Benefits of Himalayan Salt Lamps
Himalayan salt lamps have grown in popularity over the years, but why do people like them so much? Check out some of the top benefits of Himalayan salt lamps and how they can improve your overall health and productivity.
Did you know Roman soldiers were once paid in salt? That’s where the word “salary” comes from. Other than making our food taste delicious, salt also has dozens of health benefits, such as treating sore throats and muscle cramps, combating sunstroke, and much more.
Another great thing about salt is that it is an extremely flexible compound that can be used in many ways to improve our health, and one of the newest ways today is salt lamps. Specifically, Himalayan salt lamps. If you’ve been wondering about the benefits of Himalayan salt lamps and asking do Himalayan salt lamps really work, read on to find out more.
10 Surprising Benefits of Himalayan Salt Lamps
Himalayan salt comes from the edge of the Himalayan mountains in Khewra, Pakistan. It is one of the purest types of salt on earth and is made up of 98 percent sodium chloride (similar to table salt).
The other 2 percent consists of unique minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium, all of which are beneficial to the human body. Below are ten ways on how to use the Himalayan salt lamp to benefit the body.
Detoxify Air
All salt is hygroscopic, meaning it naturally attracts water molecules. When you have a Himalayan salt lamp sitting in a room, it will slowly absorb the water in the air. And because dust and pollen particles are also attached to the water molecules, the lamp will absorb them as well. Essentially, the salt lamp will act as an air filter.
Humidify Air
Because Himalayan salt lamps are heated, the water that it absorbs will evaporate back into the air. Unlike the water that was absorbed, however, the water that flows back out will be much cleaner. This is good for our breathing skin, and especially for people with allergies.
Lift Mood
Have you ever noticed how your body feels calmer and more relaxed after walking on the beach or hiking through the forest? That’s because large quantities of water in nature contain negative ions. When we breathe in negative ions, our bodies produce serotonin, the “feel good” chemical that fights sadness, depression, and stress.
Boost Energy
All of our electronics emit positive ions, which can drain our energy and make us feel tired. That’s why when you sit in front of your computer or T.V for too long, you tend to get a little sleepy and lethargic.
The Himalayan salt lamp counteracts this by producing negative ions, which boosts our energy.
Ease Allergy and Asthma Symptoms
If pollen, dust, and mold are the bane of your existence, try getting Himalayan salt lamps to help you alleviate the symptoms.
Since they naturally attract water and filter air, the lamp will decrease the number of allergens in the house, making our environment safer and cleaner for us to breath. This can be amazingly beneficial to those with respiratory issues or skin irritations.
Promote Restful Sleep
Sometimes, our minds are so busy during the day that it can be hard to turn them off at night. If you have trouble sleeping or you’re constantly tossing and turning at night, you might want to try placing a Himalayan salt lamp near your bed.
Aside from the breathing and uplifting benefits of the salt, the faint glow from the lamp itself can be quite therapeutic to look at.
Minimize Electromagnetic Radiation
Research shows overexposure to radiation from our electronics and household appliances can harm our bodies.
They can lead to genetic effects and compromise our immune functions. Himalayan salt lamps can help minimize the amount of radiation in our environment, thus decreasing the chances of the body being impacted.
Halotherapy
Halotherapy is the practice of breathing in tiny salt particles to improve lung functions. In 1843, a Polish physician named Feliks Boczkowski noticed salt miners did not experience the respiratory issues that most other types of miners did.
This gave birth to the idea of creating whole rooms out of salt for people to relax in, and many of them can be found today in high-end spas. Having a Himalayan salt lamp in your house creates a similar environment. Although some doctors say the effects may be more placebo than medical, we can’t deny the positive reviews.
Help with Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression caused by the changes in seasons that affect certain people. Fall, winter, and early spring are typically the months that affect individuals with SAD the most.
If you are one of these people, a Himalayan salt lamp might be able to help you feel better since it promotes serotonin production and has a therapeutic effect.
Create A Calming Environment
Whether you place the lamp in the office, the bedroom, or the living room, it will instantly make any atmosphere seem more tranquil. Place the lamp near where you meditate or practice yoga. Place it in your study area or home office and use it to remind yourself to take breaks and relax in between work.
In your bedroom, place it near your bed to help you relax before bed. Wherever you place it, you can use the Himalayan salt lamp as a reminder to relax and to practice mindfulness.
A Decorative Piece with Health Benefits
Now that you know about all the amazing benefits of Himalayan salt lamps, you might be tempted to buy one, but before you do, learn to recognize the signs of an authentic salt lamp versus a fake one. All real Himalayan salt lamps should be produced in Khewra, Pakistan. This is the only place on earth where the salt is formed.
The lamp should be faint pink to white (rare and expensive). Himalayan salt lamps are also extremely fragile; therefore, most sellers will package them very carefully and have a reasonable return policy.
Be aware of unusually bright salt lamps made outside of Pakistan and advertised as durable with no-return policies. If you would like more articles to create a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life, be sure to check out our blog!
