Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Halotherapy?

Derived from the Greek word "halos," signifying "salt," this centuries-old natural therapy, reminiscent of the sacred salt caves, embraces a holistic approach. Our meticulously crafted process involves the heating and pulverization of dry aerosol salt into micro-sized particles, diffused throughout the chamber for inhalation. This therapeutic method holds profound advantages, offering solace to respiratory and skin conditions, while fortifying the body's immune defenses. Experience the power of halotherapy and reconnect with nature's healing essence.

Why Halotherapy?

From pollens and toxins, to pollution, smog and airborne diseases, our society has never been faced with such a growing epidemic of respiratory ailments. Halotherapy is beneficial in helping the side effects that come with such conditions. It has been researched for centuries and has been proven as a safe alternative and compliments other treatments.

How does it work?

Most people are familiar with 'wet' salt therapy, Whether you have gargled with salt water, put salt in a bath, had a saline solution treatment or used a Nettie pot, wet salt has its benefits; but dry salt is different. At Ha-Ya, we use what is called a Halogenerator in our salt rooms. Halogenerators heat the salt prior to dispersing it into the rooms. Heat ensures that all moisture is evaporated so when it is inhaled, the salt particles can do their best work.

The particles penetrate deep into the lungs, bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli, which breaks down the toxins and clears the respiratory system. While inside the salt room, the salt particles that are not inhaled fall onto the skin, which is greatly beneficial for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and acne.

What kind of salt is used?

We use 100% Himalayan Salt on our walls and floors and 100% Pharmaceutical Grade Salt (sodium chloride) in our Halogenerators.

What does it treat?

Halotherapy has been linked to providing possible benefit for: ACNE, ALLERGIES, ANXIETY, ASTHMA, BRONCHITIS, CHRONIC ENT, COLD/FLU, COPD, CYSTIC FIBROSIS, DEPRESSION, DERMATITIS, EAR INFECTIONS, ECZEMA, EMPHYSEMA, FATIGUE, HAY FEVER, INFLUENZA, INSOMNIA, MENTAL HEALTH, MIGRAINES, OSTEOPOROSIS, PNEUMONIA, PSORIASIS, RHINITIS, ROSECEA, SINUS INFECTIONS, SINUSITIS, SMOKER'S COUGH, SNORING, STRESS/FATIGUE, WHEEZING, ETC.

Halotherapy has many benefits for maintaining wellness. Halotherapy has been known to relieve symptoms of many conditions and also works in conjunction with your medication and treatment plan. In addition, even if you aren’t suffering from any specific conditions, our salt rooms provide a comfortable, quiet, serene space for relaxation and escape from everyday life. It may also help strengthen the immune system, help you recover faster from jet lag, work-outs and stress, slow down the signs of aging and help improve sleep patterns.

Medicinal grade Himalayan salt is an anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, which naturally absorbs moisture & bacteria. Our salt room walls and floors are covered with salt, which creates an almost sterile environment. In addition, our ventilation system works throughout the entire session filtering used air out and clean, fresh air in.

Halotherapy is beneficial to adults, children (6 months and older), as well as athletes. Most clients who use Halotherapy on a regular basis feel relief from an array of stress, respiratory conditions and skin conditions. However, one does not need to have a “specific condition” to use Halotherapy. It is beneficial to your entire general overall well-being. It is an excellent way to destress, cleanse and detox the lungs as well as rejuvenate the whole body with increased energy, lung capacity and oxygen intake.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to fill out our client intake form (or complete on-line). We have cubbies where we can store your items.

Sessions start every scheduled 30 minutes within the hour and last 25 minutes. Once a session has begun, we do not interrupt sessions.

You can wear whatever you would like. The salt will not harm your clothes in anyway. We recommend comfortable clothing, such as athletic wear or other loose fitting clothing. If you are visiting for skin condition, wear something that exposes more of the targeted area. Clean socks to cover your feet. A book/magazine may also be brought in during your treatment.

Generally we host group sessions. The room seats anywhere from 1-8 people in each session. We do offer private sessions. Please contact us for more details.

The temperature is between 70-72 degrees. We can offer you a blanket for added comfort.

The amount of sessions needed varies depending on each individual client and the reason for their visit. Some clients notice a difference after just a few sessions. For general overall well being, respiratory and skin hygiene, it is recommended to visit 1-2 times a week. For chronic respiratory and skin conditions, it is recommended to visit frequently and consistently 3-7 times a week for a period of 14-21 days. You can break in between, or continually come each week. We have packages and memberships to accommodate both.

Yes, it is safe for children. In fact, children often respond to treatment faster than adults. Children 6 months to 15 years old are permitted with the supervision of a parent.

Not usually. Most clients feel very relaxed after their session. You may feel a slight tickle in your throat during the treatment as well as experience some coughing. This is just the process of the salt breaking down the mucus and ridding the body of it. You may also notice your sinuses draining during and after sessions.

No, it is fine to continue your medications as needed and as directed by your doctor. You may even see less need for them; but always speak to your doctor before changing any of your medical routines. Since salt therapy is all-natural, it does not have any known interactive effects with medications. Often, individuals who undergo salt therapy will find that they are less dependent on certain medication and their symptoms are less frequent and severe.

WHAT ABOUT THE CONCERN THAT SALT IS BAD FOR YOU?

Consuming too much salt is linked to high blood pressure. With Halotherapy, you are inhaling a dry salt aerosol, which only enters your respiratory system, not your digestive tract. The salt particles are so fine that even if you were to eat that amount, there is no known pose of risk to your health.

Salt is an anti-inflammatory, meaning it absorbs moisture. Sea air is not as potent because it is already moist, which takes away its strong ability to heal. When you breathe in dry salt aerosol in our treatment rooms, the particles line your airways and draw out the fluid from the inflamed airway. This fluid, now mixed with the salt goes to work on cleaning the walls of the airways. One session in a salt room is equivalent to five (5) days at sea/beach.

When should halotherapy by avoided? Are there any contraindications?

Halotherapy is a safe and effective wellness practice for preventive and restorative health care, but it is NOT a medical treatment. Anyone with health concerns need to speak to their healthcare professional before participating in halotherapy.

Halotherapy should NOT be undertaken if you are currently experiencing any of the following: ACTIVE TUBERCULOSIS, ACUTE STAGE OF RESPIRATORY DISEASES, BLEEDING, CARDIAC INSUFFICIENCY, CHEMOTHERAPY, CONTAGIOUS CONDITIONS, COPD IN 3RD STAGE, CURRENT HEAVY SMOKER, FEVER, INTERNAL DISEASES IN ACUTE STAGE, INTOXICATION, REQUIRES OXYGEN, SEVERE KIDNEY DISEASE, SEVERE/UNSTABLE HEART DISORDER, SPITTING OF BLOOD AND/OR UNCONTROLLED HYPERTENSION.

Are mobile devices allowed?

We do not recommend electronics during your session, as we request other guest not be disturbed. The Halo session may effect some electronics and caution about bringing items into the room, for risk of damage. If an electronic device is brought into the room we request you use headphones for your listening pleasure. We request no phone calls and for the phone to be placed on silent (including keystroke sounds).

We do play relaxing in-house music.

Can I do a walk-in appointment?

Although we are mostly appointment only, we do accept walk-in appointments.

HOW LONG DOES MY SERIES OR MEMBERSHIP LAST?

Series/Packages may expire a year (365 days) after purchase. View our packages, series and subscription opportunity under the appointment link for details.

What will my experience be like?

When you arrive at Ha-Ya you will be directed to check in and fill out our client intake form. The intake form can also be completed on-line, prior to your visit. We will then direct you to your booked service. Clients are advised to remove shoes and wear only clean socks into the salt room (we have socks for purchase if you forget yours). Once in the salt room, clients just sit, relax and breathe. You are welcome to listen to music, a meditation app, and/or podcasts with headphones, read a book/magazine, or just rest during the 45 minute treatment. Our staff can answer any questions you may have.

What happens during a session?

Halotherapy sessions are 25 minutes long. Our salt rooms are very tranquil and relaxing. We have 5 comfortable lounge chairs & two bench style seating. You are welcome to listen to music, a podcast, mediation app, with headphones, sleep, read or just relax and unwind; be advised the lights are dim for relaxation purposes. We do ask for silence during sessions to allow for a complete tranquil experience for all of our clients. You may feel a slight tickle your throat, eyes and nose as it clears the mucus. Some may also get a slight taste of salt on their lips.