Altern Ther Health Med. 2021 Oct;27(S1):223-239.
Salt therapy has been used for millennia, but modern salt therapy can be traced to the salt mines and caves in Europe and Russia from the early 19th century. Today, breathing in the microclimate of caves with their stable air temperature and moderate to high humidity in the presence of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium and the absence of airborne pollutants and pollen is called speleotherapy. The inhalation of natural pure sodium chloride (NaCl) in a controlled environment (air temperature 18° to 24°C and relative humidity 40% to 60%) is called halotherapy. The main active ingredient in halo- and speleotherapy is NaCl aerosol particles, which penetrate all layers of the respiratory tract. In addition to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, salt particles also facilitate mucociliary transport and reduce immunogloblin E (IgE) levels. Clinical trials have confirmed that salt therapy is an effective option for relieving symptoms and improving functional parameters in sinusitis, bronchiectasis, chronic bronchitis, mild and moderate asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Rinsing with hypertonic saline has been found to be beneficial in reducing airway inflammation in patients with bronchiolitis. In addition to avoidance, salt therapy should be recommended as a complementary therapy in patients with prolonged exposure to indoor air dampness microbiota, which may cause damage to the respiratory mucosa. Salt therapy is safe and well tolerated.
盐疗已有数千年的历史，但现代盐疗可以追溯到 19 世纪初欧洲和俄罗斯的盐矿和盐洞。如今，在稳定的空气温度和适度至高湿度的微气候中呼吸洞穴中的空气，同时存在钠、钾、镁和钙，并且没有空气传播的污染物和花粉，这种疗法被称为盐洞疗法。在受控环境中吸入天然纯净的氯化钠（NaCl）（空气温度为 18°C 至 24°C，相对湿度为 40% 至 60%）被称为盐疗。盐洞疗法和盐疗的主要有效成分是 NaCl 气溶胶颗粒，它可以穿透呼吸道的所有层。除了具有抗菌和抗炎特性外，盐颗粒还可以促进黏液纤毛运输并降低免疫球蛋白 E（IgE）水平。临床试验证实，盐疗是缓解鼻窦炎、支气管扩张症、慢性支气管炎、轻度和中度哮喘以及慢性阻塞性肺疾病（COPD）症状和改善功能参数的有效选择。盐水冲洗已被发现可有益于减轻细支气管炎患者的气道炎症。除了避免之外，还应推荐盐疗作为长时间暴露于室内空气湿度微生物群的患者的补充治疗方法，因为这可能会对呼吸道黏膜造成损害。盐疗是安全且耐受良好的。
