16 Dec Salt Therapy for Kids
Salt therapy is not just for adults. Children can benefit greatly from salt therapy in many of the same ways adults see benefits. For children with respiratory conditions such as asthma and croup or skin conditions like eczema and skin allergies, dry salt therapy can make a big difference in their comfort, happiness, and overall wellbeing.
Croup:
Croup is a common infection in children. It causes swelling in the upper part of the airway in the neck. It causes a barking cough, with or without fever. And it may cause problems with breathing. Younger children are more affected by croup because their airways are smaller. A small amount of swelling can make it very hard for a baby or young child to breathe. Croup is most often seen in children 3 months to 5 years old.
Salt therapy can help relieve croup symptoms by relieving inflammation in the airways. Opening the airways and cleansing them of any irritation and allergens allows children suffering from croup to breathe better. This in turn helps relieve a persistent and debilitating cough and and therefore helps them sleep better.
Asthma:
Asthma is a condition that causes breathing problems in many children. Kids may cough, wheeze, or be short of breath. This happens because airways in the lungs get swollen, smaller, and filled with mucus. It can be mild or so severe and can really children’s daily activities.
Much the same as croup, salt therapy can help relieve asthma in children by relieving inflammation in the airways so they can breathe easier. Breathing in dry salt lines the walls of the airways which helps clear mucus, allergens and other asthma triggers. The salt in the rooms can also thin mucus and make it less sticky so it’s easier for young body to expel it. With regular salt therapy, many children report less coughing, less congestion – and easier breathing. Some of our young clients even tell us they don’t need to use their Ventolin as often.
Eczema:
Eczema is a common skin condition that usually begins early in childhood. The affected skin is dry, red and itchy. Sometimes these areas of skin can become cracked, weepy and then scab over. The cause of eczema is not known. If a member of your family has eczema, asthma or hay fever, then it is more likely that your child will have eczema. Eczema can be triggered by a number of things, such as: becoming overheated with clothing, blankets, heaters dryness of the skin, irritation from soaps, detergents, fabrics or other chemicals, food allergies or intolerances, allergies to environmental allergens, such as dust mites, plant pollens or animal fur or viruses and other common infections.
Salt is a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, so when the dry salt lands on a child’s skin it can help relieve sore, itchy and cracked skin caused by eczema. The salt also helps to restore skin’s good bacteria, while stimulating cell regeneration and exfoliation. As salt therapy is natural, it’s perfect for toddlers and babies with sensitive skin.
Salt therapy is also a non-invasive, drug-free and natural therapy that is safe for children of all ages. It is gentle on even the smallest premature lungs to help clear congestion and promote a good night’s sleep.
Best of all, salt therapy is fun! Some therapies can be scary and stressful for children. Salt therapy on the other hand can be an exciting adventure for your child, while helping them be comfortable by soothing any respiratory or skin ailments. At Salts of the Earth we have specialty kid’s rooms catered to keep them entertained. To find out more, make sure you book you and your family in for a complimentary consultation with the salt therapist at your local centre. BOOK NOW