Myth-Information About Negative Ions and Salt Therapy

Within the past ten years, the ideology of salt therapy is a growing phenomenon. Although salt therapy/halotherapy has been around for decades in Europe, this industry is now taking notice in North America. The Salt Therapy Association (STA) was developed in 2014 as a trade association, to provide proper Education, Research, and Innovation for this industry.   As a member of the STA, it is important to adhere to the protocols and standards for salt therapy/halotherapy.  Many salt rooms/caves utilize Himalayan salt in their design.  It is important to note that the Himalayan salt is merely a décor and an architectural feature. However, there are benefits of Himalayan salt used in food, sole’, and in other spa applications. There is myth-information being presented from various providers about the benefits of salt therapy as it produces negative ions, purifies the air, and eliminates allergens from the environment, thus resulting in a federal class action lawsuit. 

There are 84 different minerals and elements in Himalayan salt, thus making it very stable. There are not any scientific clinical studies which indicate that Himalayan salt produces negative ions. The Columbia University Medical Center conducted various research studies concluding that it would take hundreds of years for a Himalayan salt lamp to generate negative ions that an ion machine could produce in an hour. Additionally, according to John Malin, a retired chemist from the American Chemical Society, indicated that salt would have to be heated to 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit to dissociate the two ions, which could be a potential fire hazard. Although there are not any negative ions generated from the salt, the light behind the salt creates a healthy glow of orange, pink, yellow, and apricot. The soft colors produce a soothing ambiance and relaxing environment, which is good for one’s mental and emotional health. Chromotherapy, or light therapy, can assist one in having more balance in his/her energy level, mood, and mental state.  The benefits of salt therapy/halotherapy is derived from the 99.99% Pure Grade Sodium Chloride (salt). The salt is broken down, from a halogenerator, into micronized particles and dispersed into the salt room.  This salt has three fundamental principles of being super absorbent, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial.  Therefore, breathing in and having your skin absorb the salt will aid in ones respiratory and skin condition.   So, although there are not negative ions produced by Himalayan salt or from a halogenerator, one could experience the receipt of negative ions by standing by a waterfall, the ocean, or being outside after a thunderstorm.   Citations