve your skin quality.
- Improved breathing: Inhalation of the salt-infused air in a Himalayan salt sauna can help open up the airways, alleviate congestion, and improve respiratory conditions.
- Enhanced stress relief: The calming ambiance created by Himalayan salt in the sauna promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being.
- More sweating: The salt stimulates sweat glands causing increased sweating, aiding in the elimination of toxins, and enhancing the body’s natural cleansing process.
You may like: Why You Are Not Sweating in the Sauna
How to Use Himalayan Salt in Traditional & Infrared Saunas
There are 2 types of saunas: traditional and infrared saunas. No matter which sauna you prefer, you can add Himalayan salt to your sauna sessions and reap its benefits. Let’s take a look at the steps you need to take to add salt to traditional and infrared saunas.
Traditional Saunas
In a traditional sauna, you experience high heat and sweat. The temperature in these saunas ranges from 80 to 110 °C (176 to 230 °F), and sessions usually last between 20-30 minutes. Adding Himalayan salt to your traditional sauna can enhance its benefits. Use unrefined salt that is free from additives or contaminants. A few pounds of salt should be sufficient for a small to medium-sized sauna. If you have an existing traditional sauna, you can easily convert it into a Himalayan salt sauna by using loose salt or by installing salt blocks and tiles or salt lamps into the sauna (more on this later).
Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas use infrared wavelengths to heat the body, with temperatures ranging between 43 to 54 °C (110 and 130 °F). Incorporating Himalayan salt in your infrared sauna can provide an additional therapeutic experience. Similar to traditional saunas, choose unrefined Himalayan salt that is free from additives or contaminants. You can incorporate Himalayan salt into your infrared sauna using Himalayan salt blocks, lamps, and loose salt.
Incorporating Himalayan Salt into Your Sauna
As we said earlier, there are 3 ways to incorporate Himalayan salts into the sauna. Let’s do a deeper dive into each of these methods:
i. Salt Blocks & Tiles
Himalayan salt can be incorporated into your sauna by using salt blocks and tiles. Many saunas are designed with Himalayan salt bricks, tiles, and panels as architectural and décor elements. These salt decors can create a relaxing ambiance when backlighted with LED lights. To get the most from this addition, ensure you choose high-quality salt, unrefined and free from additives or contaminants.
ii. Loose Salt
Using loose salt chunks is another way to incorporate Himalayan salt into your sauna. By placing these chunks directly on your sauna’s heater, the heat activates the hygroscopic properties of the salt, which in turn attracts moisture and initiates the ionization process. This combination can help create a more calming and therapeutic sauna experience.
iii. Salt Lamps
Salt lamps are another option when incorporating Himalayan salt into your sauna. Placing a Himalayan salt sconce or lamp in your sauna can enhance the atmosphere and provide some of the benefits offered by salt therapy.
Safety Precautions & Maintenance
Now that you know how to incorporate Himalayan salts into your sauna sessions, let’s take a look at the use the salt safely.
a. Maintain Appropriate Sauna Temperature
When using Himalayan salt in your sauna, it’s crucial to monitor and maintain the right temperature. Aim to keep the sauna temperature between 50 and 70°C (122-158°F). This range ensures the effectiveness of the salts without damaging them or compromising the overall experience. If the sauna gets too hot, the salt can break down, losing its unique properties and benefits.
b. Clean the Salt
Regular cleaning of your Himalayan salt is essential for maintaining its functionality and appearance. To clean the salt, use a soft damp cloth or sponge to gently wipe the surface. This process removes any dirt or residue without harming the salt. Remember to avoid using any harsh chemicals or cleaning products, as these can damage the salt and negatively impact its benefits. After cleaning, let the salt dry naturally before using it in your sauna again.
c. Replace the Salt
Over time, the Himalayan salt may become less effective, and it’s essential to replace it as needed. To determine when it’s time for a change, look for signs like significant color changes or cracks in the salt blocks. It’s also essential to monitor the air quality and overall effectiveness within your sauna; if you notice a decline in benefits, it may be time to replace the salt.
By following these safety precautions and maintenance guidelines, you can ensure that your Himalayan salt remains in excellent condition and continues to provide health benefits for your sauna experience.
Conclusion
Using Himalayan salt you can enhance your sauna experience and provide additional health benefits. This unique substance releases negative ions and penetrates your skin, promoting relaxation and detoxification.
By incorporating Himalayan salt into your sauna, you may also improve your breathing, blood circulation, and overall relaxation. The soft pink light emitted from the salt creates a welcoming and soothing ambiance for your sauna sessions.
Some ways to integrate Himalayan salt into your sauna are by using loose salt, salt lamps, blocks, and titles.
In addition to its sauna-related benefits, remember that Himalayan salt can be used for home baths or as a healthier alternative to ordinary table salt.
(Featured image by theresaharris10 from Pixabay)
