After Hrs checked out a new 'spa' in the city to experience salt therapy, that aids in respiratory and skin issues
The concept of salt therapy, also known as halotherapy, is foreign to most Mumbaikars. The idea of sitting in a room with a steady influx of salt-filled air passing through may not sound appealing to most. But this treatment, done over one-hour sessions, can be a boon for those suffering from breathing problems and conditions such as asthma sinusitis, bronchitis, congestion, hayfever, rhinitis and so on. Started by Lyla and Jamsheed Mehta, Salt Escape, the first of its kind in the city, hopes to offer an alternate treatment for those with these issues. Jamsheed who himself suffers from rhinitis found some relief when he tried a similar treatment abroad. "I would always get allergies, with the change in seasons. I would feel weak and get body ache. While doing some research I found salt therapy is quite popular across the world — from Austria to Germany, Poland, Australia and UK — and realised it can't just be a fad. A lot of respiratory problems, have no cure as such. Salt is an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory and breathing it and exposing it to your skin offers relief," he says. Aside from improving one's breathing by clearing out the mucous build-up, salt cleanses skin of bacteria. It's also a natural anti-histamine, making skin less sensitive to problems like acne, psoriasis and eczema.
The experience
In order to know more about this therapy, we had to try it out. Salt Escape currently has separate rooms for adults and children, and even a private room for those who wish to be on their own. The children's room was inviting with a bunch of toys, books, and games for them to play with as well as a TV screen. In fact, the therapy works faster on kids.
We were first made to cover our heads and feet for sterility reasons. Then we were escorted into a room with salt covered walls and floors. The allergen-free environment has comfortable chairs with foot rests, and blankets for those who may feel cold. The temperature has to be maintained at a particular setting so as to keep the perfect humidity level and offer maximum benefits. Once our session started, we were told to relax, sleep or read for the duration as ocean wave sounds floated in from the speakers. One is immediately transported to the sea side. With the salt resembling sand on the beach, one can enjoy the experience of feeling the grains against one's feet. There is also WiFi available for those who can't switch off their phones for an hour. While we didn't have any breathing problems and so didn't immediately notice a vast difference, the experience was quite relaxing.
Salt Escape, Hanuman Building,
300, Perin Nariman Street, Fort
Call -22690034/35
Cost: Rs 1600 for a session
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