The study, “Salt caves as simulation of natural environment and significance of halotherapy,” conducted by Joanna Zając, Iwona Bojar, Jadwiga Helbin, Emilia Kolarzyk, and Alfred Owoc, investigates the therapeutic benefits of halotherapy in salt caves, which simulate the microclimate of natural salt environments. The researchers aimed to assess public awareness of salt caves and their perceived health benefits. The study surveyed 303 residents from southern Poland using a validated questionnaire, focusing on individuals who had attended salt cave sessions. The results showed that nearly all participants (94%) were aware of salt caves, with 96 individuals reporting purchasing at least three sessions. The majority of women attended for therapeutic purposes, while men used salt caves for both therapeutic and relaxation reasons. The common health issues reported were throat, larynx, and sinus problems, and in women, depression was also a noted reason for attending.
The study concluded that salt caves not only provide health benefits for respiratory conditions but also serve as a means to support overall well-being in a polluted and stressful environment. Participants reported feeling better after attending sessions, indicating that salt therapy plays a significant role in improving health and promoting relaxation. The findings suggest that salt caves are increasingly popular as therapeutic spaces, offering a controlled environment that provides clean air and helps combat daily stress, contributing to a healthier lifestyle. The therapeutic properties of halotherapy, particularly for respiratory diseases, were well recognized by the respondents, further supporting the growing use of salt caves for wellness and medical purposes.
