Saunas have long been known as a great way to help you relax, and many people have even begun to understand more about all of the health benefits they can offer. As a result, more and more people have started to have them installed in their own homes, to make them easy to use on a regular basis.
However, as with any product that gains popularity, many different companies have started to make their own versions or adaptations of the traditional sauna. While some can be very useful, others are nothing more than a gimmick, which makes choosing a good sauna difficult for the average person.
One option that has been gaining particular traction as of late is the Himalayan salt sauna. Himalayan salt, in general, has started to become a popular ingredient in cooking, due to its purported benefits. The question is, are they actually true, and, even if they are, how does that translate to a sauna?
Well, that is just what we want to show you today. So, if you are considering putting a sauna in your very own home, our guide to all you need to know about the Himalayan salt sauna should provide all of the information that you could possibly need to make the best and most informed choice possible.
What is Himalayan Salt Sauna?
A Himalayan salt sauna is a type of sauna that uses Himalayan salt blocks or panels. This allows it to create a warm, soothing, purified dry air, that offers a variety of holistic health benefits, such as an improved respiratory system and mood, strengthened immune system, better sleep, and pain relief.
A Himalayan salt sauna will activate the salt to attract moisture and trigger the ionization process, releasing negative ions which target bacteria and other contaminants to benefit your physical health.
It will then provide a soft ambiance and welcoming atmosphere with the natural pink colour of the Himalayan salt, which provides a really relaxing experience and benefits your mental health as well.
How Is Himalayan Salt Different From Regular Salt?
A Himalayan salt sauna differs from other saunas as it is one of the purest forms of salt on the planet. Hand mined and hand processed in the Himalayas, it has a vibrant pink colour that indicates its high mineral content, which includes 84 different minerals that are bio-identical to the body.
Among the minerals it contains are common compounds like iron, as well as rare minerals such as strontium and molybdenum. These can communicate with the body efficiently and delicately, and they have benefits for the bones and can enhance the detoxification process.
Himalayan salt also has less sodium chloride than normal salt, which is better for both your blood pressure and fluid balance.
How Does A Himalayan Salt Sauna work?
A Himalayan salt sauna will have blocks or panels either placed in the sauna or built into a wall. As the sauna is heated, the high temperatures will activate the salt and attract moisture from the air, which will trigger a process called hygroscopy.
During this process, the moisture will condense on the salt and trigger the ionization process, which will release negative ions into the air. These negative ions will then target all of the bacteria and any other contaminants in the air, purifying it and creating a fresh and totally clean environment.
When a person breathes in this purified air, it will provide them with a host of different beneficial effects, including an improved respiratory system, immune system, and mood, enhanced sleep quality, and greater pain relief.
The soft and soothing light created by the Himalayan salt will then provide a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere, to help you completely unwind and boost your mental health.
Benefits Of A Himalayan Salt Sauna
The benefits of a Himalayan salt sauna are wide-ranging, as it affects your body in an incredibly varied selection of ways.
It can enhance your respiratory system as both the heat and the purified air will break up mucus and relieve blockages, alleviate inflammation, ease discomfort, and fight infections. Similarly, it will create resistance to bacteria and reduce the levels of toxins in your body, boosting your immune system.
It can also boost your mood by increasing serotonin production in your brain, which will help with mood, appetite, memory, and sleep. Your sleep quality will then be enhanced even further as it also improves your breathing and blood circulation and relaxes your body.
Finally, it will relieve your pain by increasing the oxygen levels in your bloodstream. This will improve your joints and muscles by accelerating the healing process and helping them to recover faster.
Best Himalayan Salt Bricks For A Sauna
While it may seem like you can just use any Himalayan salt in your sauna, the particular product you choose can have a huge impact on its effectiveness. With that in mind, let’s take a quick look at some of the best Himalayan salt bricks for a sauna to ensure that you get the very best experience you can.
Himalayan Source Himalayan Salt Panels
Himalayan Source Himalayan Salt Panels are framed panels that come in a wide range of different salt styles and frame finishes. They are extremely easy to install and customise, made using only the highest quality Himalayan salt, and create a clean, pure, and bacteria-free environment in the sauna.
Black Tai Salt Co. Brand Himalayan Salt Detox Foot Bricks
Black Tai Salt Co. Brand Himalayan Salt Detox Foot Bricks come as a pair and are designed to be used specifically to detoxify your feet while you are in the sauna. They are very easy to use, made of 100% authentic and natural Himalayan salt, and come in a cotton bag, making them very easy to store.
FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions) About Himalayan Salt Saunas
Before we conclude our guide on all you need to know about the Himalayan salt sauna, I want to go over a few of the most frequently asked questions that people have about Himalayan salt saunas in general. This will ensure everyone is fully informed when it comes to deciding if it is right for them.
How Do I Clean & Maintain My Himalayan Salt Bricks Or Panels?
Most Himalayan salt bricks and panels can be cleaned by just wiping them down with a damp cloth or sponge after every use. Make sure to let them completely dry naturally before you store them away or use them again, as not doing so could damage the blocks or even completely ruin them.
Similarly, you need to make sure not to use any soap or chemicals when cleaning them and store them away from direct sunlight or moisture. Not doing so can cause the salt to crack, melt, or get damaged in a number of other ways.
How Long Does A Himalayan Salt Brick Or Panel Last?
A good quality Himalayan salt brick or panel will generally last for years, provided it is properly cared for. That said, exactly how long they last will depend on how often and how intensely you use it.
It is possible that your brick or panel will lose its shape, or its colour will fade over time. This does not affect the quality or functionality of the brick though, and it will retain the usual level of efficacy.
What Are The Risks Or Side Effects Of Using Himalayan Salt In A Sauna?
Provided that you follow the safety guidelines and precautions of using a sauna in general, there are no real big risks or side effects associated with the use of Himalayan salt in a sauna. That said, If you have a medical issue or concern, speak to a doctor before you use one, to ensure it is safe to do so.
Some people may, however, experience mild irritation or dry or red skin or eyes, particularly if they have sensitive skin or any allergies. If you do not make sure to drink plenty of water or if you sweat heavily, you may also develop issues like increased thirst, dehydration, or an electrolyte imbalance.
How Can I Find A Reputable Supplier Of Himalayan Salt Bricks Or Panels?
Making sure that you select a good quality Himalayan salt block or panel is vital if it is going to be effective and last a long time. One of the best ways to ensure you do this is to research and compare different brands and prices online, making sure to pay close attention to reviews by past customers.
Other things to look out for when doing your research include whether or not a product has any certifications, guarantees, or warranties from the supplier. This will help to provide confidence, as these would not be offered if the quality and authenticity of their products were in question.
Finally, it does not hurt to ask for recommendations from friends and family. While you may not know what their experience level is, they may have used Himalayan salt bricks or panels in the past.
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Himalayan Salt Wall In My Sauna?
How much it will cost to install a Himalayan salt wall in a sauna will depend on a number of factors. This includes the complexity, design, materials, and size of both your Himalayan salt wall project and sauna in general, as well as the labour and other fees required to have a professional install it.
It can be anything from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, so you will have plenty of options to suit your budget. You should get quotes from many different suppliers or contractors and compare the offers and services before picking a Himalayan salt wall project to ensure you get a good deal.
Alternatives To A Himalayan Salt Sauna
By this point, you should have decided if a Himalayan salt sauna is for you or not. If you have decided that it is not but that you still want to sauna at home, we will now take a look at the best alternatives to a Himalayan salt sauna to help you enjoy the experience and all of the benefits of saunas at home.
Sauna Blanket
A sauna blanket is a portable device made to offer all the benefits and the experience of traditional saunas in your own home. They are very compact and easy to store or transport and will usually be heated using infrared technology wrapped in soft, insulated material that looks like a sleeping bag.
You will have the option to either lie under the blanket or wrap yourself up in it, depending on the experience you are looking for, and they can be easily used while laying on a bed or sofa. They are also cheap and very convenient, as you can watch TV, play games, or work while using the sauna.
Portable Sauna
A portable sauna looks like a tent that has a whole for your head at the top, so is another compact, convenient, and affordable option. It is designed to offer similar effects and benefits to traditional saunas, but is heated using invisible far infrared rays that range from 300 gigahertz to 400 terahertz.
Its method of heating allows an infrared sauna to combine the normal benefits of a sauna with those you would get from spending time in the sun. As they penetrate deeply into the body, the air around you does not heat up, so it is also a less sweaty and more relaxing activity and it is easier to breathe.
Electric Home Sauna
An electric home sauna is a full-size sauna that will look very similar to a Himalayan salt sauna but will be heated electrically. This is a perfect option for people who have the space for a full-size sauna but who aren’t a fan of using salt or having too much steam.
It provides many of the same benefits we looked at in our other two alternatives, in that it is easier to breathe and allows you to do other things while you sauna. However, it is admittedly the most expensive option, so it is not ideal for people who are shopping on a budget.
Final Thoughts On Himalayan Salt Saunas
Himalayan salt is a pure, natural product that can offer a variety of beneficial effects that will boost both your health and wellness. In a sauna, it can be used to create warm, soothing, purified air, which will enhance your respiratory system, mood, immune system, and sleep quality, and relieve pain.
Himalayan salt bricks and panels are sold at a range of different suppliers and they can be installed in a home sauna easily and affordably. While it’s a very safe experience it is important to use Himalayan salt in moderation and to consult a doctor before you use it in a sauna if you have any health issues.
This guide should have given you all of the information that you need in order to decide if a Himalayan salt sauna is right for you or, if it isn’t, which alternative is. That means all you have left to do is buy your chosen product and start reaping all of the rewards a sauna can offer you.
Steve is a retired professional wrestler with over 10 years of experience in the personal fitness industry. He is a certified personal trainer working with a wide variety of athletes as well as a fitness writer.
Robert James
Robert is a senior researcher and fact-checker at The Fitness Tribe. He holds a Bachelor of Science (BS), Food Science and Technology from the university of Santo Tomas. He's our expert in all things nutrition and fitness.