Get ready salted at new therapy rooms in Beijing

　　While too much salt can be bad for the health, a little is very good. Salt contains minerals that can strengthen the body and counteract disease, not to mention be very therapeutic. In Ancient Greece Hippocrates recommended inhaling salt to cure respiratory problems, while in the present day, tourists and locals alike flock to the Dead Sea in Israel to immerse in the healing qualities of both the water and the mud.

It is no surprise given this that people have built salt rooms in their own homes and at spas in other areas of the world. And now they have come to Beijing. Thanks to Salt Breeze, which is located in Shijincunlu, Chaoyang district, Beijingers can enjoy the benefits of salt room therapy at their doorstep.

According to Nadezda Markovic, the owner of Salt Breeze, records from Roman and Medieval times reveal that laborers in salt mines were in good health. Similarly, Dr Feliks Boczkowski, a Polish physician, discovered in 1843 that salt miners seldom suffered from lung diseases.

So with a ceiling, walls and floor all coated in salt, a salt room seeks to simulate the micro climate of a salt mine and bring about these health advantages.

Each salt room at Salt Breeze is made from four tons of salt. Specially designed by Serbian salt room experts, Salt Breeze provides dry, clean air, alongside subdued lighting, soft music and comfortable chairs, which significantly relax the patient's body and mind and will make them feel energized afterwards.

In these rooms, a dry sodium chloride aerosol (DSCA, or dry salt aerosol) is sprayed into the air by special halogenerators (halo means salt in Greek). "This dry aerosol has an antibacterial function and will improve the body's condition," explained Markovic.

People should experience relief from many respiratory symptoms including congestion. It provides relief by clearing nasal passages and helps in the drainage of sinuses. It is particularly useful for Beijingers, who often suffer from cold and flu-like symptoms caused by allergens, exposure to dust, frequent climate changes and pollution.

Apart from fighting cold and flu, Salt Breeze helps people to build up a stronger immune system and relax their nerves. People will develop more resistance to other illnesses and enjoy better health. It even helps to reduce snoring by clearing the airway passages and makes people sleep better in general.

Although a salt room has many benefits, there are a few side effects. Some people with sensitive skin may experience slight skin irritation while using a salt room. Others may also feel itchy in their throat.

Markovic pointed out there are certain groups of people who should avoid using them. "Patients suffering from any acute inflammation or fever, as well as more serious diseases, should be careful. As salt influences people's blood pressure, those who suffer from blood pressure instability, heart disorders or are pregnant should also avoid it," warned Markovic.

A 40-minute-treatment, according to Markovic, has the same effect as two days by the seaside due to the high concentration of salt and will cost 130 yuan ($20). A session of 10 costs 1,000 yuan. Not bad for us Beijingers who live far away from a beach.