Bringing Coastal Benefits to the Prairies: The Healing Power of Salt

The waves roll lazily into the harbour as I stroll on the beautiful grey and purple shores of Bay Roberts. Newfoundland is a breathtakingly beautiful province that reminds me so much of the rugged shores of Sweden and Norway. The salt sea air blowing my worries away as I spend time with family and friends during our stay here. I breathe deeply and feel my lungs expand and clear as I walk, reminding me of the benefits of salt air.

Indeed, for centuries, people were regularly sent to convalesce by the sea as a way of treating consumption and lung diseases as the salty air was believed to have curative properties. Seaside vacations are more recently appreciated because of the relaxing benefits of the ocean, the sun and nature. We are all aware of the relaxing benefits a seaside vacation can be. Yet are there true benefits to salt air? Let’s take a look at the science behind how salt air could benefit both our minds and our bodies.

Your Mental Health Improves – Studies show salt air reduces depression and anxiety.

Your Lung Health Improves – Salt air is mucoactive, meaning it clears mucus from your airways. It also is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, boosts your immune system and is anti-allergic.

Your Lung Disease Reduces - Research has found that because of these properties, salt air can be used as part of the treatment of

·       Lung infection

·       Throat infection or pharyngitis

·       Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

·       Smoking-related breathing problems

·       Respiratory allergies

·       Asthma

·       Chronic Bronchitis

·       Cold or chronic cough

·       Pneumonia

·       Sinusitis

·       Rhinitis

·       Tonsillitis

·       Cystic fibrosis

·       COVID-19

·       Allergies

Your Skin Improves - Tiny salt particles can also help repair your skin cells and protect your skin from aging and infection. This therapy is used to treat:

·       Acne and rosacea

·       Skin allergies

·       Rash

·       Eczema

·       Psoriasis

·       Dermatitis

·       Fungal infection such as onychomycosis

·       Wrinkles and signs of aging skin

Your Sleep Improves - Many of us sleep better after a visit to the sea and there is clear science to back this up. Sea air is good for sleep because negative ions in salt air accelerate your ability to absorb oxygen and helps balance your serotonin levels, one of the body’s happiness hormones. A clean respiratory system improves sleep patterns and treats sleep disorders like snoring and sleep apnea.

Your Performance Improves – Athletes may find improved performance through clearer airways and enhanced lung function.

Yet not all of us can take the plunge and make the change to a coastal life. The great news for us in Alberta is we don’t have far to go to experience the numerous benefits of salt air! Take a trip to our Nordic Wellness Spa in Leduc and immerse yourself in the healing properties of our beautiful Himalayan Salt Haven today.

Better yet, experience our full Nordic Circuit with our rest phase in the Salt Haven and the additional benefits of hot/cold therapy.

Connie Thompson

Owner of Søle Nordic Wellness Spa Inc.