HOUGHTON LAKE -When Don Sylvester, owner of You Need a Massage, set out to find alternative treatments for addressing seasonal allergies, he came across a promising therapy that dates back to the 12th century, salt therapy.
Over the years, salt therapy would get a more modern name -halotherapy; however, the therapeutic process and benefits remain the same. Halotherapy involves breathing in air with tiny salt particles to improve respiratory function. First research of this therapy came in the early 1800s in Poland, where it was discovered that salt miners had unusually healthy lungs and less illnesses than others in their field. Soon word of mouth drew tourists from all over the world to salt mines seeking relief.
Today, halotherapy is not only used to treat respiratory conditions, but also found to reduce inflammation, relieve skin conditions and improve sleep. As Don explained “through my personal experimentation, I found that I was sleeping better.”
Repeat customer, Heidi Sura, said she felt immediate relief from allergies and overall congestion after her first visit. A more recent use of halotherapy is for breathing problems caused by COVID-19, by opening up airways and increasing the amount of oxygen in your blood.
If you are interested in this growing holistic therapy, you don’t need to travel to a salt cave, as we have our very own salt booth here in Houghton Lake. You Need a Massage offers Halotherapy at their original location in Houghton Lake. For a complete list of services and to book your appointment, please visit mrbackrub.abmp.com.
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